Use this thread for general daily football discussion.
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What’s even more baffling is that players have been frozen out by Arteta for way less, with Auba’s whole saga coming to mind, and the whole “standards” thing seems utter bullshit now. Yes, Auba didn’t return at the agreed time…because he had a family crisis? If I recall, it did come out that his mother was not well. I mean come on, this was more a valid case of missing work than having to report in at the police station. #5 did “mysteriously” get scratched from games because he had to report in. Let’s not kid ourselves, the club knew more than the general public given the charged was their asset.
So what’s the fucking standards, Mikel? What exactly are the non-negotiables then?
I mean, Auba’s thing was also that it was a repeated pattern of lateness, especially as captain. I wouldn’t be surprised if Partey and his camp threatened to sue if while under contract Arsenal tried to freeze him out or suspend him or anything of the sort over the right to privacy, for the same reason that no outlet officially identified who it was. That being said, the fact that he was offered a contract extension makes it clear that either Arteta and crew genuinely believed he was innocent (somehow), or that there are no standards on issues like this.
Considering how even players and staff that left didn’t say anything, I’m leaning towards the former, but the club really needs to address and explain what they did know and why they did what they did.
Good riddance to our former number 5.
I genuinely think he was overrated by some of our fans, I never understood what people seen in him. A good player but got way more praise than he deserved IMO.
As for the much more serious matter, there was no doubt in my mind that he was guilty after doing a bit of digging when the allegations first came out. I’ve wanted him gone ever since. I hope justice is served and his victim can try to move on. We are a club with values and he left a stain on that.
Between this, Tomi leaving, and Jota’s tragic death it’s been a shit week for football news. Hope we announce Zubimendi and Norgaard soon, and see movement on other players we’re linked to. Need the good vibes back ASAP.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought he was overrated. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a very good footballer. But you’d have thought he could walk on water from what some say. This last season he did very well - probably his best season for us. But even then he would sometimes switch off or get sloppy. Again, everyone makes mistakes. But the over-hype for him was wild. People just forgetting about his sloppy performances and his injury record.
And then there’s the allegations. I think I had lulled myself into the assumption that he had been cleared of them because that one case was dismissed. I didn’t know about the other instances. But even with that one case, I was never convinced he was completely innocent. The lady making the claims seemed like a legit victim.
Anyway, I’m glad he’s gone. Him refusing that contract extension really was a bullet dodged! Can you imagine if he had accepted it and then got arrested? Man, what a shit-show that would have been!
I too, like you, thought he was cleared. I figured he was more of a sexual deviant or something and I admit I didn’t look into it too heavily myself and that’s on me.
So this next part feels gross to say now… I didn’t think he was great, but I think we needed him and it was good to see him but in some consistent performances throughout the season. That is of course due to the lack of other options in midfield, which once again comes down to the clubs inaction. What’s more damning is that they were looking to extend his contract as well, only for him to be released on a free and then charged a few days later.
The statement we made is woefully insufficient and those that made it should hang their heads in shame but also I don’t know enough to say whether that is actually all they’re allowed to say (and tbh given that there is a real need not to prejudice the trial legally… maybe? Still.)
I’d expected better from my club man.
Also conflicted about whether to pin the post about his charges or not. I don’t want to think about that man every time I come in here, but it’s still important news about Arsenal
I too was conflicted about having a post about him. But, I think it’s important not to hide away or ignore what he’s done. I think pinning the post could be used as a means of drawing attention to his actions and acknowledge that it’s not something we accept and is the antithesis of what we and the club stand for. Although, their handling of the situation seems to say otherwise…
I completely understand if you don’t pin it, I was just outlining why I feel like pinning it could be positive, on top of it being quite big news.
Our communications director is a woman as well, seriously I know they cannot say anything as there is a legal case going on, but how about acknowledge that they have handled it poorly.
Love the non-statement the club put out /s
Onto brighter news, the Lionesses’ first game of the Euros! Good luck to our Lionesses Meado, Leah, Lotte, Lessi, Michelle, and finally officially Chloe ❤️
