Right I want this argument to end, but you can't keep making things up and expect me to not reply back. It's got nothing to do with overrating the EPL and everything to do with the fact that the Portuguese league isn't strong. Objectively, UEFA rank Portugal as the 6th strongest league in Europe: https://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/uefarankings/country/#/yr/2021 Even if you want to base it on subjective attributes like excitement, skill and competition, it's not mentioned anywhere near the considered top 5: https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/ranking-top-5-football-leagues-europe/2 Statista have done an analysis on the leading European football leagues. Portugal is not even mentioned: https://www.statista.com/study/64713/leading-football-leagues-in-europe/ You're totally wrong if you think the Portuguese league is comparable to the Premier League. Again, you've mischaracterised my argument. That wasn't what I said. I said you have to look at the quality of the team and the league that players move to. Benfica, and the Portuguese league, right now, aren't up there at all. It's not even close to be honest. Eriksen wanted to go, they tried to keep him and he rejected any proposals of a new deal. What could they do to stop Bale joining Real Madrid? Not a good example. Likewise with Modric, who was also refusing to play. Spurs were effectively powerless in both instances. Defoe was past his best when Spurs sold him. The only one you have a valid point with is Dembele. But that situation does not compare with Vertonghen's. He didn't win the Champions League with Porto, so that's wrong. He also didn't win the league with Porto 4 times, so that's also wrong. Secondly, this argument is so asinine and reductive. A player's CV does not reflect their ability. If we're basing this on silverware alone, Anderson when he was at Man United was one of the greatest to ever play the game. As was Jose Pinto at Barcelona. As was Belletti at both Barcelona and Chelsea. You need to apply context and you haven't. This is your opinion and not the one of most Arsenal fans, who you claimed many were clamouring to sign him. There's no real evidence for this at all. The fact is, as skilful and technically gifted as he may have been, you need more than that to succeed. That article you showed me proves my point - he's had to totally remodel his game, to now playing as a defensive-minded midfielder, in a substantially inferior league, to get minutes.
What are you talking abou?. You are the one with the lengthy non-sensical replies. My point has always been that Benifica have a decent team. Thats it. Again - there's nothing objectively true here. Other than the UEFA ranking of the Potuguese league. However those rankings are somewhat subjective in themselves. https://www.football-coefficient.eu/coefficient/ Also looking at this Spain are now higher than England. Do you think the EPL is weaker than Spain? Personally I think the German Bundesliga is currently better than LaLiga. (and it's ranked 3rd) I rank a league on the level of player. Portugal has consistently produced some of best players in Europe for decades. Along with the fact its the first stop for many South American players. Portugal is a relatively small country with a small economy many of these players go to Spain/Italy/UK to earn the big bucks. Doesnt change the fact theres a huge pool of talent there. I never said said it was as good as the EPL it's just not as far behind as you seem to think. And in all honesty I think the arrogance about the EPL superiority borders on racism at times. He won the Europa league not the Champions League my mistake but yes he did win the League multiple times. Vélez Argentine Primera División: 2009 Clausura[49] Porto Primeira Liga: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13[49] Taça de Portugal: 2010–11[49] Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2011, 2012, 2013[49] UEFA Europa League: 2010–11[49] Taça da Liga runner-up: 2012–13[49] Manchester City Premier League: 2017–18, 2018–19[2] FA Cup: 2018–19[57] Football League/EFL Cup: 2015–16,[58] 2017–18,[59] 2018–19,[60] 2019–20[61] FA Community Shield: 2018,[62] 2019[63] Argentina Copa América runner-up: 2015, 2016[49] Individual South American Team of the Year: 2009[6] La Liga Team of the Season: 2014–15[64] Copa América Team of the Tournament: 2015,[44] 2016[65] PFA Team of the Year: 2017–18 Premier League[66] Now you are just clutching at straws. A player who can adapt and do well in a new role shows quality. I'm happy to agree to disagree. I am saying Benfica are a decent side nothing more
And my point to you is that they aren't as good as you seem to think they are. 'Decent' compared to what? But I can tell we're not going to agree on this, so I'll leave it there. If you want to go by this definition, then everything is subjective. In any case, I will trust the official governing bodies in Europe and data analysts/statisticians who predominately agree that Portugal is one of the weaker European leagues. You can disagree if you want, but I don't think many will share your view. Based on what? Also, you can't be racist to nationalities - nationalities aren't the same thing as race. If you mean Xenophobia, then that's a different argument altogether. Again though, even if that is what you meant, I don't think that's true, either. I was being a pedant but you said he won the league 4 times with Porto. He hasn't, as you've just demonstrated yourself by copying and pasting his honours-list from Wikipedia. You've been getting facts wrong, made a series of unsubstantiated claims and shifted the goalposts throughout, but I'm the one clutching at straws? I think you need to re-read your posts with a fresh mind.
I dont have time to argue with you every little point here. Frankly I find you a tedious person. There are 32 main professional European League members. Portual are ranked sixth so to claim it one of the 'weaker' leagues is clearly false. There are 900 Clubs in Europe Benfica are currently ranked 20th. Putting them in the TOP 0.5% In other Arbitary World Rankings they are placed 38th In the World. One place ahaed of Arsenal. https://footballdatabase.com/ranking/world/1 Its obectively true they are a a great Club who produce a constant stream of World Class talent. A few of the players you banded poor will no doubt end up being called World Class playing for one of Europes current Big Boys.
City Just look more ruthless than us. They look like they are going to score whenever they get in our box. We look alot less dangerous. This is the area Arteta really needs to improve things.
Conceding a goal within 3 minutes of the game is criminal.. Just plain criminal. The best we can finish is 9th, the manager is completely out of his depth, will he learn? Maybe in 7yrs time? You cannot have L Plates round your neck and be in charge of Arsenal!
We've actually been Ok though. City are back to there old selves - properly ruthless but it's still been a close game. Still all to play for. Saka and Tierney are always perpetual motion. Wish the whole 11 could show this energy.
Good question! I guess, there are a few teams of late we should just hand 6pts to at the beginning of the season.. Liverpool being one of such teams!
I would throw on all 3 subs now. Bring on Smith Rowe, Lacazette and Martinelli. Take Auba, Pepe and Elneny off.
You think they use in game stats to change things tactically much? Looking at the game we've won 77.9% of aerial duels. Why not attempt to Sam Allardyce this one and just concentrate on firing crosses in.
Sigh. Arteta really seems poor at getting the best out of his strikers. 18 straight wins for City. Impressive
Also I’m going to mention David luiz joking around with the Portuguese city players at the end. Laughing, joking - does he care? You’ve just lost a game; this type of thing really irks me. I find it unacceptable