Wednesday Odds and Ends

Here are some random odds and ends for a Wednesday…

I’m really enjoying the European Championships. One of the main reasons is the referees are letting the players be more aggressive than you see in most domestic competitions. They are not allowing anything dangerous or unsportsmanlike, however, the physicality of these matches is very apparent, and for me, this make the games more interesting to watch. The tiky taky fouls have been eliminated usually stops the flow go the game when fouls are called for the slightest things.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to impress me every time he steps foot on the pitch. No matter his age, CR7 is still the most dominant offensive threat in the game today. I don’t think Portugal can win Euro 2020, but they will make some noice, and Ronaldo will make a serious run for the all-time European scoring record during this tournament.

The transfer window is really beginning to develop some potentially interesting moves this summer. This includes Aston Villa making a bid for Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe, Aaron Ramsey back in the transfer market and wanting to play in England again, and of course, the Gunners hoping to sign 5-6 new players. However, their bids are being rejected almost daily.

I have mixed feeling over Granit Xhaka possibly leaving Arsenal this summer. Yes, he has been a distraction for the club at times, however, even though he is not the best defensive midfielder in Europe, he continues to have strong games and does provide senior leadership for the Gunners. If Edu and Arteta can find a suitable, and younger, replacement, than I’ll feel better if Xhaka leaves for Roma.

And finally, Arsenal’s Premier League fixture list is out, and the Gunners have a tough start to the season. Following their opener v newcomer Brentford, AFC will face Champions League winner Chelsea in Week 2, and then Premier League champions Manchester City in Week 3. Ouch!

Have a great Wednesday!

Cheers.

Gunner1953