Thoughts on the Arsenal v Liverpool game?
Arsenal have started very well but there’s still a big gap between them and Man City. They showed last week against Spurs that they’ve improved so much and the fact they’re scoring goals so early shows their mentality and their motivation.
It doesn’t matter which team they play against, they still show the same identity and personality. It was a great game against Liverpool as they had to score again and again and again,
We all knew Liverpool were an injured beast, but they showed at least they’re still a big team and have a big players. I felt it should have been a draw.
Were Arsenal fortunate with the last penalty decision?
I’ve watched the highlights and the foul from Thiago Alcantara is not a big, big foul but Jesus was the first on the ball so you could see the touch. It was a penalty.
Has Martinelli got a good chance for the World Cup now?
Brazil played against Tunisia and Ghana and won both games and of course Martinelli wasn’t in the squad. I think it’s too early for him as there are players with more experience who are more efficient than him.
We’re in the middle of October and the list will be done in early November. He’s having a great season, but is it enough to go to the World Cup? This is Brazil. If he keeps on going in the form he’s in, he will be part of it but I think it’s too early.
Thoughts on Trent’s performance?
Trent is one of the best in offence, but he’s not a defender. The way he fights, the positions he gets in, he’s always far away from opponents and lets them do what they want with the ball.
There is always space for players to run in behind him all the time. For me, he’s not a proper defender so when you play a 4-2-3-1 you have to defend and it has to be the priority. If you play a 3-4-3 it’s different as he can be higher.
But I won’t point the finger as there’s so many players who can be better. Trent needs to know that his ticket to the World Cup is far from confirmed. It will be a surprise for me if he goes to the World Cup.
Gabriel looked a bit shaky, do you agree?
I thought Gabriel looked nervous and if I was Sailba, I’d have talked to him straight away and told him not to touch the ball, let it bounce and let our players come back in defence.
If you have a 50/50 percent chance of getting the ball you’re at risk of it being played in a dangerous area and he allowed this to happen yesterday.
He was late with Darwin Nunez to fight for the ball when he scored his equaliser too. His positioning wasn’t perfect and he showed he was nervous when he was fighting with players on the pitch - like he did with Henderson.
It showed he’s not 100 percent confident.
White and Saliba have been terrific but Gabriel is not 100 percent confident in his head.
Thoughts on Xhaka’s brilliant displays this season?
Xhaka is a survivor. When I look at his run with Arsenal since he signed - especially during the COVID-19 and he threw his shirt on the floor - everyone thought that was it.
But he came back and Mikel Arteta is responsible for that in a good way. Xhaka is not a crazy horse on the pitch anymore, he doesn’t make a late challenges to get yellow or red cards, and Arteta has managed him perfectly on the pitch.
Xhaka can now make an important pass, score a great goal, but most importantly he has a smile on his face. I can’t remember the last time that happened and it shows that the fans and his teammates have forgiven him
Who should Arsenal sign in January if they want to challenge for the title?
I don’t think Arsenal will win the title but they will definitely qualify for the Champions League and that is a big achievement considering where they were when Arteta came to the club.
If they are to strengthen I think they need wingers because Saka, Martinelli and Jesus have been great but they have no-one to replace them if they get injured.
Smith-Rowe is injured, Nketiah just signed a new contract but can he be the next striker if Jesus gets injured? My answer is no.
All the big teams have big wingers. There’s a few in England that would be my dream for Arsenal. Allan Saint-Maximin would be a great signing. Can you imagine the damage with all the players around him?
Wilfried Zaha of Palace too would be great. But they also need a central midfielder and centre-back as I’m not too sure about Rob Holding.
Is it time for Mason Mount to kick on after his first two assists of the season?
Something has changed on the pitch. The ball is going quickly to Mount and it’s more direct and that suits Mason Mount.
He likes to play direct football, but Mount needs to do more and more if he wants to go to World Cup and play at the top level in the Champions League.
What did you make of Pulisic against Wolves?
I heard what Pulisic’s father said on the social networks - that he should show more respect and get more playing time etc.
But like I said with Mason Mount, you play for Chelsea and the competition is very high. Look at the dressing room, how many international players and quality players are there?
When he gets on the pitch he needs to show what he can do, and he did that against Wolves.
I’m pretty sure he won’t be starting against Milan in the first XI but if he makes a difference when he plays, he’ll get more and more minutes.
Thoughts on Chelsea target Rafael Leao?
Rafael Leao used to play for Lille. He didn’t play for long but then he was sold to Milan - just like Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
He’s tall, powerful, fast and physical. He’s got a great ability to score goals as well as anger and ambition. He’d be a good signing.
If an English club is able to buy him then they should go for it as he will provide a lot of goals and adapt to the league quickly.
What would be a good season for Potter? Can Chelsea challenge City?
If the Cyborg [Haaland] doesn’t get injured… there’s still such a big gap. Arsenal are right behind City and Chelsea have great depth and have enough options to do well.
Chelsea won’t fight for the title, they’ll fight for the Champions League spots.
A good season would be qualifying for the Champions League and if he can win a title, an FA Cup, or go on a good run in Europe that would be a good season.
How far can Haaland go? Can he emulate greats like your ex-teammates Henry and Zola?
I thought I had seen everything with Ronaldo and Messi, but then Mbappe and Haaland came and those guys are breaking records as well. They prove there’s no limit to what modern football can produce.
Haaland has 15 goals already and that’s already double the amount of Harry Kane, who has eight goals.
He’s got so many great players around him that understand his movements in the penalty area.
He will be the best striker in this season and I have no idea what his limits are.
Is it time for Chelsea to cash in on Kante?
Kante has been tremendous for years and years. He’s been running around the world all the time, but I can understand Chelsea’s position.
How can they pay so much money for someone who is always injured? He cannot play a proper game.
I heard he’s back from training and will be fit soon, but I understand Chelsea’s position.
He’ll be a great bargain if he doesn’t sign a contract as he’ll be available for free and some clubs will be interested to get him for sure
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