[han2503]

This is the big one. When the draw was made I thought we didn't stand a chance, but having really done a deep dive into Arsenal this past week, I really think we can get through this round.

Arsenal are in deep crises atm. And with the way we're playing we'll be more up for it imo. The derby being cancelled gave us some much needed rest, although the cause of that is one of great sadness. So we should be fresh and able to really assert our authority on the match.

They struggle big time when teams go at them and challenge them physically. They won't have any of their big strikers available either. So we need to make this count and really capitalize on what must surely be their worst moment under Arsene Wenger

Anyway, onwards to Arsenal. Really nervous about this one, because they will be really looking to make a statement and they have the quality. Plus, they only have the Europa League to play for if they wish to make it to UCL next season.

Did you watch them against Brighton Jack? Honestly, I haven't seen a team looking that defeated in quite a while. Not even us in our worst periods. They looked like they barely wanted to be there yesterday. It was shocking for me to watch. They looked exactly the same against City, but I thought that it was just City making them look really bad, but that's not the case. They seem like they've completely given up and they seem to have turned their backs on Wenger as well.

We'll be fitter, stronger, quicker and hungrier. This is the perfect moment to play them. And missing out on this great opportunity by not bringing our best to the table would be a real shame.

[han2503]

We need pace on the left wing and a forward. The midfield can last us one more season before we need an upgrade.

I think a LB and someone to replace Bona are also sorely needed. We need to inject speed into our attacks and that starts from midfield, everything is just too slow and static. In the league we can get away with it (generally speaking) but we saw against Arsenal how much that hindered us.

I disagree Jack. We are so sorely missing a midfielder who can pick a pass. We haven't had one since Pirlo/ Seedorf. Cal and Bona aren't really dynamic creators IMO. They are rare but we need someone who can break a game open with their creativity

Agreed. It doesn't necessarily have to be someone like Pirlo or Seedorf, I think those types of players are pretty much extinct nowadays. My dream for that position would be Milinkovic-Savic. He's strong, quick, good goal scorer with both his head and feet, good vision and passing range and can put in a shift defensively. Sadly, he'll be out of our reach this summer with most big clubs with cash to spend coming a-knocking. But I feel like that's the mold of player we should be looking at. Someone dynamic, who can drive the midfield forward.

A LW and a striker are also essential. Having one slow winger and one quick one maybe you can get away with, but having two of them is just too much of a handicap. Not going for Deulofeu in the winter is looking more and more like a big mistake. If we only had that kind of outlet of pace in attack we'd be so much deadlier.

Also Rodriguez is a good player but I feel like he's holding that left side back because he doesn't really make the right runs. Also, I don't blame him at all on that false penalty, you always have to track your man, had he left him alone and Welbeck somehow got hold of possession in that position we'd all be accusing him of making a mistake. The dive was disgraceful and blatant, giving the penalty was even worse.

[X-Offender]

Agreed. It doesn't necessarily have to be someone like Pirlo or Seedorf, I think those types of players are pretty much extinct nowadays. My dream for that position would be Milinkovic-Savic. He's strong, quick, good goal scorer with both his head and feet, good vision and passing range and can put in a shift defensively. Sadly, he'll be out of our reach this summer with most big clubs with cash to spend coming a-knocking. But I feel like that's the mold of player we should be looking at. Someone dynamic, who can drive the midfield forward.

Milinkovic-Savic is overrated.

Kalinic not called for tomorrow's game because of technical reasons. Rumor has it because of poor commitment in this week's training.

What a waste of money this guy was. And it was obvious it was going to be like this. Reminds of the Matri signing.

[han2503]

Milinkovic-Savic is overrated.

Kalinic not called for tomorrow's game because of technical reasons. Rumor has it because of poor commitment in this week's training.

What a waste of money this guy was. And it was obvious it was going to be like this. Reminds of the Matri signing.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

I shall ignore that statement!!! Love the guy and would give an arm to have him on this team

Seriously though, I think that for the midfield and attack we should look at teams like Chelsea, Barca, Man U and Real. All these teams are stacked with great players, some of which are generally on the bench for them. Martial, Willian, Fabregas, Modric, Gomes, Alcacer, etc

These are all top notch players who aren't regular starters for their clubs, sure most of them would rather stay and be rotation players on those team but if our offer is good enough and we entice them with a serious project for the club then we can get them.

I'm really not liking all the links to free agents atm, it's giving me Galliani desperation vibes and that's not good, and it does not bode well for the future under this owner

Yep. Rino is showing his mettle though. Leaving him out because of his showings in training is sending a serious message.