Mike McDonald @mike_mmcdonald Twitter profile

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

My article on Mikel Arteta’s long term plan at Arsenal. ICYMI

LE GROVE

@LeGrove

3 years

If you were wondering what the hell Mikel Arteta is attempting at Arsenal, this write up by @mike_mmcdonald is excellent. He’s a coach IRL, so has a very nice way of explaining complex ideas. Enjoy! I did

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

Only does this because he knows he’s protected

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

VAR decided that Grealish clearly tripping himself was a penalty. I think there is something going on that will come out soon.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

When a footballer has a free pass @FA_PGMOL

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

9 months

ARSENAL EXCLUSIVE ❤️ Thomas Partey is fully fit. He told us personally.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

I forgot

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

I think this was the moment that I felt convinced that Arsenal had made the right choice. I’ve never seen such confidence in somebody who has never done the job before in his life. It’s intoxicating.

Calum

@CalArsenal

2 years

I went back and watched Arteta’s first press conference. He’s done exactly what he said he would do.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

Arsenal update 1... Watching Stuttgart versus Hertha Berlin. Guendouzi disappointing. Kills his game as he never scans so only sees what’s in front of him. Passes backwards too often. Mavropanos impresses me more every game. Confident, great in the air and on the ball.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

I can see Bernardo Silva making sense for Arsenal. * Hybrid player who can play AM, wide or CM * Offers goals from midfield * Worked with Arteta before * Pressing monster

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

We could rest Saka sometime by bringing on his twin brother. What a future Arsenal have 😳

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

8 months

This is how the next fixtures feel right now…. Arsenal v PGMOL and Brighton Liverpool and PGMOL v Arsenal Arsenal v PGMOL and West Ham This is actually not supposed to be a joke.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

Ramsdale’s situation is summed up by a quote from Liam Brady. When Brady was the head of the Academy, he spoke to the parents and in particular, the new scholars. He told them,” My job is to find somebody better than you. Your job is to make sure I don’t.” Ruthless, but fair.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

@SpagBol80 But nobody is even talking about it To cheat against your boyhood club is also shameful

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

The ultimate way to take a penalty kick as long as you can get enough power.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

Hi @FA_PGMOL 👋🏻 You don’t know me. I’m not important. What is interesting though is that I’ve had 1.1 million views from 2 tweets about Scott McTominay’s playing style. People are angry. People are close to the edge. You might want to consider what your officials are doing.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

@ZaizaiMUFC But the question is isn’t that violent conduct? It’s a judo move. It’s more violent than 90% of the stuff that gets a red card for violent conduct.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

If Arteta ever leaves Arsenal, I think I want this guy in charge

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

The different ways joy is expressed. The best photo of the PL season so far

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

Arsenal chasing Sandro Tonali. Fine player. Pirlo-esque in looks and playing style.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

Rodri has stolen McTominay’s immunity pass

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

@MaldiveGunner It’s cheating

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

If the rumor about Arsenal trying to sign Aaron Hickey is true then this could be a genius move. He is ambidextrous and plays both right and left back for Bologna. Could cover for Tierney and Tomiyasu. It could potentially mean the end of Tavares though.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

@nonewthing Humility is an endearing quality. Try it.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

A few thoughts… 1) We might be surprised by Reiss Nelson. Talent has never been the issue, it’s decision making. That ordinarily improves with age. Don’t write him off. You might remember a time that Nelson was talked about the way Saka has been talked about. If he starts..

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

My 2 cents on Jan window.. - I love that we got rid of players that were causing toxicity or had wrong attitude. - from a coaches perspective I have wished many times in my career to be able to cleanse my locker room. I think what is being underestimated is that our owners…

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

Opposing thoughts. Both true. 1) Arsenal should not be losing to 3 teams who are in 10th, 12th and 13th with little to play for. Our motivation should be greater. 2) Back in mid-August I would’ve taken 3 pts off 4th with a game in hand. No doubt. I choose to focus on 2) 😊

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

8 months

Everything. All of it. Beautiful.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

Should I be mad or happy with Arsenal? - The owners have invested or offered to invest in all of the last few transfer windows - Arsenal desperately needed a complete overhaul of players/staff and they’ve completed this in less than 3 years. - Arsenal needed a culture change…

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

No blog from me in the morning as my Mum just passed away.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

Arsenal have the present and the future secured. If we weren’t top of the league I think we’d fast track Lewis-Skelly.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

The Saliba decision does tell me something. They’ve secured Ben White. They wouldn’t do it otherwise

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

5 years

TRANSFER NEWS..... Just bumped into Stuart McFarlane and David Price (club photographers) in Downtown Charlotte. I asked about transfers about he said, “ They’ll be 1 or 2 next week, maybe more” Sounds much like what is being reported. My guess.... Saliba and Ceballos 😉

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

Everybody loves Granit ❤️

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

@4TheArsenal_ @TL_Mason The pundits in the US are significantly better also. They didn’t pick superstar names like English networks do, they picked Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe who were average premier league footballers but offer intelligent insight

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

7 months

That is surely up there as one of the worst red card decisions I’ve ever seen. Wins the ball well ahead of the opponent. What is he even supposed to do with his leg afterwards? If anything the red card goes the other way

The 44 ⚽️

@The_Forty_Four

7 months

Willy Boly has just been sent off for this… Shocking decision 🫣😳❌

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

Explaining why Juego de Posicion is working at Arsenal Part 2 of my @LeGrove piece.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

If Lee Mason ever comes back to The Emirates 😂

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

Why can’t we get players before they are worth £75M? Ibrahima Bamba is Moises Caicedo before Brighton

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

The ‘new PL rules’ interestingly reflect new society. Protect those who are corrupt so that you can’t criticize them.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

Arsenal update (3).... Saliba vs PSG In short he reminds of Rio Ferdinand. Composed, confident, heads up. Offers deception with his passing 👍🏻 Takes risks but worth pursuing as he can become additional midfielder bringing pressure, pass. Can play RCB or LCB 🤔 Was impressed.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

5 months

I find it fascinating to hear what we see but from a fan of another club

Stefan

@stefan_1299

5 months

Respect to this Palace fan 🔴⚪️

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

From over here in the US I can tell you that Matt Turner reminds me of Aaron Ramsdale. Same insane athleticism Same passion for his team Same commanding figure Vastly improved footwork and distribution. Best guess is that the club highly appreciate AR and want another one

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

Thanks to all that read this. I’ve never had such a positive response since I started writing about Arsenal 🙏🏻

LE GROVE

@LeGrove

3 years

If you were wondering what the hell Mikel Arteta is attempting at Arsenal, this write up by @mike_mmcdonald is excellent. He’s a coach IRL, so has a very nice way of explaining complex ideas. Enjoy! I did

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

@ArsenalBuzzCom @BBCSport The sign of a poor analyst these days seems to be commenting on what happens after they score or the game is over.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

Just cracked 4000 followers. Thank you to everybody that supports my work! Writing has become my passion and after moving from England and it is also become my pub. Don’t get to chat Arsenal to many people in East Tennessee!

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

ElNeny to Turkey…. Let him go, use AMN in midfield and bring in Wilshere on a pay as you play/1 yr low wage contract. He’s 29 and regrets leaving. His motivation would be higher than anyone else.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

Why use Smith Rowe in the video if he is leaving?

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

I think Arsenal will buy Xavi Simons. Why? Listen to Mikel. He’s been trying to find a young winger with the same potential as Saka and Martinelli. He will want this player to play both sides and contribute with similar numbers . That would be Xavi Simons.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

All the best talents in any sport have the same gift. They make look easy what others make look difficult

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

@clivepafc @richardajkeys @FA_PGMOL It’s all intentional. He does this to distract from the fact that he doesn’t understand the modern game. Has to change the narrative because we don’t live in 4-4-2 world and fans want better analysis than ‘they put in a good shift‘

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

Are Arsenal going to sign Dominic Calvert Lewin? Just a feeling.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

6 years

@ltarsenal Thomas Partey Can play with Torreira or DM if Arsenal’s most important player gets injured and RBack competition for Bellerin. Two for one.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

Brentford helping Arsenal with FFP makes me think we’ve identified a RW.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

Raphael Guerreiro would be a very smart signing for Arsenal. Free this summer, been best LB in Bundesliga and can play the inverted Zinchenko role. Thoughts?

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

Quite the compliment that one of the last players on your bench calls you a genius

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

Small detail, big change

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

3 random (and possibly mad) Arsenal predictions for 22/23…. 1) Fabio Vieira to be Arsenal Player of the Season 2) Arsenal will qualify for CL both by winning the Europa League and getting Top 4 3) Arsenal will bid for Frenkie De Jong You??

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

5 years

UPAMECANO and Arsenal Watching him now.... * Excels in striding forward and breaking lines * Intelligence in ‘small fouls’/nudging players off balance fractionally before ball arrives * Two footed, plays centre left back * Similar profile to Umtiti.... strong/quick/smart

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

I’m interviewing Charlie Patino. Thought I’d ask for questions? Looking for questions that are enjoyable for him to think on rather than the regular stuff that everyone will ask him. Always like to find out about the person.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

A really good read

Sash ~

@ltarsenal

3 years

Ahead of the new season, I take an optimistic view and delve into a number of things for us to look forward to - from Partey's first proper season, Aubameyang remontada, progression of our golden generation of youngsters, and more! For @thearsreview :

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

‘A lesson in Trust’ An Arsenal blog from a coach’s perspective

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

4 months

After Arsenal went 2-0 up on Saturday, Brighton had 81% possession. From that point on they had 1 shot on goal. We had 6. Just heard this on @arseblog

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

9 months

Off to see Thomas Partey in Nashville tonight v USA I’ve decided to bring my fishing rod and if he plays more than 45 minutes I shall reel him off the field. Don’t worry.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

De Zerbi coached Mudryk. I’d say that his opinion is more valuable than any scouting report we could get and he has no dog in the fight anymore. Why would he say this if he didn’t think it?

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

… I feel a) hopeful b) excited c) grateful I am far too busy feeling this way to be even close to all of the what if’s. Thank you @Arsenal @m8arteta

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

8 months

Define confidence

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

prediction… Miles Skelly will be on the bench on Wednesday

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

Yesterday… All 6 summer signings involved and flourishing. The other 5 were given contracts by Arteta. His team now 💪🏼

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

4 years

@ltarsenal @adrianjclarke Players pass either where they are told (Arsenal) or to who they trust. Neither in Lacazette’s favour

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

Really good read

Sash ~

@ltarsenal

3 years

It was in April 2011 that Stan Kroenke became Arsenal's majority shareholder. A decade has passed since, with the club experiencing a huge decline. I take an in-depth look into KSE's mismanagement of Arsenal on multiple fronts. For @thearsreview :

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

I’m sure Arsenal have decided on Trossard because the opportunity to win is NOW. He plays on a team with the closest style to Arsenal, won’t have to adjust to PL and can play all across frontline which is the need. For those that don’t like it, at least it’s very intelligent.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

7 months

Please Repost. I don’t want others to be scammed. My friend came all the way from the USA to watch Arsenal today. @Matthelyo scammed him for $200. I can’t imagine finally getting to the Emirates turnstiles to get turned away. His one chance. After trying to help…

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

Gabriel Jesus to replace Xhaka at left eight. A small thread…

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

if you are going to hold hands and dance in a circle, you better score.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

Matt Turner considered the best player in the MLS. A very good read

The Most Valuable Soccer Player In America Is A Goalkeeper

Quick, who’s the most valuable player in your favorite sport? If you’re a football fan, odds are you thought of a quarterback and not a defensive lineman; in ba…

fivethirtyeight.com

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

5 years

Tierney watch... Had a solid 62 mins before being subbed. Looks like a more tenacious and perhaps quicker version of Bellerin. Impressed with his work ethic even though he was obviously tired. Picks head up quickly and saw options offensively.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

‘When you read the book from the beginning’ An Arsenal blog from a coach’s perspective

When you read the book from the beginning – solid foundations allow Arsenal to demolish Chelsea’s...

‘When you read the book from the beginning’ An Arsenal blog from a coach’s perspective I want to start with an admission. I have barely looked at the Premier League table for many many years. My...

gunnerstown.com

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

Very sad to hear about Maria Petri. Our Arsenal experience, for those that go to the games, was affected by Maria. For those that don’t know Maria, she was by far the loudest voice at every Arsenal game. Her absence at games will be noticed, of that there is no doubt 🥲

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

@United_Theory Interesting example of full speed

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

Proof of Arsenal’s improvement… 1 year ago Tierney was one of our most important players

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

New Arsenal 2 Old Arsenal 1 An Arsenal blog from a coaches perspective. PNH Expanded podcast 🎙included

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

I left my son in my office whilst I had a meeting. He asked if he could put letters on this board I was given. This is what he chose to do 💪🏼😂

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

7 months

Before VAR “With this technology we can correct those moments when refs are conned” Today

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

5 years

I DO NOT think that Arsenal are looking to change coach just yet. The goal of CL is still attainable. They will however have a shortlist and a favourite. If it blows up soon, Ljungberg may get temporary charge but the coach who may get it is Marcelo Gallardo at River Plate.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

4 years

The 3 Year Plan by @mike_mmcdonald

Gunners Town

@GunnersTown

4 years

Revealed – Arteta’s Three Year Champions League-Winning Plan by @mike_mmcdonald @GunnersTown on . Enj•y | Share? #Arsenal

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

5 months

A wild suggestion…. We don’t buy a striker in the summer. They trust Kai in particular. Instead they go after Musiala to play left 8. OR They buy a 2nd choice striker that is a target man option, paying less and put the extra on Musiala. He’s elite and available

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

Honestly, this is what Arsenal lack. As I said in my blog today, we rarely score ‘simple’ goals. Balogun’s superpower is balls behind the defence. This is now his 15th of the season and so many of them are uncomplicated.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

That seems like a seminal moment for Nelson.🤔 ESR struggles to impress, Trossard gets hurt and up steps Reiss

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

A day for Arteta False POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES A technical and tactical Arsenal blog with PNH Expanded podcast 🎙

Gunners Town

@GunnersTown

3 years

3D day for Arteta’s Arsenal at Anfield as Determination, Discipline and Direction shut out Liverpool by @mike_mmcdonald on . Enj•y | Share? #Arsenal

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

@ArtdeRoche Art... I wanted to make sure you know how many appreciate the questions you ask. The vast majority of journalists ask non-tactical questions to an innovative tactical coach, apart from you. This has needed to change for generations. I know it’s because most don’t understand...

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

4 years

Arsenal need better experienced players. Willian can play 4 positions and will shortly be playing for a hybrid coach that changes formation multiple times during a game. We struggle to retain possession like we used to. We desperately need creativity. 5 reasons here ⬆️, more ⬇️

Sky Sports Statto

@SkySportsStatto

4 years

⭐Willian – in PL last season (Chelsea rank in brackets): 9 goals (joint 2nd) 7 assists (1st) 76 chances created (1st) 249 passes into opposition box (1st) 176 crosses (1st)

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

…. are unique in trusting our coach who wants a positive atmosphere. I’d say there are many coaches of big clubs around Europe that would love to have this. I think we deserve credit for this. - I wonder if the decision not to bring in even a loan Striker was…

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

1 year

If you want to be a true family, then act like you really care about other peoples families. It’s what they care about most, just like we do. Love the heart at Arsenal ❤️

afcstuff

@afcstuff

1 year

Edu Gaspar giving gifts to Kai Havertz’s family on his first day as an Arsenal player earlier this month. ❤️ #afc

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

4 months

This broke my heart and now it’s making me sad all over again.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

3 years

Arsenal update 1.... Mavropanos and Maitlind-Niles In short I think Mavropanos has a chance of replacing Saliba if Saliba doesn’t return. His skillset is large.... Stuttgart use him to set the play as his passing range is very impressive both between the lines and diagonally...

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

8 months

The commentator here in the USA just said something remarkable. Richarlison has never scored for Spurs with his feet 😳😂 I’d give all my wages back if I’d played striker for 2 years and not scored with my feet. Or chop them off.

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Mike McDonald

@mike_mmcdonald

2 years

Has anyone else noticed that Raphael Leao has a similar swagger and playing style to Thierry Henry?