Top recent posts by British Football Journalism Community on Bluesky

I keep seeing supposedly progressive podcasts saying “the problem is that people feel like they just can’t talk about these issues” while these issues are frequently the *only* thing that people are talking about 😩

Still one of the bleakest quotes I have ever read, from one of George W Bush’s senior advisers.

My son just asked if I remembered last time Arsenal went 8 games without conceding… in 1903. I’ve been totally done here 😆

Comfortable enough in the end. Second goal was really lovely from Trossard and Merino, the third made it safe, so we could make changes. 4 from 4 in the CL so far this season, 0 goals conceded, 12 scored. And with the players we're missing, that shouldn't be taken for granted. Momentum.

Good grief. How much of a fawning toad can one man be?

Max Dowman becomes the youngest-ever player in the Champions League. Aged 15 years and 308 days, he completes the feat by replacing Leandro Trossard against Slavia Prague.

Being told at the height of Black Lives Matter by a very close friend that they were becoming "more and more keen on Boris Johnson" was the turning point, I think. This idea that "the left just needs to reach out to the other side" is often a myth. Where was the outreach from him?

No matter what you want to say about Mikel Merino, he is the most natural finisher we’ve had at the club for ages. Incredible in front of goal.

I can't with Merino, this guy is so funny hahahaha

They’ve got nothing to attack her with, she seems really cool and chill, so they’ve gone with ‘aloof’. The evidence for this in the article? ‘Duwaji has largely steered clear of the cameras’. Presumably if she’d have steered less clear they’d have branded her ‘fame hungry’

Great result. Ugly game, Prague clearly sent out to try and wind Arsenal up. Arsenal dealt with it well and the extra quality made the difference. Special moments for Dowman & Harriman-Annous and yet another clean sheet. 8 in a row now, first time Arsenal have done that for 122 years. Incredible.

FT: Really impressive result for a rotated, injury-hit Arsenal team. Overcame a difficult start really well and took their chances brilliantly - muting a hostile atmosphere in key moments. Eight clean sheets in a row is silly. Trossard + Merino always show up when we need them.

A tricky start to this game, Slavia made it tough but we got on top after that. Penalty was a very European penalty award, but his hand is right by his head. Anyway, Saka made no mistake from the spot. Work still to do, but in decent shape at the break.

We've reached a point where it's going to be infuriating if we next concede when comfortably ahead in a game. Unimaginable that we'd be here if you'd suggested it at any point in the last 20 years.

Merino at centre forward:

This giant striker needs to chill out. Spent the whole half complaining and trying to buy penalties, sit down you jumped up goth.

Wesley Fofana has more points on his licence than Chelsea have earned when he starts for the Blues in the Premier League (46).

True story: what ends up happening is that even as you keep accommodating them because of your respect for them as human beings, their views keep getting more and more regressive and "provocative", and eventually you end up drifting away from them altogether. Very sad but true.

Bukayo Saka has 18 goal involvements in just 20 Champions League appearances for Arsenal (12 goals 6 assists).

I've spent my entire life ruminating on how exactly to say this and @albertburneko.bsky.social just puts it perfectly in one paragraph. American conservatism distilled down to its essence. defector.com/dick-cheney-...

Handballs are such nonsense in Europa but once I saw the replay, it was always being given. I wouldn't want that given for or against Arsenal but what can you do - clinical from Saka.

Arsenal have kept eight clean sheets in a row in all competitions. This is their joint-longest run of shut outs in their history equalling a run in 1903!

BREAKING: USL Championship side North Carolina FC informs players they will not be fielding a team in 2026, per sources. NCFC have a playoff game on Saturday. Sources expect club will finish playoff run. Players with contracts now end after two months. www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...

*stands on soapbox* November 4th is too early for a “buy our Christmas themed merch” email

Mikel youth-hater blocking pathways as usual 🤬

So frustrating about Gyokeres. Had his best half for Arsenal and looked totally fine (barring an elbow right at the end). The international break actually helps us because we’re so short in attacking areas - just get through this week and regroup. Trossard false nine at Sunderland?

Mikel Merino: goalgetter

40 years ago in Naples: Maradona. Juventus. Genius.

Interesting to see Saliba push into midfield tonight, doing a John Stones to try and create overloads but also bait one of the Slavia pressing quartet - freeing the right hand side for Nwaneri and Saka. Fun tactical adjustment to minimise the absence of Zubimendi.

Portugal released these "Pantera Negra" kits, honoring Eusebio on the 60th anniversary of his 1965 Ballon d'Or victory 🇵🇹🔥 Only 1,965 authentic versions were made, and the men's team will wear the shirt in their Nov. 16 match against Armenia.

🚨 Viktor Gyokeres & Gabriel Martinelli out until after international break. Arsenal hoping to get both back in time for NLD on Nov 23. Martinelli left out of Brazil squad & Gyokeres undergoing further assessment on muscular injury. @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...

Arsenal have now gone 12 hours and 56 minutes without conceding a goal.

And here’s my latest cartoon for @faroutmagazine.co.uk faroutmagazine.co.uk/david-squire...

🏖️Here’s this week’s cartoon for @sport.theguardian.com 🍦 www.theguardian.com/football/pic...

Max Dowman becomes the youngest Champions League player in history, the first 15 year old to play in the competition.

👤🇩🇪

If they give that, we might as well pack everything up and go home.

Today I feel .. an Ethan Nwaneri goal.

I don't think we will but it would be worth trying something that isn't Merino up front tonight, ahead of the weekend.

Sources: North Carolina FC has applied for membership to USL's new D1 league, which is set to start in 2028. NCFC's USL membership expires after this season. So club's plan is to wait to return until D1 league starts (with pro/rel). No guarantee they get membership, but that's the plan

Through 10 matches played, take a look at the Premier League logjam 📊

We should let a shot on goal. I’m worried Raya is getting bored during our games.

Only three players have scored more goals in European competition for Arsenal than Bukayo Saka. 42 Henry 18 van Persie 18 Walcott 17 Saka

Bit sloppy. Nice penalty by Saka. I got nothing else.

This dog’s got great memes.

One of Liverpool’s mascots did the “6-7” in front of the camera 😂

Arsenal make it four Champions League wins from four in this season's tournament. They are the second English team since Leeds United in 1969-70 to start a European Cup/Champions League campaign with four victories and four clean sheets. It is now eight games without conceding for Arsenal.

The line up v Slavia

New club record ✅ Arsenal have now won eight consecutive games in all competitions without conceding a goal #UCL

The no-look knighting, always risky

Joey Barton’s comments on social media about pundits Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, and broadcaster Jeremy Vine, were “puerile, infantile behaviour by a grown man” that “went beyond the pale of what is tolerable in society”, Liverpool Crown Court heard on Monday. ✍️ @gregok.bsky.social

✅ 4 wins from 4 in Europe ✅ 11 goals scored, 0 conceded ✅ Eight wins in a row without conceding in all comps ✅ Top of the UCL (temporarily) and PL A good night for Arsenal. Recap the best Opta stats from the game: theanalyst.com/articles/sla...

Western Conference: What we learned in Game 2 & what comes next - Austin weren't ready - Dallas put up a fight - Seattle stoppage slop And as for Portland? Folks, they've got to go Goblin Mode or they've got no chance. www.mlssoccer.com/news/western...

It’s 33 years since Rangers stunned Leeds at Elland Road. So much to see here: - Mark Hateley’s magnificent mullet - An all-time classic Rangers kit - Brilliant Brian Moore commentary - Big man, little man up top - A sensational diving header

Bukayo Saka has now scored as many goals in the Champions League for Arsenal as Olivier Giroud (12). 35 Henry 18 van Persie 15 Walcott 13 Fabregas 13 Ljungberg 12 Giroud 12 Saka 11 Pires

"[...] The AI industry’s most important product at this moment is not a chatbot or a video generator; it’s the story the AI industry is telling about itself". @brianphillips.bsky.social enters AI's coordinates in his torpedo launcher. Superb. www.theringer.com/2025/11/04/t...

🔜

Bukayo Saka has 17 goal involvements in just 19 Champions League appearances for Arsenal (11 goals 6 assists).

Aged just 15 years and 308 days, Max Dowman has become the youngest player ever to play in the Champions League. But who did he knock off top spot? #UCL theanalyst.com/articles/you...

It has taken just 36 seconds after the restart for Arsenal to double their lead over Slavia Prague. Leandro Trossard’s cross is expertly diverted in by stand-in centre forward Mikel Merino. Mikel Arteta’s side are heading top of the Champions League table.

Arise Sir David. The wait is finally over: Beckham, the former England captain and now joint owner of Inter Miami, has been formally knighted at Windsor Castle. But what does the honour actually entail? And what does it mean? 📝 @dtathletic.bsky.social 🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...

Arsenal are hoping to have the attacking pair of Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli back in time to face Tottenham Hotspur after the November international break. More from @gunnerblog.bsky.social 🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...

Declan Rice now has as many PL and UCL assists since joining Arsenal as Martin Odegaard (22). He is only three behind Bukayo Saka. He has played a lot more minutes than either (nearly 1800 over Odegaard) but what development this has been from Rice.

Slavia have started well. They're very energetic and have been brave with their press, we need to get on the ball in midfield and slow things down. Very difficult with no outlet in behind - Merino is dropping (too) deep into midfield at times - that's not doing anything for us tonight.

🎥 "Merino stars while defensive masterclass continues" - Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal | On the Whistle youtu.be/r2PhphBq-tY

Das Toot

Had a great chat with USMNT and Boro midfielder Aidan Morris. On his USMNT return: "It was longer than I would've liked, but that’s life... It’s about having a mindset of not being a victim. What are you going to do when you get the chance?" www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...

Free Newsletter: We continue with offseason guides for all 30 teams! Folks, I regret to inform you that the Galaxy are (gonna be) back. TFC's got more work to do, but they're on the right path. Finally. tacticsfreezone.substack.com/p/offseason-...

Sunderland needed less than a minute of the second half to restore parity against Everton. Granit Xhaka's deflected effort finds its way past Jordan Pickford — Regis Le Bris' side are well on top at the Stadium of Light.

I've been saying it for months: we simply do not have enough players.

Conmebol would consider hosting the Copa Libertadores final outside of South America to help grow the competition globally. Full story from @dansheldon.bsky.social ⬇️ 🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...

Only three players have scored more goals in European competition for Arsenal than Bukayo Saka. 42 Henry 18 van Persie 18 Walcott 16 Saka

“CAICEDO HAS BEEN WORTH EVERY PENNY” 💰 Watch the full MiB Pod at the link below ⬇️

HT: Difficult start but these away games are never easy. It's almost a free hit against us and you can see Slavia are playing with freedom and aggression. Arsenal found it difficult to settle but got there eventually - even if the penalty felt harsh. Blueprint very familiar.

TO WREXHAM, MIGHTY WREXHAM 🐉 Rog raises his Michelob ULTRA to the Red Dragons, who handed Frank Lampard's Coventry their first loss of the season. The Championship is pure unbridled chaos 👀

North Carolina FC makes it official. Owner Steve Malik: "Right now, it’s essential that we focus our immediate resources and energy on strengthening the foundation for professional soccer in Raleigh by continuing to invest in the Courage and resetting our men’s strategy for the future."

Bukayo Saka has now scored as many goals in the Champions League for Arsenal as Robert Pires (11). 35 Henry 18 van Persie 15 Walcott 13 Fabregas 13 Ljungberg 12 Giroud 11 Saka 11 Pires

Miserable conditions here at Anfield for the visit of Real Madrid. That might suit Liverpool, who will be looking to make it as hostile as possible for their illustrious visitors this evening.

notwithstanding the fact the Slavia player also had his foot high, for a second I thought the ref was going to punish Ben White for a high foot (but no contact) in the box which is an INDIRECT FREE-KICK and not a penalty, one of the great niche elements of football

Arsenal are unbeaten in their 10 matches against sides from Czechia, with eight of those ending in wins (D2). The Gunners have scored 27 goals across those 10 games, while only conceding three in return and keeping eight clean sheets.

Liverpool to face Real Madrid: Mamardashvili, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz. Subs: Woodman, Misciur, Gomez, Endo, Kerkez, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Ngumoha.

Arsenal have won three and lost none of their five matches against Slavia Prague in Europe.

Why not Welbz? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Sitting on six goals through 10 matches this season, 34-year-old Danny Welbeck might be forcing England manager Thomas Tuchel into making a call. Should Brighton’s leading scorer get a nod next international break? 🤔

Sunderland could have gone second. They'll have to make do with fourth. Granit Xhaka's deflected strike cancelled out Iliman Ndiaye's wonderful solo goal. Regis Le Bris' side dominated Everton in the second half, but couldn't find a winner. David Moyes' men will rue missed chances of their own.

A Premier League player was allegedly threatened with a firearm by a football agent in London in September. The agent, 31, has since been arrested, police confirmed, after the incident which occurred on Saturday, September 6. Full story from @dansheldon.bsky.social

Just 220 days until the World Cup, baby ⏳

Arsenal managed eight shots on target tonight, a season-high matching the eight they mustered against both Burnley and Atletico Madrid.

Too much from the Mary Earps industrial attention complex now. Maybe time to go for a breather?

That’ll do! LIVE IR IN 5 MIN www.patreon.com/posts/142837...

This looks fascinating. Patrick Modiano and musician Christian Mazzalai have chronicled the history of a single address in Montparnasse, 70bis Rue des Petits Champs, home to Stevenson, Camille Claudel, Henry Ossawa-Tanner, Picasso, Claude Cahun, Ezra Pound and many others over nearly a century.

New! With graphics from Miedemastuff how Arsenal exploited Leicester’s narrow back three on Sunday 🔴Blackstenius had 7 shots as LCFC left channels open ⚪️Hinds inverting in 1st half 🔴LCFC closed up left side in 2nd half but not right side, Emily Fox introduction yielded lots of chances for Stina 👇🏻

San Diego’s Anders Dreyer (19 goals, 19 assists) is the runaway winner of MLS newcomer of the year award. Late-arriving Son Heung-Min (LAFC) was second, Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago) third.

PEP'S TREE IN UCL ACTION TODAY 🪾 Mikel Arteta, Vincent Kompany and Xabi Alonso lead their teams in Champions League matches on Tuesday, all while having them top in their respective leagues 📊

The scene is set #LFC #LIVRMA 🔴

#LFC v Real Madrid: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike. Subs: Woodman, Misciur, Gomez, Endo, Kerkez, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Ngumoha One change 🔴

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit sparked anger more than regret at his old club. But the intervening period has underlined what they are missing. @greggevans40.bsky.social on how Alexander-Arnold’s Anfield legacy is being reassessed and what reception awaits him with Real Madrid.

Erling Haaland has scored 17 goals in 13 games for Manchester City this season, numbers that are akin to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at their best. But the Norwegian doesn't think anybody can "get close" to two of the greatest players in football history. 🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...

Baffled by this big "talking point" stuff at Anfield. Not a chance that was a handball by Tchouameni, whose arm was close to his body. VAR correct.