Never fully felt in control. Their press has been effective in forcing Saliba to carry the ball quite a bit.

Should we be more concerned about the lack of scoring rather than the absences of Saliba and Gabriel at the moment? Shift tactics to outscoring opponents (or at least skew more heavily towards attack) maybe removing one of Ode or Zubi? #arsecastextra

Surprised Arteta didn’t consider Ben White an option at CB, where he used to play. Someone who knows the league well and would have perhaps brought more control.

Meh about this. Rwanda no paradise but I thought it was nice to have some African rep on the shirt… and all this while team wear/play at the Emirates (UAE major supporter and weapons exporter to Sudan opposition). But fine Rwanda is out let’s see how much of this was business vs. ‘ethics’.

I’m hoping next goal we concede is an own goal. Just to rub it in.

Actually think Newcastle would become even more likely to hold on to Isak out of spite if they get rolled over (as is looking probable).

Put Nwaneri and Tross on for MLS and Partey. In next 5 mins

Agree especially as there is a risk of demand disappearing at end of season (if team not competing for league) and then you’re stuck unable to sell on the exchange esp if your seat isn’t great. You’re just passing the problem on to next ST holder.

True but might only be on an issue by issue basis, not an all encompassing realignment (i.e. what happens between US and Iran, N. Korea or other Russian allies?). Don’t think long term effects of this will be immediately clear though seems inevitable that some new European-led alliance will emerge.

A team that will get a second wind before long I’m sure. Bad result but performance (and chances) good enough to win. All it takes is a couple positive results (starting this weekend) and maybe some rotation to give some players mental break (start Sterling, Merino, Cala, Kiwior).

Beginning to wonder if absence of lez doo dis mentions from the arsecast extras is to blame…

Trossard and Havertz both didn’t offer enough and contributed to poor first half. Felt a bit like a Sterling game, or someone who could carry the ball a bit more. Long season ahead still but frustrating.

Great piece. Thank you for filling moral leadership vacuum left by politicians. Expect FIFA will continue to prevaricate on a decision until war is over.

Red army!