Monday Odds and Ends

Happy Monday!

Here are a few odds and ends from today’s notebook…

Football.London is reporting, “Mikel Arteta and Edu want at least five news faces at the Emirates Stadium, all in different positions, with a host of players being linked with a move every single day. Today is no different and we are expecting to hear plenty more on Ben White, Houssem Aouar, James Maddison, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Yves Bissouma. As well as this, there are plenty of names being linked with a departure from the Emirates, with Joe Willock, Hector Bellerin, Granit Xhaka, Bernd Leno, Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette all involved in recent rumours.” I would totally agree with these posted comments, and the list of players named. It’s really time to bring in some new faces ,and to let some players go who have either been fringe players, or players who have not always lived up to their potential. That may sound harsh, but in reality, it’s a true statement.

Will Bukayo Saka be given a chance to play in England’s final group stage match v Czech Republic on Tuesday? So far, Saka has only made the bench once, and saw zero playing time. Arsenal legend Martin Keown said, “There are five substitutes that the manager can make, so there will be opportunities to get everyone on. There are going to be occasions, and last night (v Scotland) was one of them, where you’re going to have to go for it and play some of those really creative players all at once.”  Agreed. England lacked offensive punch and creativity v Scotland. A player like Saka could have possibly made a difference. I fear if he doesn’t play on Tuesday, we might not see him in any future games during Euro 2020.

Arsenal’s Premier League opening match was rescheduled from Saturday, August 14th to Friday, August 13th. This will be the Premier League’s very first match of the 2021/2022 season. BTW, I’m not a big fan of Friday the 13th, for personal reasons.

I hope you have a great Monday and a wonderful week!

Cheers.

Gunner1953