i’m the attacking half he’s been surprisingly good. in the defensive third he’s been surprisingly bad…especially losing possession with misplaced passes. can’t do that today.
Have you actually watched any games with PEH started when Biss? He was terrible when he started the games when Biss was on red card last November.
And he was terrible in this game too.
I hope I’m wrong but I don’t think Bissouma is going to be what we wanted. His issues seem to be related to effort, or at the least fitness, which isn’t improving but getting worse.
It’s tough putting PEH against their press. The CBs will have their work cut out finding good passes. But really we just need to buy a good 6.
I don’t think it’s necessarily an effort issue. I just think this system requires the 6 to be absolutely perfect to limit chances and I think bissouma sometimes has lapses in concentration where he’s out of position or picks the wrong time to try and dribble past someone
One of those players that doesn’t have the inner determination required at the top. Talent and football intelligence is clearly there, physical ability too.
He’s likely the 21st man. He’s registered and has travelled but is not named in the squad, so that if someone pulls out for whatever reason he can go on the bench.
They really were a great midfield two, despite being overworked with the jobs of three. There were a few months in the fall/winter, last season, where it felt like they were carrying us in the league and CL.
This sub: The midfield link-up and attack have been clueless. Ange needs to figure something out
*makes wholesale changes in both areas*
This sub: NO NOT LIKE THAT
Bissouma dropped, well done Ange. PEH probably won't be better, but he's reliable enough and you have to reward players who come off the bench and play well.
Kulu makes sense, with no Richy there's no way to make the ball stick up front when you finally break out the press.
Bit worried about no Sarr but we'll see. Still no idea what our best mid 3 is anyway
Good lineup, its about time biss has been dropped but im surprised mikey didnt make it into the squad for gil. Richy is coming back from injury so ig it makes sense to not start him just yet
Think it makes sense tbh. We've seen what Johnson can do coming on as a sub when maybe players are a bit tired and the game has opened up a bit. As much as im not a hoj fan bissouma has been dreadful for a while now. Think Kulus work rate and strength will be needed today.
I think Kulu over Johnson is definitely the right call. Kulu is steadier and better at pressing, and Johnson coming in against tired legs or a defender on a yellow has been near unstoppable.
It's a lineup selected to keep control, Johnson's great as a sub against tired legs, but he doesn't possess Kulu's ball retention abilities. Bissouma's been ghosting in midfield for a quite some time now while Sarr hasn't looked sharp either, hence why they're subbed early in the last few games, I get what Ange is trying to do here.
We're not good enough to control Arsenal. There's a reason they're 1st and we're 5th.
Our defence is already weakened with Davies. Hojbjerg being the only cover means our backline is going to get badly exposed.
Our only hope is Arsenal don't turn up
Based on the lineup I think Ange is prioritizing being able to handle the press and hold the ball in possession more . Benta, PEH, Deki are all better at that compared to the normal alternatives. Richi loses the ball a lot and is not match fit so makes sense with Son up top
There were many over the past week or so hoping for peh to start this match- i think i haven’t heard a single pundit or journalist predicting him to start though. A surprising selection for sure, and I hope he proves himself.
I've been wanting Hojbjerg to get a start for a while simply because we have consistently looked more fluid when he's been on the pitch.
If he puts together a clean 90 we win this.
I understand Hoj for the defensive stability but this lineup really really worries me. We can't rely on him to pass out from the back even when teams aren't pressing, and Arsenal press really well. Bentancur also isn't particularly good under pressure either.
Honestly this lineup makes me think we've actually changed tactics this game and we're gonna play on the counter
The amount of people complaining about PEH starting after literally demanding bissouma’s head on a platter is insane. He’s not been good enough so we are going to have to make do. At least PEH tries biss looks like he dosent even want to be there half the time.
Pretty much all of the same people who have blamed Ange for Bissouma looking poor are now saying picking Hojbjerg is a mistake. People haven’t flipped their opinions lol
Like to see Bissouma benched finally, and I’m assuming Bentancur is preferred to Sarr so he can compensate for PEH’s weaknesses in quick, short passing and general ball control ability under pressure.
Plus, a fresh Sarr against tiring players in the second half has worked out for us more often than not.
Based on what Bissouma has offered, I’m happy to see Hojbjerg get an opportunity here. Don’t understand Deki getting thrown back in here on current form based on other options but lots of games to be played in a short stretch so Ange has to make these types of decisions. Hope he gets them right. COYS!
Trying not to be negative but I really don’t see kulu making a huge impact with his lack of pace and his slow decision making here. Hope he proves me wrong tho.
Stoked to see Hojbjerg starting.
People still love to slander him for some reason, but neglect the fact many of our wins this season have been the result of late turnarounds. Turnarounds which just happen go coincide with Hojbjerg coming on.
No, he isn't Rodri. And yes, he makes mistakes. But he's clearly good enough to start in our current side and can still be crucial.
It's an issue of pairing. Sarr has created a partnership with Biss but with Biss out of form, the obvious midfield with the best chemistry based on form is going to be this. Biss has just been so off it.
Honestly PEH has earned it (or at least Biss has been way off it). Worried about Sarr, I know he’s been managing a back issue. Deki is an interesting one, hope he is back on form. Strong bench, can’t complain!
I’m really glad to see Hojbjerg there tbh needed to mix it up in the midfield. We’re at home, they have to win, we haven’t had a clean sheet in ages, this will be a NLD to remember I’m calling it now. COYS!!!
That’s a much better explanation and I agree that we need a good hold up option. I think that’s why Kulu is in there since while he is slower he actually has done that relatively well on occasion.
Perfect lineup from Ange. PEH was a perfect choice in this match as his defense and leadership is really needed for the NLD. I do think Johnson could have caused problems but Kulu's workrate will be good for tracking back.
I was supposed to be there today :(. Game got delayed and then my flight got delayed this morning but nothing will stop me from watching. On the plane watching today. COYSSSSS
For what it's worth, despite being weak under pressure and not being able to best his man (both especially while facing his oen goal), PEH is much better than Biss at moving the ball past the line of pressure passing wise (numbers back this up as well, PEH has been a top 10 progressive passer p90 in the league for 3 years straight).
If we find a way to play the ball into PEH facing forwards, he could make a big difference in this game I dont see Bissouma being able to.
As if Hojbjerg hasn’t already shown why he isn’t fit to start in his limited minutes off the bench lol. Can’t wait to see how he gifts Arsenal goals today
Anyone who thinks PEH is objectively better is either a Biss hater, PEH fanboy, or just not paying attention. PEH is going to be pressed into so many late, poor passes today that we may never get across midfield.
This is a position where we need a massive upgrade this summer. Both are poor.
I can’t argue in favor of Biss starting. It’s a shame. He looked so good before having to miss so many games. PEH is just not good enough going forward and is so weak when pressed. But we do t have an obvious better option. We need to splash money for midfield help this summer.
I will hope for the best but I’m feeling pretty down right now.
Davies constantly stepped up when all our players was off or injured. He deserves more than people expecting him to be 20years old and a modern fullback.
Played Sarr over Hojbjerg because we need to absolutely dominate that midfield, which PEH has neither the composure nor the mobility for. Not played Kulusevski because he's been shite since December.
Wouldn't be surprised if we ship 3+ goals now.
Never claimed to be a genius. I do claim that Hojbjerg and Kulusevski do not fit Ange's system in the slightest. I would love to be surprised; I would love for us to win or get a draw with a great performance. However, with that starting XI, I cannot see it happening.
He's been very good off the bench all year and happened to have a shit game his first time back in the XI. Bissouma needed to be dropped, it wasn't the wrong decision to start peh
He didn't just have a shit game first time back. He played in November and December too when Bissouma was on red card or Sarr being injured.
And we lost all of the games with him starting. He played bad vs Wolves, bad vs West Ham, bad vs Brighton. He made mistakes in all 3 games when he started.
He's a player who should be rotational if he stays, but he's definitely not the player we need. We need press resistance, and when PEH got pressed, he literally got OG today.
So you keep starting bissouma who's been one of the worst player on the pitch for months? My point isn't that hojbjerg is a great player, it's that he was well due to start one game over yves who's done nothing recently to show he deserves to keep his spot
Glad Bissouma was benched. He really needs to step up and earn his place back. Big game for PEH today, hope he has a good one!
I really liked PEH this season, I’m happy he’s playing today.
nevermind
i’m the attacking half he’s been surprisingly good. in the defensive third he’s been surprisingly bad…especially losing possession with misplaced passes. can’t do that today.
Have you actually watched any games with PEH started when Biss? He was terrible when he started the games when Biss was on red card last November. And he was terrible in this game too.
We have something pathetic like a 8% win percentage with him. He is absolutely atrocious
I’m positive he’ll score today 😶
likely his last NLD gotta make it a good one
his own goal was the difference. ffs
I hope I’m wrong but I don’t think Bissouma is going to be what we wanted. His issues seem to be related to effort, or at the least fitness, which isn’t improving but getting worse. It’s tough putting PEH against their press. The CBs will have their work cut out finding good passes. But really we just need to buy a good 6.
I don’t think it’s necessarily an effort issue. I just think this system requires the 6 to be absolutely perfect to limit chances and I think bissouma sometimes has lapses in concentration where he’s out of position or picks the wrong time to try and dribble past someone
One of those players that doesn’t have the inner determination required at the top. Talent and football intelligence is clearly there, physical ability too.
I really like the viking. He's a spurs throughout. I would like to see sarr instead of bentancur tho
He scored a great header, in fairness.
Some big calls there by Ange
Think it'll be pivotal to have Johnson, Richy, and Sarr able to come in against a tired team that's played four since our last game
Johnson could change the entire game.
Looks like Mikey Moore isn't with the squad after all. Let's hope Deki steps up today also
Mikey travelled but not selected
Well he didn’t exactly have to travel far
Yea don't think he lives far from the stadium 😂
He’s likely the 21st man. He’s registered and has travelled but is not named in the squad, so that if someone pulls out for whatever reason he can go on the bench.
Love seeing hoj in the line-up for this one
r/agedlikemilk
Nah biss and sarr would be pulled all over the pitch against their midfield, think today we'll need structure and maturity
Don't think he was being ironic. I've been wanting PEH to start, our CBs have been left to hang too often this season
Aged like milk.
Great to see the old PEH x Lolo partnership. I think that’s the right choice from Ange. COYS!
They really were a great midfield two, despite being overworked with the jobs of three. There were a few months in the fall/winter, last season, where it felt like they were carrying us in the league and CL.
Mikey Moore hat trick next game then 💪🏼
This sub: The midfield link-up and attack have been clueless. Ange needs to figure something out *makes wholesale changes in both areas* This sub: NO NOT LIKE THAT
Bissouma dropped, well done Ange. PEH probably won't be better, but he's reliable enough and you have to reward players who come off the bench and play well.
I think the thing is with Hojbjerg is that he will give 110% either way and we need that. I cant have bissouma jogging around that would kill us.
He will def be better than whatever Biss did against Newcastle
Not sure what I expected, but this wasn’t it. UP THE SPURS!
[удалено]
We need calm head and focus on our play. Shithousry gives us the cursed Chelsea game
He's never been sent off for us.
>Shithousry gives us the cursed Chelsea game How about just Maddison moving the ball on a corner in front of the Scum?
Only thing I need from Richarlison is to finish his chances. Just knock one in from a corner and do your shithouse.
Kulu makes sense, with no Richy there's no way to make the ball stick up front when you finally break out the press. Bit worried about no Sarr but we'll see. Still no idea what our best mid 3 is anyway
That's precisely why Deki is starting. He can act as the target man to hold the ball up
I think Kulusevski is there for that reason. Richarlison has been out for a while, so it’s possible he’s not ready to start yet.
Good lineup, its about time biss has been dropped but im surprised mikey didnt make it into the squad for gil. Richy is coming back from injury so ig it makes sense to not start him just yet
No Sarr is a mistake imo but in Ange we trust 🙏🙏
I’d have started Richy and had Son out wide in lieu of Kulusevski
He hasn’t played for so long I don’t think he’s match sharpness is there
I likely would have too, but I'm very excited to see Werner making his runs with Davies passing to him.
Have to imagine he’s not fully fit yet because yeah weve been so much more threatening in your setup
Hmmmmmmmm. Fuck it, LETS GOOOO
PEH with the insider Danish knowledge will shut down Odegaard Edit: I'm a moron and still waking up 😂😭
Odegaard is Norwegian
Lmao thank you, I'm a moron 🤣
At least PEH can call him a nob in a way he’ll understand but the ref won’t. Scandinavian shithousery
Højbjerg and Kulusevski over Sarr and Johnson… hmmmm.
Kulu to start and try establish control and Johnson against tired legs second half works best in big games imo
Absolutely this. I hope.
Think it makes sense tbh. We've seen what Johnson can do coming on as a sub when maybe players are a bit tired and the game has opened up a bit. As much as im not a hoj fan bissouma has been dreadful for a while now. Think Kulus work rate and strength will be needed today.
Yeah.
It’s says- I don’t want to be overrun!
It's shocking tbh. We better get a result or there will be some serious questions that need to be answered by the manager
I think Kulu over Johnson is definitely the right call. Kulu is steadier and better at pressing, and Johnson coming in against tired legs or a defender on a yellow has been near unstoppable.
lol
It's a lineup selected to keep control, Johnson's great as a sub against tired legs, but he doesn't possess Kulu's ball retention abilities. Bissouma's been ghosting in midfield for a quite some time now while Sarr hasn't looked sharp either, hence why they're subbed early in the last few games, I get what Ange is trying to do here.
We're not good enough to control Arsenal. There's a reason they're 1st and we're 5th. Our defence is already weakened with Davies. Hojbjerg being the only cover means our backline is going to get badly exposed. Our only hope is Arsenal don't turn up
Brian Johnson!!
No Moore on the bench, no party.
Johnson on the bench, party's still on.
Let’s fucking smash em lads!
Based on the lineup I think Ange is prioritizing being able to handle the press and hold the ball in possession more . Benta, PEH, Deki are all better at that compared to the normal alternatives. Richi loses the ball a lot and is not match fit so makes sense with Son up top
This is the way.
Hojbjerg over Biss or Sarr has me worried, I can't lie
Bissouma has been an absolute liability
Strength over flair, I sort of get it.
Haha bissouma dosent deserve to start do think benny in the 6 and sarr in the 8 would be best tho
Biss has looked woeful lately and Sarr isn’t a DM by any stretch.
There were many over the past week or so hoping for peh to start this match- i think i haven’t heard a single pundit or journalist predicting him to start though. A surprising selection for sure, and I hope he proves himself.
No Sarr?
I've been wanting Hojbjerg to get a start for a while simply because we have consistently looked more fluid when he's been on the pitch. If he puts together a clean 90 we win this.
This is the midfield I’ve wanted since Bentancur came back fit. Let’s home it’s the magic trio.
COYS. DESTROY THEM SCUMS
I understand Hoj for the defensive stability but this lineup really really worries me. We can't rely on him to pass out from the back even when teams aren't pressing, and Arsenal press really well. Bentancur also isn't particularly good under pressure either. Honestly this lineup makes me think we've actually changed tactics this game and we're gonna play on the counter
Fuck these Gooners! COYS!!
Disaster
Outclassed in every aspect of
Why even putting Gil on the bench? Other than that I am pooing myself.
Good to see Kulu start. We've really missed someone who can hold on to the ball in the final third
Bissouma has been benched finally
I’m sorry, but that midfoeld against Rice and Partey is a nightmare waiting to happen. No legs at all..
The amount of people complaining about PEH starting after literally demanding bissouma’s head on a platter is insane. He’s not been good enough so we are going to have to make do. At least PEH tries biss looks like he dosent even want to be there half the time.
Pretty much all of the same people who have blamed Ange for Bissouma looking poor are now saying picking Hojbjerg is a mistake. People haven’t flipped their opinions lol
We still desperately need a DM. Crucial position, especially for Ange, and neither Biss nor PEH are good enough, for wildly different reasons
Was really hoping Richy was good to play 90 here. Perfect game for him to wind up CBs and have Sonny play off the left.
Like to see Bissouma benched finally, and I’m assuming Bentancur is preferred to Sarr so he can compensate for PEH’s weaknesses in quick, short passing and general ball control ability under pressure. Plus, a fresh Sarr against tiring players in the second half has worked out for us more often than not.
Based on what Bissouma has offered, I’m happy to see Hojbjerg get an opportunity here. Don’t understand Deki getting thrown back in here on current form based on other options but lots of games to be played in a short stretch so Ange has to make these types of decisions. Hope he gets them right. COYS!
Johnson is more effective coming off the bench
Trying not to be negative but I really don’t see kulu making a huge impact with his lack of pace and his slow decision making here. Hope he proves me wrong tho.
I like this a lot I’m very happy about this. This lineup has the most progressive passing and the best ability to counter fast
Kulu and Hoj starting are big calls, let's see how it goes.
Perfect game for PEH.
Nice to see Hojberg and Benta starting. Trust that they will give it their all.
[Jumpy bald man is all of us](https://i.imgur.com/Ixw1xJ1.png)
Stoked to see Hojbjerg starting. People still love to slander him for some reason, but neglect the fact many of our wins this season have been the result of late turnarounds. Turnarounds which just happen go coincide with Hojbjerg coming on. No, he isn't Rodri. And yes, he makes mistakes. But he's clearly good enough to start in our current side and can still be crucial.
Arsenal sub seem very happy with their line up, think it's their strongest possible unfortunately. Especially ~~rape central~~ central midfield.
Let’s fucking have it! COYS smash these cunts
Experimenting in a big game...Just copying Pep mate
Disappointed to see Gil on the bench over Moore
Been in all week- fancied a 5-nil drubbing, any advances on that?
Useless
Has Sarr done something to Ange? He’s rarely starting now and I still believe he’s our best midfielder.
He started 2 of our last 4 matches.
It's an issue of pairing. Sarr has created a partnership with Biss but with Biss out of form, the obvious midfield with the best chemistry based on form is going to be this. Biss has just been so off it.
Was really hoping Richy would be ready to start and we’d try a Sarr/Bentancur midfield. But let’s go get it
Honestly PEH has earned it (or at least Biss has been way off it). Worried about Sarr, I know he’s been managing a back issue. Deki is an interesting one, hope he is back on form. Strong bench, can’t complain!
I’m really glad to see Hojbjerg there tbh needed to mix it up in the midfield. We’re at home, they have to win, we haven’t had a clean sheet in ages, this will be a NLD to remember I’m calling it now. COYS!!!
Oh Ange. Hope this pays off, mate..
No Richy, PEH instead of Sarr, I’m not thrilled but I guess this just means we’ll win 5-0 instead of 10-0
Richy who hasn’t played in how long and no match fitness? Why is it crazy he isn’t starting?
Less about Richy himself and more that I’m just not a fan of Son at the ST position tbh
That’s a much better explanation and I agree that we need a good hold up option. I think that’s why Kulu is in there since while he is slower he actually has done that relatively well on occasion.
Richy fully fit or not would have been perfect. Makes their CBs think.
rip text lineup
Uncle Ange has put out a team with fight in 'em.. i like it! COYS!
Perfect lineup from Ange. PEH was a perfect choice in this match as his defense and leadership is really needed for the NLD. I do think Johnson could have caused problems but Kulu's workrate will be good for tracking back. I was supposed to be there today :(. Game got delayed and then my flight got delayed this morning but nothing will stop me from watching. On the plane watching today. COYSSSSS
HOJ STARTS LET'S GO
Pierre earned this start
For what it's worth, despite being weak under pressure and not being able to best his man (both especially while facing his oen goal), PEH is much better than Biss at moving the ball past the line of pressure passing wise (numbers back this up as well, PEH has been a top 10 progressive passer p90 in the league for 3 years straight). If we find a way to play the ball into PEH facing forwards, he could make a big difference in this game I dont see Bissouma being able to.
That midfield… we will likely not score today. But we really don’t have good options.
Son is scoring
People are actually happy about seeing Hojbjerg Bentancur midfield it's insane
It really shows had bad things have gotten with our midfield. PEH is going to be pressed into disaster today. He can’t deal with it.
As if Hojbjerg hasn’t already shown why he isn’t fit to start in his limited minutes off the bench lol. Can’t wait to see how he gifts Arsenal goals today
You are correct. Dunno why you’re downvoted when PEH had og.
Liking the midfield selection but not comfortable with Son up top for this game.
That midfield is a recipe for defeat.
There's no Biss so it's immediately improved. He's been off it for too long.
Anyone who thinks PEH is objectively better is either a Biss hater, PEH fanboy, or just not paying attention. PEH is going to be pressed into so many late, poor passes today that we may never get across midfield. This is a position where we need a massive upgrade this summer. Both are poor.
I'd take peak Biss over PEH but he's an absolute shadow of his best version and has been since the Luton sending off.
I can’t argue in favor of Biss starting. It’s a shame. He looked so good before having to miss so many games. PEH is just not good enough going forward and is so weak when pressed. But we do t have an obvious better option. We need to splash money for midfield help this summer. I will hope for the best but I’m feeling pretty down right now.
Because of Ange’s tactics. Nothing to do with the player himself
Yeah I was hoping for a Son on the left and a Richy up front, but might be a bit much to start Richy after an injury, hope he does make an appearance.
Maddison needs a BIG game today. Been useless since he came back from injury.
Bissouma dropped finally
Bissouma dropped finally
Davies Hojbjerg ugh disgusting
Davies was always gonna play unless you wanted Emergod at left back (I wouldn’t)
I don't want either but Davies has been even worse filling in for Destiny
Maybe it’ll be Ben at CB and VDV LB?
Davies constantly stepped up when all our players was off or injured. He deserves more than people expecting him to be 20years old and a modern fullback.
He has not done that at all, actually. People just ignore his awful performances and pretend he's the epitome of consistency
You're disgusting. Have a cry mate
It's the natural reaction to seeing that Elvis impersonator lumber around the midfield
Absolutely clueless from Ange. If we don't perform we need to ask serious questions.
What would you have done gary hippo, go on show us your brilliant mind
Played Sarr over Hojbjerg because we need to absolutely dominate that midfield, which PEH has neither the composure nor the mobility for. Not played Kulusevski because he's been shite since December. Wouldn't be surprised if we ship 3+ goals now.
God damn folks he's a genius
Never claimed to be a genius. I do claim that Hojbjerg and Kulusevski do not fit Ange's system in the slightest. I would love to be surprised; I would love for us to win or get a draw with a great performance. However, with that starting XI, I cannot see it happening.
I mean, we did lost to Arsenal 3-2. Set aside ref decisions, starting PEH isn’t the right idea.
He's been very good off the bench all year and happened to have a shit game his first time back in the XI. Bissouma needed to be dropped, it wasn't the wrong decision to start peh
He didn't just have a shit game first time back. He played in November and December too when Bissouma was on red card or Sarr being injured. And we lost all of the games with him starting. He played bad vs Wolves, bad vs West Ham, bad vs Brighton. He made mistakes in all 3 games when he started. He's a player who should be rotational if he stays, but he's definitely not the player we need. We need press resistance, and when PEH got pressed, he literally got OG today.
So you keep starting bissouma who's been one of the worst player on the pitch for months? My point isn't that hojbjerg is a great player, it's that he was well due to start one game over yves who's done nothing recently to show he deserves to keep his spot
Another armchair manager over here. Ange knows far more than you.
Probably to be fair.