The Best A Man Can Get

Or, A German at St George's

Kick Off

Hello friends, it’s been a while hasn’t it! Pretty sure I might have started the last newsletter like this but hey ho, when it’s true it’s true.

I don’t know about anyone else but this has felt like a weird season so far? It’s almost like I’ve been watching it through a Vaseline smeared lens, and not in a romantic, dreamy way, more in an unreal, is-this-really-happening way.

This was none more apparent than during the City game (City Arsenal for any newcomers who have yet to discover my allegiances) which was both the most stressful and the weirdest game I’ve ever watched. It was just so so odd and felt so peculiar. We’re long past it now though so I’m not going to get into the Discourse around it, mostly because honestly, who cares? Say what you want.

There have of course been some fun moments. Villa are proving good value and of course Jhon Duran specifically; Spurs’ collapse against Brighton was delicious but on the flip side, their win against United also warmed the cockles (in as much as a Spurs win can do for an Arsenal fan). Everton losing a 2-0 lead for two games in a row provided good content and of course we have to mention Brentford’s determination to score in the first minute (or so) of every game.

I admit that the fervour I had for EVERYTHING football between 2021 when I started this and 2023 has diminished somewhat and I’ve lost touch with most of what’s happening in Europe. Much of this has to do with access to games over here. I may be wrong but aside from the odd La Liga game on ITV4, the only leagues we have now are the Bundesliga which is shown sporadically and often on a hidden channel on Sky and Serie A which is on TNT Sport but treated like a nuisance with no Golazo or anything like that anymore. Ligue 1, which I enjoyed dipping into occasionally, mainly for Jonathan Pearce’s constant outrage, is now on some Ligue 1 specific channel which would require shelling out even more money. It’s annoying but *Bart Simpson saying the line face* that’s capitalism kids!

Yesterday (October 15th) however, stepped up and became a great day on football Twitter after the announcement in the morning that Jonas Eidevall was stepping down as Arsenal Women’s coach and then the confirmation in the evening that Thomas Tuchel has been appointed England manager.

Both bits of news made me feel giddy. The first so giddy that I immediately renewed my Arsenal Red membership (the truth is, I’d simply forgotten to do it, I wasn’t withholding it until Jonas went or anything like that) and the second well, whenever anything happens that sets Twitter alight this (see below) is how I describe how I feel and boy, do I feel like that right now.

The truth is, I think Tuchel will be a great manager for England. And the thing is, I just like him and would even go as far as to say I fancy him. I mean let’s lay it on the line here: I fancy him. He’s hot and he amuses me, what more do you want?

And then of course there was Sir Alex Ferguson being ‘taken out’ by INEOS with the termination of his £2m pa ambassador role. It was quiet for a while, which disappointed me, you know what United fans are like (yes yes and ours and everyone else’s) but then, to the rescue, Rio Ferdinand and Eric Cantona.

Half Time

Some articles to dip into

Hector Bellerin on Arsène Wenger

A deep dive into the Saudis ownership of Newcastle United

23 Alternative England Managers

And why not visit/subscribe to The Cutback for all your women’s football needs

Full Time

Here is a round up of some of the best Content from as far back as I can be arsed to scroll on Twitter dot com :)

For whatever reason, Kai Havertz let his hunger get the better of him mid-match

This is a video so you have to click through but it’s Eintracht Frankfurt’s under-9s goalie and well, just watch it.

I went back a week and got bored so that’s your lot :)

Drip of the Week

This week, much like me in three weeks time, we’re going to South America and in this case, to Colombia, for their 100th anniversary shirt.

I love this. It’s just so clean and pretty. The collar is divine, the colours look fantastic. It’s a real winner.

Thirst Trap

I mean, honestly, who else could it be? Look at him, LOOK AT HIM.

He’s so handsome: has such a beautiful profile, has hair you want to touch, a smile that makes you melt, lips that are so kissable. And he also seems like a bit of a goof, he’s sweet and funny and he seems to adore being part of the Arsenal. Plus, he’s a great player. I love him.

Yes, OK, I’ll name him, it’s Riccardo Calafiori of course *swoon*

And that’s all folks! Short and sweet. Will there be an issue next week? Who can say! Not me! But here’s hoping eh?

Until then take care and be good and try and get some sleep and fresh air at some point. Ciao!