PB
@olipb.bsky.social
Write/Talk Arsenal. UFC. Comms. BBC Sport Arsenal contributor.
Read my weekly free substack: https://fresharsenal.substack.com/
Read my weekly free substack: https://fresharsenal.substack.com/
Pinned
PB
@olipb.bsky.social
· 9d
Gabriel out for up to 2 months, how Arsenal should manage it
Hincapie, Mosquera or Calafiori? I take a deeper look at the best solutions to Gabriel's absence
fresharsenal.substack.com
🤯Gabriel out for up to 2 months, how Arsenal should manage it
🔸Keep Mosquera on the right
🔸Hincapie & MLS + Calafiori & Hincapie
🔸Cala 'Stones' role or MLS inverting
I detail my preferences & reasons in latest newsletter. Nice, quick & free read!👇
fresharsenal.substack.com/p/gabriel-ou...
🔸Keep Mosquera on the right
🔸Hincapie & MLS + Calafiori & Hincapie
🔸Cala 'Stones' role or MLS inverting
I detail my preferences & reasons in latest newsletter. Nice, quick & free read!👇
fresharsenal.substack.com/p/gabriel-ou...
They'll play together centrally at times, and Eze minutes from the left but
Eze & Havertz
Odegaard & Gyokeres
Pairings in the #10 and #9 could be so good, compliment each other really well
Eze & Havertz
Odegaard & Gyokeres
Pairings in the #10 and #9 could be so good, compliment each other really well
November 27, 2025 at 2:20 PM
They'll play together centrally at times, and Eze minutes from the left but
Eze & Havertz
Odegaard & Gyokeres
Pairings in the #10 and #9 could be so good, compliment each other really well
Eze & Havertz
Odegaard & Gyokeres
Pairings in the #10 and #9 could be so good, compliment each other really well
Next 6, Sunday is huge.
Between Brugge / Wolves games, there big chances to rotate. Need to get some on the fringes up to speed.
Between Brugge / Wolves games, there big chances to rotate. Need to get some on the fringes up to speed.
November 26, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Next 6, Sunday is huge.
Between Brugge / Wolves games, there big chances to rotate. Need to get some on the fringes up to speed.
Between Brugge / Wolves games, there big chances to rotate. Need to get some on the fringes up to speed.
xG
Arsenal 2.72 - 0.69 Bayern
Big chances
Arsenal 7-1 Bayern
Massively deserved Arsenal win, fantastic performance, particularly second half.
Arsenal 2.72 - 0.69 Bayern
Big chances
Arsenal 7-1 Bayern
Massively deserved Arsenal win, fantastic performance, particularly second half.
November 26, 2025 at 10:05 PM
xG
Arsenal 2.72 - 0.69 Bayern
Big chances
Arsenal 7-1 Bayern
Massively deserved Arsenal win, fantastic performance, particularly second half.
Arsenal 2.72 - 0.69 Bayern
Big chances
Arsenal 7-1 Bayern
Massively deserved Arsenal win, fantastic performance, particularly second half.
Last season we run Saka into the ground til 90 mins, ultimately degrading his overall performances and increasing his injury risk.
This year we have game changers on the bench.
All this with all three of our strikers still out injured btw.
This year we have game changers on the bench.
All this with all three of our strikers still out injured btw.
November 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Last season we run Saka into the ground til 90 mins, ultimately degrading his overall performances and increasing his injury risk.
This year we have game changers on the bench.
All this with all three of our strikers still out injured btw.
This year we have game changers on the bench.
All this with all three of our strikers still out injured btw.
Inter Milan have lost in 90+3, meaning Arsenal are 3pts clear at the top of the table! It means top 8 is basically done, should allow for more heavy rotation in Brugge and a full rotation against Kairat.
November 26, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Inter Milan have lost in 90+3, meaning Arsenal are 3pts clear at the top of the table! It means top 8 is basically done, should allow for more heavy rotation in Brugge and a full rotation against Kairat.
Bayern were good first half, but this second half from Arsenal has been sensational.
November 26, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Bayern were good first half, but this second half from Arsenal has been sensational.
OH YEEEEEEEESSSSS
Unbelievable Ebere Eze and the runaway Gabriel Martinelli does it again in the Champions League!
Manuel Neuer, pull your pants up son!
Unbelievable Ebere Eze and the runaway Gabriel Martinelli does it again in the Champions League!
Manuel Neuer, pull your pants up son!
November 26, 2025 at 9:38 PM
OH YEEEEEEEESSSSS
Unbelievable Ebere Eze and the runaway Gabriel Martinelli does it again in the Champions League!
Manuel Neuer, pull your pants up son!
Unbelievable Ebere Eze and the runaway Gabriel Martinelli does it again in the Champions League!
Manuel Neuer, pull your pants up son!
This ref has been abysmal
November 26, 2025 at 9:32 PM
This ref has been abysmal
NONI MADUEKE!
Fantastic link up play to give Arsenal a deserved lead.
Rice, Eze, Calafiori, Madueke ⚽️
Fantastic link up play to give Arsenal a deserved lead.
Rice, Eze, Calafiori, Madueke ⚽️
November 26, 2025 at 9:31 PM
NONI MADUEKE!
Fantastic link up play to give Arsenal a deserved lead.
Rice, Eze, Calafiori, Madueke ⚽️
Fantastic link up play to give Arsenal a deserved lead.
Rice, Eze, Calafiori, Madueke ⚽️
Man City making 10 changes was too much, but it highlights the load going into these players.
White, Madueke/Martinelli and MLS should come into the XI tonight. It doesn’t make us much weaker if at all, and gives some vital respite, particularly to our FBs who are integral.
White, Madueke/Martinelli and MLS should come into the XI tonight. It doesn’t make us much weaker if at all, and gives some vital respite, particularly to our FBs who are integral.
November 26, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Man City making 10 changes was too much, but it highlights the load going into these players.
White, Madueke/Martinelli and MLS should come into the XI tonight. It doesn’t make us much weaker if at all, and gives some vital respite, particularly to our FBs who are integral.
White, Madueke/Martinelli and MLS should come into the XI tonight. It doesn’t make us much weaker if at all, and gives some vital respite, particularly to our FBs who are integral.
Raya
White Saliba Hincapie MLS
Zubi Rice
Saka Eze GM
Merino
Think this would be my Bayern XI, 3 changes.
I'd start Gyokeres if he's fit enough, but hopefully Odegaard and Gyokeres can get good minutes from the bench.
Think PH, MLS & GM is a fantastic LHS for Europe.
White Saliba Hincapie MLS
Zubi Rice
Saka Eze GM
Merino
Think this would be my Bayern XI, 3 changes.
I'd start Gyokeres if he's fit enough, but hopefully Odegaard and Gyokeres can get good minutes from the bench.
Think PH, MLS & GM is a fantastic LHS for Europe.
November 25, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Raya
White Saliba Hincapie MLS
Zubi Rice
Saka Eze GM
Merino
Think this would be my Bayern XI, 3 changes.
I'd start Gyokeres if he's fit enough, but hopefully Odegaard and Gyokeres can get good minutes from the bench.
Think PH, MLS & GM is a fantastic LHS for Europe.
White Saliba Hincapie MLS
Zubi Rice
Saka Eze GM
Merino
Think this would be my Bayern XI, 3 changes.
I'd start Gyokeres if he's fit enough, but hopefully Odegaard and Gyokeres can get good minutes from the bench.
Think PH, MLS & GM is a fantastic LHS for Europe.
2 games a week for the next few weeks and tough fixtures.
How Arteta integrates the rotational players whilst maintaining form is key - White, Mosquera, Madueke etc.
How Arteta integrates the rotational players whilst maintaining form is key - White, Mosquera, Madueke etc.
November 25, 2025 at 12:04 AM
2 games a week for the next few weeks and tough fixtures.
How Arteta integrates the rotational players whilst maintaining form is key - White, Mosquera, Madueke etc.
How Arteta integrates the rotational players whilst maintaining form is key - White, Mosquera, Madueke etc.
How Liverpool have gone from 5 pts clear to 11 pts behind and we are only 12 games in, needs to be studied.
November 23, 2025 at 11:57 PM
How Liverpool have gone from 5 pts clear to 11 pts behind and we are only 12 games in, needs to be studied.
Spurs came with a back five and two DMs, Arsenal score 4 open play goals and people call us Stoke City.
Arsenal have now scored 6 more League goals than Liverpool, who everyone says are exciting and added £350m of forwards this summer.
Arsenal have now scored 6 more League goals than Liverpool, who everyone says are exciting and added £350m of forwards this summer.
November 23, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Spurs came with a back five and two DMs, Arsenal score 4 open play goals and people call us Stoke City.
Arsenal have now scored 6 more League goals than Liverpool, who everyone says are exciting and added £350m of forwards this summer.
Arsenal have now scored 6 more League goals than Liverpool, who everyone says are exciting and added £350m of forwards this summer.
Stunned so many are calling for Mosquera LCB.
Leaving Hincapie and Lewis-Skelly on the bench, elite, fresh left-sided defenders, to make Mosquera play on his weaker side, and pair two aerially poor CBs in Saliba and Mosquera would be incredibly stupid for a number of reasons 🔽
Leaving Hincapie and Lewis-Skelly on the bench, elite, fresh left-sided defenders, to make Mosquera play on his weaker side, and pair two aerially poor CBs in Saliba and Mosquera would be incredibly stupid for a number of reasons 🔽
🤯Gabriel out for up to 2 months, how Arsenal should manage it
🔸Keep Mosquera on the right
🔸Hincapie & MLS + Calafiori & Hincapie
🔸Cala 'Stones' role or MLS inverting
I detail my preferences & reasons in latest newsletter. Nice, quick & free read!👇
fresharsenal.substack.com/p/gabriel-ou...
🔸Keep Mosquera on the right
🔸Hincapie & MLS + Calafiori & Hincapie
🔸Cala 'Stones' role or MLS inverting
I detail my preferences & reasons in latest newsletter. Nice, quick & free read!👇
fresharsenal.substack.com/p/gabriel-ou...
Gabriel out for up to 2 months, how Arsenal should manage it
Hincapie, Mosquera or Calafiori? I take a deeper look at the best solutions to Gabriel's absence
fresharsenal.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Stunned so many are calling for Mosquera LCB.
Leaving Hincapie and Lewis-Skelly on the bench, elite, fresh left-sided defenders, to make Mosquera play on his weaker side, and pair two aerially poor CBs in Saliba and Mosquera would be incredibly stupid for a number of reasons 🔽
Leaving Hincapie and Lewis-Skelly on the bench, elite, fresh left-sided defenders, to make Mosquera play on his weaker side, and pair two aerially poor CBs in Saliba and Mosquera would be incredibly stupid for a number of reasons 🔽
🤯Gabriel out for up to 2 months, how Arsenal should manage it
🔸Keep Mosquera on the right
🔸Hincapie & MLS + Calafiori & Hincapie
🔸Cala 'Stones' role or MLS inverting
I detail my preferences & reasons in latest newsletter. Nice, quick & free read!👇
fresharsenal.substack.com/p/gabriel-ou...
🔸Keep Mosquera on the right
🔸Hincapie & MLS + Calafiori & Hincapie
🔸Cala 'Stones' role or MLS inverting
I detail my preferences & reasons in latest newsletter. Nice, quick & free read!👇
fresharsenal.substack.com/p/gabriel-ou...
Gabriel out for up to 2 months, how Arsenal should manage it
Hincapie, Mosquera or Calafiori? I take a deeper look at the best solutions to Gabriel's absence
fresharsenal.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:19 PM
🤯Gabriel out for up to 2 months, how Arsenal should manage it
🔸Keep Mosquera on the right
🔸Hincapie & MLS + Calafiori & Hincapie
🔸Cala 'Stones' role or MLS inverting
I detail my preferences & reasons in latest newsletter. Nice, quick & free read!👇
fresharsenal.substack.com/p/gabriel-ou...
🔸Keep Mosquera on the right
🔸Hincapie & MLS + Calafiori & Hincapie
🔸Cala 'Stones' role or MLS inverting
I detail my preferences & reasons in latest newsletter. Nice, quick & free read!👇
fresharsenal.substack.com/p/gabriel-ou...
Brilliant finishes from Bukayo Saka and Ebere Eze tonight for England to give them a 2-0 win, playing from the right and left wings 🏴
Can't wait to see that for Arsenal, with Odegaard in the middle!
Difference makers ⚡️
Can't wait to see that for Arsenal, with Odegaard in the middle!
Difference makers ⚡️
November 13, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Brilliant finishes from Bukayo Saka and Ebere Eze tonight for England to give them a 2-0 win, playing from the right and left wings 🏴
Can't wait to see that for Arsenal, with Odegaard in the middle!
Difference makers ⚡️
Can't wait to see that for Arsenal, with Odegaard in the middle!
Difference makers ⚡️
Spurs, Bayern, Chelsea in a week to return is huge.
Two home, all in London and returning players will help. Need to rotate wisely between the three to suit the opposition.
Mikel and coaching staff will be planning every detail over the break.
Two home, all in London and returning players will help. Need to rotate wisely between the three to suit the opposition.
Mikel and coaching staff will be planning every detail over the break.
November 10, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Spurs, Bayern, Chelsea in a week to return is huge.
Two home, all in London and returning players will help. Need to rotate wisely between the three to suit the opposition.
Mikel and coaching staff will be planning every detail over the break.
Two home, all in London and returning players will help. Need to rotate wisely between the three to suit the opposition.
Mikel and coaching staff will be planning every detail over the break.
Do Liverpool fans regret celebrating Sunderland's late goal last night? That's an extra point for their top 5 rivals.
November 9, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Do Liverpool fans regret celebrating Sunderland's late goal last night? That's an extra point for their top 5 rivals.
We've either stayed neutral with City and Liverpool or +1 gained a point on one, -2 on the other.
Don't stress about the outcome, just enjoy the game.
Not long ago, we were 5pts off the top, going into this break at worst we are 4pts clear at the top.
Don't stress about the outcome, just enjoy the game.
Not long ago, we were 5pts off the top, going into this break at worst we are 4pts clear at the top.
November 9, 2025 at 4:08 PM
We've either stayed neutral with City and Liverpool or +1 gained a point on one, -2 on the other.
Don't stress about the outcome, just enjoy the game.
Not long ago, we were 5pts off the top, going into this break at worst we are 4pts clear at the top.
Don't stress about the outcome, just enjoy the game.
Not long ago, we were 5pts off the top, going into this break at worst we are 4pts clear at the top.
Xhaka put his hands on his knees and just hoped as it fell to Merino. Stunning block from Ballard to deny a certain goal.
November 9, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Xhaka put his hands on his knees and just hoped as it fell to Merino. Stunning block from Ballard to deny a certain goal.
£28m for Merino was lambasted as a waste in many parts, as was £27m for Trossard. But what value they have both proven to be.
November 5, 2025 at 11:24 AM
£28m for Merino was lambasted as a waste in many parts, as was £27m for Trossard. But what value they have both proven to be.
Inter have Kairat at home this evening but their final four Champions League fixtures are quite something 🤯
November 5, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Inter have Kairat at home this evening but their final four Champions League fixtures are quite something 🤯
I thought this was the worst Premier League ever? Premier League clubs doing pretty well in the Champions League...
November 4, 2025 at 10:05 PM
I thought this was the worst Premier League ever? Premier League clubs doing pretty well in the Champions League...
Arsenal still have to face Bayern (h) and Inter (a), the only two other teams in the Champions League that have a 100% record.
November 4, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Arsenal still have to face Bayern (h) and Inter (a), the only two other teams in the Champions League that have a 100% record.