We’re into the second week of the first Interlull of the new season and it’s fair to say it’s very quiet on the Arsenal front.
That said, a few of the players have popped up in the media while away, here’s a round-up of quotes you might have missed…
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Declan Rice on the players in his position that he admires…
The main one in the Premier League is Rodri, he’s incredible, the way he works, the way he keeps that Man City team ticking, he’s a top player. [Thomas] Partey when I come to Arsenal, he was incredible and has been up until his injury. [Aurelien] Tchouameni at Real Madrid, he’s a youngster as well, he’s aggressive, gets on the ball, goes forward with it, he’s very good. The one who surprised me so much, not surprised me because I knew he was such a good player anyway, but playing with him every day in training and seeing how he is because he’s not the biggest, is Jorginho. He is like, his brain, the way it works as a holding midfielder, I’ve just been trying to pick up little things off him. He’s always in position, always knows when to pass, always creates time for himself. He’s an outstanding trainer and I’ve been trying to take little bits from his game as well. I’m trying to learn from everyone. I’m only 24 and I’ve got all the abilities myself but still things to add to get to the top.
Source: Channel 4
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Martin Odegaard on Norway being under pressure after four games of their qualifying group…
Pressure is part of football. I enjoy that. I like to play under pressure and with expectations. It is part of the game. We have put ourselves in a more difficult situation than we had hoped for, but if we win the rest of the games, I think we have a good chance. None of us have given up on qualification. It is entirely possible. It is absolutely crucial for us to win this match [against Georgia]. We go into that match with maximum motivation.
Source: VG
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Takehiro Tomiyasu on his first beer…
After just one sip, I was hooked.
Source: JFA YouTube channel
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Kieran Tierney on wanting to grow as a person and player in Spain…
Clearly, it’s a big change for me. Culturally, the league, the language, everything is different. But you have to embrace it and put yourself in uncomfortable positions sometimes. You just have to enjoy it, go make the most of it and learn everything you can. I want to grow as a person and grow as a player and that’s my ambition.
Source: FootballScotland
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William Saliba on connecting with his Arsenal teammates…
Of course when I was on loan, I was not here every day so you are not as close to everyone and part of the group. That’s normal. But as soon as you get here, you feel you are part of the team, and you are part of the family. I’ve felt like more a part of the family since I came here after the loan spells, and that’s how it is here. There’s a great feeling here and football is like that anyway. Every year new players come into the group, and the others make them feel welcome. It’s the same this year too. New players have joined, we did not know them before, but you help them become part of the family. You learn about everyone, about every culture.
Source: Arsenal.com
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Cedric on the importance of putting the collective first…
We’re very supportive of each other, we’re a family, even when we’re not playing. Everyone wants to play and I also always really want to play, that’s what makes me competitive in football. It’s what gets me to training every day with that determination, but also to realise that we have to contribute, even if we’re not in the squad sometimes. That is the aspect I think I developed a lot at Arsenal. Sometimes you have to work for the group and not focus so much on yourself individually.
Source: DAZN (via Yahoo News)
I think Arsenal fans have massively underrated Jorginho. To have someone of his stature happy to play the role he has, and still has plenty to offer on the pitch, says so much about Arteta’s squad building ability.
Hope we get a couple more years out of him.
As one of many who were unhappy when we hired Jorginho I wouldn’t mind seeing more of him on the pitch now.
There is space in the cups, but for the EPL and champs league, in place of who?
Partey when he isn’t clicking.
Partey has a hard time staying fit and I think is disappearing to Afcon
He’s no Willian
Jorginho doesn’t play enough to assess but Willian did.
You could quote anything from that JFA video but of course you had to pick the one about his first beer!
Yeah. Because it was funny.
Once it hits your lips – it’s so good!
A beat later…
We’re streaking!
*Old Skool/Will Ferrell classic
He could’ve also made a silly pun, like calling him Take-beer-o Tomiyasu. But he didn’t. Because he has class, and wouldn’t just do anything for a cheap laugh.
I, on the other hand…
You could say glass half full vs half empty. I love Tomiyasu
Gotta love Tomi, I know the feeling
One of my favourite things about Arsenal now is above average players don’t even mind being on the bench. That’s what happens when you know there are good players all around you.
Good to see Declan is still learning, just learning and growing, picking up bits and bobs… if he goes on like this he might see football in a completely different way.
I can see a scenario ( due to our tight numbers at the back since losing Jurien), whereby Cedric plays more and more as the schedule intensifies.
Of course it will be through necessity, rather than preference, but that’s when you need the plucky little characters to show up.
I like his cheery face and attitude, and yes, he got a good deal by all accounts, but he’s ready to do his bit when called upon.
He might be a little annoying to most Gooners, but just mildly. He’s got enough in him to at least put a decent performance on the pitch if not extraordinary. Also can’t dislike the guy after his fight with Laca on Prime.
How come Cedric was again interviewed? he is not on international duty, nor he is playing at Arsenal. On the other hand, maybe this itself is the reason, the guy simply has more time on his hands. Some people relax and watch movies, other go shopping, Cedric gives interviews…
This interview will be the highlight of his season and end up on his wikipedia page for 2023/24.
They told him there was a photographer there……….
In other news, today – FINALLY – a Manchester United defender scored against an Arsenal goalkeeper.
Southgate rightly sticking with Maguire.
A brilliant goal poacher…..
I thought Ramsdale played pretty well, especially against a team as strong as France. What do you mean that wasn’t France? Look at the kit.