First Wazzock 902 Posted September 8, 2021 This is a difficult one to handle, it's a pressure match. If this sort of fixture had appeared slightly further down the footballing pyramid, it's a classic assessment game for an aspiring Ref. Those games feature top against top, bottom against bottom or top against bottom - the games where you might get a bit of needle. Although there is plenty of pressure on Arsenal, I'm sure the officials will be as professional as possible knowing this game will probably be looked at under the microscope. Oliver and Dean are two of our top officials, and I'm sure neither will be wanting egg on their face over this game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bethnal Yellow and Green 1,557 Posted September 8, 2021 4 hours ago, Jim Smith said: Yes although in the past our advantage at international breaks was having a decent chunk of the squad for him to work with. Now we are one of the worst effected sides due to how many internationals we have, especially from the smaller nations who play nearly every international game. The break has also been very timely for Arsenal, who will see Ben White and Gabriel return in defence and Partey back in midfield. Those three have all remained at Arsenal during the international break and will have had two weeks training with each other to prepare. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Smith 2,317 Posted September 8, 2021 16 minutes ago, Bethnal Yellow and Green said: The break has also been very timely for Arsenal, who will see Ben White and Gabriel return in defence and Partey back in midfield. Those three have all remained at Arsenal during the international break and will have had two weeks training with each other to prepare. They played a friendly v Brentford as well didn’t they with a pretty strong team out. As you say, the break may have helped them more than us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thirsty Lizard 3,161 Posted September 8, 2021 15 hours ago, crab man said: I know its super early on but I cant remember the last time we won a basement battle or 6 pointer in the prem, and that also applies to Watford next week... regardless of who the ref is. We've got a horrendous record. #notconfident I'd get your memory checked out if I was you. It was in our last Premier League season when we beat Bournemouth 1-0. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bethnal Yellow and Green 1,557 Posted September 8, 2021 10 minutes ago, Jim Smith said: They played a friendly v Brentford as well didn’t they with a pretty strong team out. As you say, the break may have helped them more than us. It was against the Brentford B team, but yes, they have been working hard in the international break to get the new signings and players returning from injury/Covid up to speed. If Norwich can start well the Emirates will get toxic really quickly - so if Norwich can avoid their almost traditional early goal, then things could get pretty feisty on Saturday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nutty nigel 7,530 Posted September 8, 2021 4 hours ago, Jim Smith said: Yes although in the past our advantage at international breaks was having a decent chunk of the squad for him to work with. Now we are one of the worst effected sides due to how many internationals we have, especially from the smaller nations who play nearly every international game. So there's not a positive to be found. As my dear friend Lapps would have said... We're doomed. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greavsy 2,412 Posted September 8, 2021 11 minutes ago, nutty nigel said: So there's not a positive to be found. As my dear friend Lapps would have said... We're doomed. Looks like it might be sunny! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mello Yello 2,289 Posted September 8, 2021 Maybe Sargent can do a Mark Robins?..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
......and Smith must score. 1,341 Posted September 8, 2021 (edited) Unlikely as it may sound everyone seems to have overlooked the scenario where Arsenal are up for it, we're up for it and, surprise surprise, we win. It might just happen.... Edited September 8, 2021 by ......and Smith must score. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Angry 1,555 Posted September 8, 2021 1 hour ago, Mello Yello said: Maybe Sargent can do a Mark Robins?..... Only if Leno (or Ramsdale) do a Seaman 🤣 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dean Coneys boots 1,400 Posted September 8, 2021 Heart says Norwich pip it/ head says a spanking… Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nutty nigel 7,530 Posted September 8, 2021 Heart says "City" Head says "listen to your heart" 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Christoph Stiepermann 1,135 Posted September 11, 2021 Well there you go. It would be hilarious if it wasn't so damned predictable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Real Buh 3,432 Posted September 11, 2021 … when will the refereeing scandal be dealt with Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
