PB
@olipb.bsky.social
Write/Talk Arsenal. UFC. Comms. BBC Sport Arsenal contributor.
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The win tonight means the likes of Kepa, Nwaneri, Norgaard should be given at least three starts in this very busy period (Portsmouth, Inter and Kairat).
Chances to de-load likes of Saka, Rice, Zubi & a returning Gabriel/Saliba.
Chances to de-load likes of Saka, Rice, Zubi & a returning Gabriel/Saliba.
December 10, 2025 at 11:10 PM
The win tonight means the likes of Kepa, Nwaneri, Norgaard should be given at least three starts in this very busy period (Portsmouth, Inter and Kairat).
Chances to de-load likes of Saka, Rice, Zubi & a returning Gabriel/Saliba.
Chances to de-load likes of Saka, Rice, Zubi & a returning Gabriel/Saliba.
My team for Wolves (If JT, Saliba are fit)
Raya
Timber Saliba Hincapie MLS
Rice
Saka Nwaneri Eze LW
Gyokeres
LW depends on Leo fitness, but GM or Noni can do it.
Yes Gyokeres at ST again. He is building fitness, Jesus can come off the bench, rest Merino.
Raya
Timber Saliba Hincapie MLS
Rice
Saka Nwaneri Eze LW
Gyokeres
LW depends on Leo fitness, but GM or Noni can do it.
Yes Gyokeres at ST again. He is building fitness, Jesus can come off the bench, rest Merino.
December 10, 2025 at 10:14 PM
My team for Wolves (If JT, Saliba are fit)
Raya
Timber Saliba Hincapie MLS
Rice
Saka Nwaneri Eze LW
Gyokeres
LW depends on Leo fitness, but GM or Noni can do it.
Yes Gyokeres at ST again. He is building fitness, Jesus can come off the bench, rest Merino.
Raya
Timber Saliba Hincapie MLS
Rice
Saka Nwaneri Eze LW
Gyokeres
LW depends on Leo fitness, but GM or Noni can do it.
Yes Gyokeres at ST again. He is building fitness, Jesus can come off the bench, rest Merino.
Also these amazing positives and I'm seeing moaning about Gyokeres and Eze on my timeline. Please people, try and enjoy your life.
Pretty perfect evening for Arsenal.
No more injuries.
Key players rested.
Vital mins in legs for MLS, Norgaard, Gyokeres, Jesus, Ethan.
Debut for Salmon.
6/6 wins, 17 scored, 1 conceded.
Latest instalment in a remarkable set of CL performances this season to date.
👏👏👏
No more injuries.
Key players rested.
Vital mins in legs for MLS, Norgaard, Gyokeres, Jesus, Ethan.
Debut for Salmon.
6/6 wins, 17 scored, 1 conceded.
Latest instalment in a remarkable set of CL performances this season to date.
👏👏👏
December 10, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Also these amazing positives and I'm seeing moaning about Gyokeres and Eze on my timeline. Please people, try and enjoy your life.
Arsenal have essentially secured a top 8 finish tonight, with two games to spare.
Also, if they beat Kairat at home, they could likely afford to lose to Inter and still finish top.
Also, if they beat Kairat at home, they could likely afford to lose to Inter and still finish top.
December 10, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Arsenal have essentially secured a top 8 finish tonight, with two games to spare.
Also, if they beat Kairat at home, they could likely afford to lose to Inter and still finish top.
Also, if they beat Kairat at home, they could likely afford to lose to Inter and still finish top.
Pretty perfect evening for Arsenal.
No more injuries.
Key players rested.
Vital mins in legs for MLS, Norgaard, Gyokeres, Jesus, Ethan.
Debut for Salmon.
6/6 wins, 17 scored, 1 conceded.
Latest instalment in a remarkable set of CL performances this season to date.
👏👏👏
No more injuries.
Key players rested.
Vital mins in legs for MLS, Norgaard, Gyokeres, Jesus, Ethan.
Debut for Salmon.
6/6 wins, 17 scored, 1 conceded.
Latest instalment in a remarkable set of CL performances this season to date.
👏👏👏
December 10, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Pretty perfect evening for Arsenal.
No more injuries.
Key players rested.
Vital mins in legs for MLS, Norgaard, Gyokeres, Jesus, Ethan.
Debut for Salmon.
6/6 wins, 17 scored, 1 conceded.
Latest instalment in a remarkable set of CL performances this season to date.
👏👏👏
No more injuries.
Key players rested.
Vital mins in legs for MLS, Norgaard, Gyokeres, Jesus, Ethan.
Debut for Salmon.
6/6 wins, 17 scored, 1 conceded.
Latest instalment in a remarkable set of CL performances this season to date.
👏👏👏
Marli Salmon, aged 16, a centre-back, makes his Arsenal and Champions League debut 🌟
At a time Arsenal are top of the Champions League table, with 6/6 wins. Take a step back and think about how significant that is.
At a time Arsenal are top of the Champions League table, with 6/6 wins. Take a step back and think about how significant that is.
December 10, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Marli Salmon, aged 16, a centre-back, makes his Arsenal and Champions League debut 🌟
At a time Arsenal are top of the Champions League table, with 6/6 wins. Take a step back and think about how significant that is.
At a time Arsenal are top of the Champions League table, with 6/6 wins. Take a step back and think about how significant that is.
OK Noni and Gabi, please can you score these goals in the PL?
Both been World Class in the CL this season.
Both been World Class in the CL this season.
December 10, 2025 at 9:19 PM
OK Noni and Gabi, please can you score these goals in the PL?
Both been World Class in the CL this season.
Both been World Class in the CL this season.
The 5 changes I'd like to see in 2nd half:
(55') Calafiori for White
(65') Nwaneri & Eze for Odegaard & Gabi
(75') Jesus & Saka for Gyokeres & Noni
(55') Calafiori for White
(65') Nwaneri & Eze for Odegaard & Gabi
(75') Jesus & Saka for Gyokeres & Noni
December 10, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The 5 changes I'd like to see in 2nd half:
(55') Calafiori for White
(65') Nwaneri & Eze for Odegaard & Gabi
(75') Jesus & Saka for Gyokeres & Noni
(55') Calafiori for White
(65') Nwaneri & Eze for Odegaard & Gabi
(75') Jesus & Saka for Gyokeres & Noni
Yes they've had some half chances but given the changes we've made we can be pretty happy with that first half in a tough away ground.
December 10, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Yes they've had some half chances but given the changes we've made we can be pretty happy with that first half in a tough away ground.
Ref has done excellent to not give in to the crowd pressure in the Tresoldi / Hincapie duel.
Both players are doing a bit of shirt pulling; Hincapie is standing stronger—no foul play on 👏
Both players are doing a bit of shirt pulling; Hincapie is standing stronger—no foul play on 👏
December 10, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Ref has done excellent to not give in to the crowd pressure in the Tresoldi / Hincapie duel.
Both players are doing a bit of shirt pulling; Hincapie is standing stronger—no foul play on 👏
Both players are doing a bit of shirt pulling; Hincapie is standing stronger—no foul play on 👏
Arsenal down to Marli Salmon (who just turned 16) as only backup defender.
All new back four again.
White having to do back-to-back 90s.
Going away to Villa.
Crazy considering the defensive depth we had.
All new back four again.
White having to do back-to-back 90s.
Going away to Villa.
Crazy considering the defensive depth we had.
December 6, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Arsenal down to Marli Salmon (who just turned 16) as only backup defender.
All new back four again.
White having to do back-to-back 90s.
Going away to Villa.
Crazy considering the defensive depth we had.
All new back four again.
White having to do back-to-back 90s.
Going away to Villa.
Crazy considering the defensive depth we had.
Saturday is about these two 🪄
Against the backdrop of a mishmash defence and tired midfield, Ebere Eze and Bukayo Saka are fresh and capable of moments of magic to get us the points.
Against the backdrop of a mishmash defence and tired midfield, Ebere Eze and Bukayo Saka are fresh and capable of moments of magic to get us the points.
December 3, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Saturday is about these two 🪄
Against the backdrop of a mishmash defence and tired midfield, Ebere Eze and Bukayo Saka are fresh and capable of moments of magic to get us the points.
Against the backdrop of a mishmash defence and tired midfield, Ebere Eze and Bukayo Saka are fresh and capable of moments of magic to get us the points.
🙏 to Liverpool for taking points off Sunderland
December 3, 2025 at 10:19 PM
🙏 to Liverpool for taking points off Sunderland
vs. Villa
Raya
Timber Saliba Hincapie Calafiori
Zubi Rice
Saka Eze Leo
Gyokeres
Fingers crossed on Rice, Saliba and Leo
I know Merino is on fire, but we need freshness in front of Rice-Zubi to help them. That would be a completely fresh front 4.
Raya
Timber Saliba Hincapie Calafiori
Zubi Rice
Saka Eze Leo
Gyokeres
Fingers crossed on Rice, Saliba and Leo
I know Merino is on fire, but we need freshness in front of Rice-Zubi to help them. That would be a completely fresh front 4.
December 3, 2025 at 9:38 PM
vs. Villa
Raya
Timber Saliba Hincapie Calafiori
Zubi Rice
Saka Eze Leo
Gyokeres
Fingers crossed on Rice, Saliba and Leo
I know Merino is on fire, but we need freshness in front of Rice-Zubi to help them. That would be a completely fresh front 4.
Raya
Timber Saliba Hincapie Calafiori
Zubi Rice
Saka Eze Leo
Gyokeres
Fingers crossed on Rice, Saliba and Leo
I know Merino is on fire, but we need freshness in front of Rice-Zubi to help them. That would be a completely fresh front 4.
So much to digest from that:
🔹O & White come through strong with 90 mins under their belt
🔹Clean sheet with a much-changed defence, Raya brilliant
🔹Saka, Eze only 30 mins
🔸Rice, Mosq injuries
🔸Rice, Zubi look tired & needed on Sat early kick-off
🔹O & White come through strong with 90 mins under their belt
🔹Clean sheet with a much-changed defence, Raya brilliant
🔹Saka, Eze only 30 mins
🔸Rice, Mosq injuries
🔸Rice, Zubi look tired & needed on Sat early kick-off
December 3, 2025 at 9:33 PM
So much to digest from that:
🔹O & White come through strong with 90 mins under their belt
🔹Clean sheet with a much-changed defence, Raya brilliant
🔹Saka, Eze only 30 mins
🔸Rice, Mosq injuries
🔸Rice, Zubi look tired & needed on Sat early kick-off
🔹O & White come through strong with 90 mins under their belt
🔹Clean sheet with a much-changed defence, Raya brilliant
🔹Saka, Eze only 30 mins
🔸Rice, Mosq injuries
🔸Rice, Zubi look tired & needed on Sat early kick-off
Villa have won 12 of their last 14 games. Next up for injury-depleted Arsenal, Villa (a).
December 3, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Villa have won 12 of their last 14 games. Next up for injury-depleted Arsenal, Villa (a).
I cannot express how much relief I felt when that Saka goal went over the line
This had all the ingredients for a late sucker-punch
Sitters missed by Merino and Saka
Tired midfield getting stretched
Extra injuries and all change in defence
Brentford set-piece threat
😅
This had all the ingredients for a late sucker-punch
Sitters missed by Merino and Saka
Tired midfield getting stretched
Extra injuries and all change in defence
Brentford set-piece threat
😅
December 3, 2025 at 9:26 PM
I cannot express how much relief I felt when that Saka goal went over the line
This had all the ingredients for a late sucker-punch
Sitters missed by Merino and Saka
Tired midfield getting stretched
Extra injuries and all change in defence
Brentford set-piece threat
😅
This had all the ingredients for a late sucker-punch
Sitters missed by Merino and Saka
Tired midfield getting stretched
Extra injuries and all change in defence
Brentford set-piece threat
😅
Hincapie and Timber are wide CBs or FBs. We're now having to play without an out and out CB and a brand new pairing, again.
Let's hope Saliba is back for Saturday.
Let's hope Saliba is back for Saturday.
Our three out and out CBs all injured. What is going on man.
December 3, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Hincapie and Timber are wide CBs or FBs. We're now having to play without an out and out CB and a brand new pairing, again.
Let's hope Saliba is back for Saturday.
Let's hope Saliba is back for Saturday.
Our three out and out CBs all injured. What is going on man.
December 3, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Our three out and out CBs all injured. What is going on man.
Fabulous work from the fresh right-hand side of Madueke and White, the latter grabbing a brilliant assist for Merino who heads in decisively again!
December 3, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Fabulous work from the fresh right-hand side of Madueke and White, the latter grabbing a brilliant assist for Merino who heads in decisively again!
Our greatest bench of all time?
Would like to have seen one of Eze/Saka on the wings, and Gyokeres start but otherwise happy with the XI.
Not convinced Odegaard/Merino pair gives us enough central force.
Important Martinelli and Madueke perform, big opportunity for them.
Would like to have seen one of Eze/Saka on the wings, and Gyokeres start but otherwise happy with the XI.
Not convinced Odegaard/Merino pair gives us enough central force.
Important Martinelli and Madueke perform, big opportunity for them.
December 3, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Our greatest bench of all time?
Would like to have seen one of Eze/Saka on the wings, and Gyokeres start but otherwise happy with the XI.
Not convinced Odegaard/Merino pair gives us enough central force.
Important Martinelli and Madueke perform, big opportunity for them.
Would like to have seen one of Eze/Saka on the wings, and Gyokeres start but otherwise happy with the XI.
Not convinced Odegaard/Merino pair gives us enough central force.
Important Martinelli and Madueke perform, big opportunity for them.
Bournemouth are quietly on a terrible run. Down to 14th. Chelsea & Man Utd next.
December 2, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Bournemouth are quietly on a terrible run. Down to 14th. Chelsea & Man Utd next.
Seeing far too much complacency for tomorrow's game. So much change already at heart of our defence.
I'd keep changes to Odegaard & Gyokeres + Saliba & Leo (when fit) to come in over the next two, then use Brugge & Wolves games as chance to significantly reduce load on likes of Timber, Saka, Rice.
I'd keep changes to Odegaard & Gyokeres + Saliba & Leo (when fit) to come in over the next two, then use Brugge & Wolves games as chance to significantly reduce load on likes of Timber, Saka, Rice.
December 2, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Seeing far too much complacency for tomorrow's game. So much change already at heart of our defence.
I'd keep changes to Odegaard & Gyokeres + Saliba & Leo (when fit) to come in over the next two, then use Brugge & Wolves games as chance to significantly reduce load on likes of Timber, Saka, Rice.
I'd keep changes to Odegaard & Gyokeres + Saliba & Leo (when fit) to come in over the next two, then use Brugge & Wolves games as chance to significantly reduce load on likes of Timber, Saka, Rice.
When you look at the lack of relief available to Zubimendi and Rice and the quality at LB in Calafiori, Hincapie, (Timber) + couple that with the struggles MLS has at LB (1vs1, defensive awareness), surely it is worth giving MLS some midfield time?
December 2, 2025 at 5:40 PM
When you look at the lack of relief available to Zubimendi and Rice and the quality at LB in Calafiori, Hincapie, (Timber) + couple that with the struggles MLS has at LB (1vs1, defensive awareness), surely it is worth giving MLS some midfield time?
Rice, Timber, Zubimendi and Calafiori are the only Arsenal outfielders that have not been injured this season. We are only 13 games in.
November 30, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Rice, Timber, Zubimendi and Calafiori are the only Arsenal outfielders that have not been injured this season. We are only 13 games in.