Pope Bleacherson IV
@lawnchairpope.bsky.social
Arsenal ⚽ | Bears & Bulls 🏈🏀 | Real talk on sports, politics & pop culture | Comic book junkie | Star Wars skeptic | 🔥 Truth with bite. Sarcasm with purpose.
Before Wenger modernized the club, George Graham restored our identity. Before the Invincibles, he rebuilt the winning culture. And before all the modern eras we debate today, he was the one who proved Arsenal belong at the very top. A true club legend. Happy birthday, George.
November 30, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Before Wenger modernized the club, George Graham restored our identity. Before the Invincibles, he rebuilt the winning culture. And before all the modern eras we debate today, he was the one who proved Arsenal belong at the very top. A true club legend. Happy birthday, George.
He built one of the most iconic backlines ever: Dixon, Bould, Adams, Winterburn — a defensive unit that defined an era and set the standard for what “Arsenal solidity” meant. Then he added Ian Wright, giving us the firepower that took the team to another level.
November 30, 2025 at 9:31 AM
He built one of the most iconic backlines ever: Dixon, Bould, Adams, Winterburn — a defensive unit that defined an era and set the standard for what “Arsenal solidity” meant. Then he added Ian Wright, giving us the firepower that took the team to another level.
At a time when English football was dominated by Liverpool, he delivered League Cups, FA Cups, European trophies — and of course the legendary 1989 title at Anfield, one of the greatest moments in English football history. His impact set the tone for everything that followed.
November 30, 2025 at 9:31 AM
At a time when English football was dominated by Liverpool, he delivered League Cups, FA Cups, European trophies — and of course the legendary 1989 title at Anfield, one of the greatest moments in English football history. His impact set the tone for everything that followed.
Under Arteta, Arsenal have controlled recent meetings. The old Chelsea mental block is gone — replaced by a disciplined, confident side built for big games. A win wouldn’t be an upset. It’d be a continuation of what this era already proves: North London is red.
November 30, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Under Arteta, Arsenal have controlled recent meetings. The old Chelsea mental block is gone — replaced by a disciplined, confident side built for big games. A win wouldn’t be an upset. It’d be a continuation of what this era already proves: North London is red.
The numbers tell the story:
Arsenal concede just 0.8 goals per match and rank top 3 in Europe for xG difference. Fewest big chances allowed. Rice is elite, Saliba is world-class, and Saka/Martinelli drive the attack. Chelsea concede nearly double the xG and collapse under pressure.
Arsenal concede just 0.8 goals per match and rank top 3 in Europe for xG difference. Fewest big chances allowed. Rice is elite, Saliba is world-class, and Saka/Martinelli drive the attack. Chelsea concede nearly double the xG and collapse under pressure.
November 30, 2025 at 8:53 AM
The numbers tell the story:
Arsenal concede just 0.8 goals per match and rank top 3 in Europe for xG difference. Fewest big chances allowed. Rice is elite, Saliba is world-class, and Saka/Martinelli drive the attack. Chelsea concede nearly double the xG and collapse under pressure.
Arsenal concede just 0.8 goals per match and rank top 3 in Europe for xG difference. Fewest big chances allowed. Rice is elite, Saliba is world-class, and Saka/Martinelli drive the attack. Chelsea concede nearly double the xG and collapse under pressure.
That 4–0 feels a long time ago. Newcastle have won five straight at home, and City have shown some vulnerability on the road, making this one a far tighter and more tactical matchup than the reverse fixture.
Here is last year’s match ⬇️
Here is last year’s match ⬇️
November 22, 2025 at 9:45 AM
That 4–0 feels a long time ago. Newcastle have won five straight at home, and City have shown some vulnerability on the road, making this one a far tighter and more tactical matchup than the reverse fixture.
Here is last year’s match ⬇️
Here is last year’s match ⬇️
The context is different today. City come in with 7 wins from their last 11 in all competitions, scoring freely and sitting second in the league with one of the best attacks. Newcastle’s form has been far more uneven, with just 3 wins from their last 10 and only one away league victory this season.
November 22, 2025 at 9:45 AM
The context is different today. City come in with 7 wins from their last 11 in all competitions, scoring freely and sitting second in the league with one of the best attacks. Newcastle’s form has been far more uneven, with just 3 wins from their last 10 and only one away league victory this season.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool fire Arne Slot tomorrow.
November 9, 2025 at 9:39 PM
I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool fire Arne Slot tomorrow.
Run game: 171 yds behind D’Andre Swift (80 yds) & Kyle Monangai (TD). Defense torched early but C.J. Gardner-Johnson (9 tackles, 2 sacks) & Montez Sweat (1½ sacks) forced key Jaxson Dart fumble. Drops & blown coverage made it close, but Bears are 6-3.
#Chicagobears #nfl #CalebWilliams
#Chicagobears #nfl #CalebWilliams
November 9, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Run game: 171 yds behind D’Andre Swift (80 yds) & Kyle Monangai (TD). Defense torched early but C.J. Gardner-Johnson (9 tackles, 2 sacks) & Montez Sweat (1½ sacks) forced key Jaxson Dart fumble. Drops & blown coverage made it close, but Bears are 6-3.
#Chicagobears #nfl #CalebWilliams
#Chicagobears #nfl #CalebWilliams
They’re better than Spurs rn. Full belief we beat Chelsea—drew last year, still smashed them 5-0 same season. We’re better now. Just stop dropping stupid points. Arsenal are our own worst enemy. That’s the only thing stopping us in the league.
November 9, 2025 at 4:59 AM
They’re better than Spurs rn. Full belief we beat Chelsea—drew last year, still smashed them 5-0 same season. We’re better now. Just stop dropping stupid points. Arsenal are our own worst enemy. That’s the only thing stopping us in the league.
Sunderland bought like 20 players this window, no shock they’re a surprise package. Didn’t expect them this good. Drawing them gives me confidence.
November 9, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Sunderland bought like 20 players this window, no shock they’re a surprise package. Didn’t expect them this good. Drawing them gives me confidence.
Wouldn’t mind Nwaneri or Dowman getting a chance. Both have that Saka/Martinelli breakout feel. Sunderland away is always a war—you gotta earn it. People forget how long it’s been since they were in the Prem.
November 9, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Wouldn’t mind Nwaneri or Dowman getting a chance. Both have that Saka/Martinelli breakout feel. Sunderland away is always a war—you gotta earn it. People forget how long it’s been since they were in the Prem.
UCL knockouts, 1v1 destruction, left-footed magic — Leão doesn’t press like a machine. He wins games on his own. Arteta wants engines. Leão brings explosions. Title challengers don’t just need consistency — they need stars who break the game open. That’s him.
November 9, 2025 at 4:45 AM
UCL knockouts, 1v1 destruction, left-footed magic — Leão doesn’t press like a machine. He wins games on his own. Arteta wants engines. Leão brings explosions. Title challengers don’t just need consistency — they need stars who break the game open. That’s him.
Leão’s quality, no doubt — but he’s no Saka clone. Even on an off day, Saka > 80% of the league. Real problem? No left-sided threat beyond even when Viktor tracks over there. I’m pushing for Leão not because he fits Arteta’s press — but because he’s a big-game star who changes systems.
November 9, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Leão’s quality, no doubt — but he’s no Saka clone. Even on an off day, Saka > 80% of the league. Real problem? No left-sided threat beyond even when Viktor tracks over there. I’m pushing for Leão not because he fits Arteta’s press — but because he’s a big-game star who changes systems.
Honestly, this team’s progress is unreal when you think about where we were a few years ago. We’ve gone from scraping results to dominating matches, even without our full attack. Add one more reliable winger, keep everyone fit, and I truly think we can win every competition we’re in.
November 9, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Honestly, this team’s progress is unreal when you think about where we were a few years ago. We’ve gone from scraping results to dominating matches, even without our full attack. Add one more reliable winger, keep everyone fit, and I truly think we can win every competition we’re in.
I’ve said for a while that Saka could play on the left if needed, especially since he broke into the first team as a left back. It’s not crazy to think about him rotating there. And Trossard’s been underrated too; even when the stats don’t pop, he’s looked like one of our most creative players.
November 9, 2025 at 4:30 AM
I’ve said for a while that Saka could play on the left if needed, especially since he broke into the first team as a left back. It’s not crazy to think about him rotating there. And Trossard’s been underrated too; even when the stats don’t pop, he’s looked like one of our most creative players.
As for Semenyo, I’ll be honest I hadn’t thought much about him before you mentioned it. But after looking at some of his stats, I actually like the idea. He’s got 5 goals and 3 assists in 12 Premier League games this season, with 1.6 successful dribbles per match. He honestly could be good for us.
November 9, 2025 at 4:30 AM
As for Semenyo, I’ll be honest I hadn’t thought much about him before you mentioned it. But after looking at some of his stats, I actually like the idea. He’s got 5 goals and 3 assists in 12 Premier League games this season, with 1.6 successful dribbles per match. He honestly could be good for us.
And you’re right about why we fell short the last two title races — it really came down to depth and experience. City had three full starting elevens they could rotate if they wanted to. That kind of squad depth wins you titles.
November 9, 2025 at 4:30 AM
And you’re right about why we fell short the last two title races — it really came down to depth and experience. City had three full starting elevens they could rotate if they wanted to. That kind of squad depth wins you titles.
I agree — getting Jesus back will be massive for us, especially if he can stay healthy (keyword: healthy). When he’s fit, he completely changes the dynamic of our attack.
November 9, 2025 at 4:30 AM
I agree — getting Jesus back will be massive for us, especially if he can stay healthy (keyword: healthy). When he’s fit, he completely changes the dynamic of our attack.
The only thing I can really see adding to this team is another left-winger. The lack of consistent production from that side — even when Trossard or Martinelli score — just isn’t enough. They’ve both had great moments, but we need someone who can be a week-in, week-out starter. Leao the answer?
November 8, 2025 at 11:53 PM
The only thing I can really see adding to this team is another left-winger. The lack of consistent production from that side — even when Trossard or Martinelli score — just isn’t enough. They’ve both had great moments, but we need someone who can be a week-in, week-out starter. Leao the answer?