George Van-Lare

@04gully Only God knows Arteta’s agenda regarding MLS and team selection. It’s as baffling as befuddling one’s sense team loyalty. I find it also shocking his fans kept attacking MLS with all sorts of invented “weakness” to justify benching him.

Why is he acting like it was out of protection to start him in midfield for the first time in gameweek 34 in a high stakes title deciding fixture? What circumstances allowed it to be different than let’s say 10 weeks ago?

@iam_flourish_uk @FootballEra_ Zubi/Ode makes flow and transition difficult and expose back four. MLS/Rice/Eze break-up play,solidity, quick release, progressive passing unsettles opponents. Only Arteta fans think otherwise. I hope his toxic fans leave with him if he doesn’t resolve his team selection issues.

@FootballEra_ There's no rotation shii lol 😆 he's still learning and will never play ahead of zubi in tough games

MLS’s emergence in midfield signals the end of any real need for Odegaard, and it also automatically relegates Zubimendi to a rotation role. The perfect midfield balance has always been: • A #6 (DM) who can shield the back line defensively, win the ball, recycle possession, and act as the spine of the team — Rice • A #8 (CM) who can receive under pressure, turn 360°, progress the ball through passing or carrying (MLS does both), is press-resistant, and can connect midfield to attack while also contributing out of possession — MLS • A #10 who can operate between the lines, inside and outside the block, is vertical with his passing choices, can escape pressure with dribbling, carry in transition, and strike the ball with venom — Eze Arsenal have found their perfect midfield balance — Rice x MLS x Eze.

@iam_flourish_uk @FootballEra_ Fulham game was a tough game. A must win. Same for Real Madrid last year, Athletico tomorrow and last 3 games of EPL season. Same combo Rice/MLS/Eze A lot of teams especially City know how to demobilze Zubi. He doesn’t have the grit for those games. Technically solid. Bold? Nope

@Macho_Grande1 You have to take risks to earn perfection, to build confidence and that’s not reckless . It took Partey some risks and sometimes it may end up in turnovers. Odegard doesn’t take risks, he backheels to opponents. That’s worse turnover and yet you guys don’t complain.

These clips actually highlight a fundamental flaw MLS needs to address if he wants to play MF. He takes big risks in dangerous central areas. Those fouls he wins, against better teams they become high value turnovers.

@Alarsenalnews_ There they go again. Lewis Skelly was still playing when Zubimendi came on. He replaced Rice not MLS. MLS is a Partey. Zubi may act as support but he lacks the grit, boldness and aggression of English football as are Rice and Lewis, that we need against Athletico not MrNice Zubi

Was I the only one who noticed Martin Zubimendi's performance when he came on against Fulham. I saw a totally different Zubimendi especially in the air. Martin Zubimendi was going strong in the air winning the aerial duels and also the ground duels. I must confess I didn't see him playing back passes when he came on and also saw him carry the ball forward. The truth is we have a good number 6 and I believe in the game Vs Atletico Madrid on Tuesday he will want to remind us that he is still the best in that position. When he came on I didn't see anything I would say he did bad meaning benching him might have actually worked for him as he needed the chance to watch the game from the stands too. He has played many games and his dip in form is understandable but right now I believe we will see the Martin we saw in the first phase of the season. Myles Lewis-skelly Played very well but I don't expect Mikel Arteta to start him Vs Atletico Madrid and what I saw when Martin Zubimendi came in trust me Atletico Madrid is too late because he will have to show Mikel Arteta that he remains the first choice ahead of Lewis Skelly in the midfield.

@Dezildezzzz They are Arteta Fans. They love Arteta not Arsenal’s.

Arguing with people who think Lewis-Skelly wasn't ready to play in midfield until exactly 2/5/26, is like arguing with the ones who said Saliba wasn't ready when he was going on loan whilst we were playing Sokratis, Mustafi, Luiz, Holding, Mari. You just have to laugh at them.

Hincapie is not a Left back or Wing cap. He’s also not a convertible CB. His muscles and vision are not adaptable to that role. He shouldn’t be a wing back for Arsenal except as a worst case scenario makeshift or part of a 3man CB like a Libero. There’s nothing Arteta doesn’t complicate

This is what Piero Hincapie doesn't do

@ArsenalRadar I will pray and fast that this doesn’t happen. We don’t need Odegard and Havard disruptions for this run-in. Arteta

🎙 Mikel Arteta on Martin Odegaard’s fitness… 🗣 "I think he’s going to be ready for Tuesday. He’s going to do everything he can, we need him, so let’s bring him to that pitch." #afc

For MLS in the midfield? The future is now. Koby Mainoo is doing same at United under Carrick. This same “future” is what happened to Mainoo and he was willing to leave United. They almost destroyed his career. We don’t have a better DM than that young man. Arteta keeping him out all season is extremely baffling.

@PeakSxnti Fairs..19 years he's the future of Arsenal no need to rush ..even Bukayo didn't get to where he is today by complaining about minutes... Bukayo happily played LB LW LCM RCM RB before finally establishing himself in life you need to earn it ... patience hardwork and determination

Never complained, never moaned, no tantrums.. Waited for his chance in midfield and what a performance. Be proud of yourself Myles Lewis Skelly ❤️

@Emjenny605 We miss Timber so badly. Masquera is a better option than Ben White, more solid defensively and will do much better going forward with more games under his belt. He’s a convertible CB

Ben White played better yesterday but everybody is quiet as if he didn't play the game.

@GoalZone_XI @FabrizioRomano Martin doesn’t press shit. You guys watch a different. He presses sideways, delays transition and helps opposing team settle.

@FabrizioRomano ‼️Odegaard missing is huge for our transition, but seeing Myles Lewis-Skelly get the nod is exciting. Hopefully, Eze can step up and provide that creative spark we’re going to miss without Martin’s press and vision.

🚨 Captain Martin Ødegaard, not even on the bench for Arsenal against Fulham today.

@Alarsenalnews_ Same thoughts all day yesterday. That’s Partey in the making. If he’s played consistently it should arrive in a year.

Myles Lewis-skelly exposing Martin Zubimendi as he is having a good game Vs Fulham. Skelly has brought something we have been missing in our midfield whenever Zubimendi plays. He holds on to the ball and he can't be dispossessed easily. He carries it forward and is also very aggressive. If you have noticed Bukayo Saka is receiving the ball with one man to beat all because of the speed the ball is moving on. Declan Rice has finally got the freedom to join the attack as it's Lewis Skelly collecting more the ball from our defenders and also dropping in-between our central defenders something Declan Rice has been doing thus having many players in our own half but today it's a bit different. We can turn Lewis SKelly to our Thomas Partey if his development is handled very well. I must say I am impressed with his performance in this game. Your thoughts 🤔

Arteta’s selection had been frustrating, weird and parochial and if we kept quiet as people like you, MLS will never have played against Fulham. Arteta would have played his selection again, we would have drawn or lost to Fulham and that top of the league you’re celebrating would have evaporated. “Evil persist because good men stay quiet”. The team is first today despite Arteta. No disrespect.

It's quite funny how; 1. Chelsea are currently mid-table in the PL, but their fans are somewhat feeling upbeat about their season after reaching the FA Cup final, even though Man City are clear favourites to win the title 2. Man United fans seem more than happy to finish third in the League and are more than ready to celebrate Bruno Fernandes breaking the assist record like a trophy But Arsenal fans are feeling downbeat even though their team is currently top of the League and have put themselves in a good position to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006 and only the second time in the club's history? I feel sorry for most of y'all! You let the media, pundits and rival fans, whom if need be would literally fast and pray for their teams to be in your position, to gaslight you and then you transfer a negative energy to your team and players instead of backing and pushing them to do what has NEVER been done in the club's history. At this stage of the season, who cares how we play? I don't! There's never been a time in the history of football when playing a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid in a UCL semi-final first leg was a bad result, neither does being in contention for the PL title with four games left to play. If at the start of the season, I was told that by May, we would be fighting for the UCL and PL, of course I'd have gladly accepted it! Doesn't it surprise you that Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are being praised for their efforts so far in the Conference and Europa Leagues, but Arsenal are getting mocked for playing a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid? Same team that knocked Barcelona out of the competition? A team that has NEVER lost a UCL knockout stage game to any English team? You go to the comment section of every post made on the official Arsenal pages on social media and all you see is negativity and pessimism 🤦🏾‍♂️ Y'all better get your acts together and spur this team on, we're so close to making history. Let's do it together! 💪🏾

Look i genuinely struggle to respect a manager who decided that an 18 year old who ran the show at Bernabeau should be benched for an entire season just to get likes of Merino, Øde, Zubimendi in the team It's tells me the coach doesn't respect talent, has his agendas.

Many Americans today have mixed opinions about Barack Obama. Some admire him, others criticize him. But for those of us who come from outside, the reality is often different. Believe it or not, no American president has ever left such a strong impression around the world as Barack Obama. He embodied hope, respect, intelligence, and dialogue. He represented a powerful image of America: open, inspiring, and close to the people. For many of us, Obama was not just a president; he was a symbol. A symbol that everything is possible, that social background, skin color, or personal history should never be limits. He restored confidence to millions of young people around the world. He spoke to the world with dignity, calm, and responsibility. He knew how to unite instead of divide. No matter the internal political debates, internationally, Barack Obama will forever remain one of the most respected, loved, and admired American presidents. His legacy goes beyond borders. And his name will remain engraved in history.

Odegard is “busy body”. He interferes everywhere and confuses his teammates and himself. He wants to take freekicks but never scored one. Good thing Rice is checking that now. Arsenal needs a Partey someone close to Partey’s abilities. No one can come close to that dude. A complete midfielder.

🚨Paul Scholes on Martin Odegaard: 🗣️"I think the number ten position...I love Odegaard, I think he's brilliant. Technically he's great, but he doesn't play his position properly. "Half the time I saw him in the first 20 minutes, he was almost the deepest man...that football, it's just bull***t." I don't like Paul Scholes because of the hatred he has for Arsenal but with this I agree with him. I said the same thing and fans told me I should apply for the job but we have to be honest with ourselves for once. Viktor is struggling because he doesn't have a number 10. Yesterday Declan Rice, Martin Odergaard and Martin Zubimendi all dropped to get the ball from the defenders. 3 midfielders in our own half and that time Viktor Gyokeres is upfront waiting for that same ball. We don't create chances because of the way our midfielders operate and Mikel Arteta has to do something. You cannot have all the 3 midfielders dropping for the ball in our own half the reason we are too slow with our transition.

Odegard in your dreams. He hasn’t dictated any pace in 2 years. He was never good enough for an elite team in Spain or England. That why Real Madrid let him go. They couldn’t turn him into that decisive player and goal scoring midfielder. He delays, always one or two touches more. Feeble shots. Never a banger

“Ødegaard a problem?” 😭 What are you smoking, Paul Scholes? Every time you speak on Arsenal FC it sounds like you left your analysis back in 2005. Martin Ødegaard is out here dictating tempo, pressing like a man possessed, creating chances—and you’ve somehow decided he’s the issue? That’s not analysis, that’s guesswork in a jumpsuits. This is what happens when you confuse nostalgia for insight. Football’s moved on. Midfields don’t just jog and ping 5-yard passes anymore. You watch Ødegaard knit phases together, lead the press, drag defenders out of shape… and your takeaway is “problem”? Be serious for once. Keep Arsenal out of your mouth if you’re not going to do the homework. Lazy takes, recycled opinions, zero context. Respectfully—stick to what you know. Because this constant chatting nonsense every time Arsenal comes up? It’s embarrassing. Ødegaard isn’t the problem. The problem is pundits who refuse to evolve.

🚨🚨🎙️| Paul Scholes: “I think Martin Odegaard is a big problem for Arsenal… I love Odegaard. I think he’s brilliant. “Technically, he’s great, but he doesn’t play his position properly.”

@ArsenalBuzzCom Ridiculous.

🗣️| Anders Limpar: “It would be dangerous for Arsenal to sell Martin Odegaard. The other players rely on him so much. The way he shows for the ball and dictates games, who is he taking the pressure off? Declan Rice and that lets Declan Rice do his stuff. He takes the pressure off Martin Zubimendi too. “Suddenly Odegaard, the playmaker, is out. So the players look to Declan Rice. He is an engine but he is not a player who will make 20 assists with his passing. Zubimendi is not that player either. “They are the link players between defence and attack. Odegaard is the playmaker. He makes the other players better. He makes Zubimendi and Declan Rice better. “It’s not fair what people say about Odegaard. To say that he’s been a bad player or we need to sell him, no, I don’t think so.” [FruityKing] #afc

@TheEmiratesTalk When a team you call mediocre wins FA cup and Arteta’s $1.4b team has won nothing and plays the worst football Arsenal has played in distant memory , poorest team selection, a bunch of talented players, poor tactical approach collapses under pressure, it’s not about players.

From a mediocre, rotten team that struggled to finish top 8 to 4 title races, CL semi-final back to back. Thank you sir and until death do us apart.

This rubbish talk about mediocre team that finished 8th. That team has Ozil, Aubameyang and Lacazatte. It was never a mediocre team. They won the FA cup that year. A mediocre team? You people get carried away with this childish nonsense. How much has been invested in the club since Arteta came? Check below: Transfer Spending Comparison Manager TenureTotal Expenditure (Estimated)Net Spend (Estimated) Arsène Wenger22 Years~£687.4 million~£243.05 million Mikel Arteta6 Years*~£1.09 billion~£698.6 22years 687m 6 years 1b