The Rolling Football Thread: Season 2025/26 - thread 2

[DuncinToffee]

Previous thread

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/sports/5383976-the-rolling-football-thread-season-202526?page=40&reply=147893728

It reminds me of this film, My Penguin Friend, that I watched a few months ago which is based on a true story:

Come on Max!

And hoping for an AHA moment...

Kepa Pig did really well tonight.

Pleased that Nwanari scored.

He did. It's a shame that AHA didn't score.

Apparently, it's the first time we've played 6 games in a month, winning them all and not conceding a goal.

Proud Dad...

Poorly Drawn Arsenal's version!

Oh Tottenham… I’m not sure what I’m hoping to achieve by posting this as they played poorly and this thread is chock-full of Gooners, but still. Tottenham, Tottenham, Tottenham - what are we going to do with you.

Didn't see the match, but I am a Gooner and I wanted you to win.

Did you play a weakened side?

If it's any consolation, we should have been at least 2-nil down at half time, so we rode our luck. If we had been playing NC then I think that we would have lost.

You had a good weekend @Fandango52

I am still frustrated that we lost to Wolves in the previous round.

Gladbach got through to the next round of the cup against 2nd division Karlsruhe. So that's a relief.

Aww thank you!

Yes, they had some less experienced players in last night’s squad, including the goalkeeper. That seemed a bit strange to me, as Newcastle are a very strong team and had lots of their experienced players on last night.

I know Thomas Frank has to give his less experienced players a chance to get exposure and playing time, but it seemed weird to choose last night as an opportunity to do that.

It also appears he’s never won against Newcastle when playing them at home!

But I think that everyone knew that NC would play their strongest side as they want to retain the cup and I think that managers have to play their less experienced players like we did. We could easily have lost but I wouldn't have blamed Arteta as the players need experience and the cups are nowhere near as important as the league.

Good point. Maybe TF thought he had to give the players some experience one way or another, and he judged that this competition was the best opportunity for that.

SO we started the match last night with 50% of our outfielders having played in the academy. And that was before Saka came on.

That's pretty impressive.

We actually made 8 changes from the side that played Fulham on Saturday. Nowhere near our strongest 11.

I thought Spurs did ok. But we have a great home record against them and TF.

Yes it is.

But our academy as a whole does not do particularly well in their matches. I wonder why?

Probably because they're all playing above their age level.

Oh I’ve just found out that Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross is one of the assistant referees at Gayfield tomorrow. 😈

Some of the crowd songs and chants can get interesting when he’s there.

Well at least he is a better linesman than politician. I am sure you can think of some witty remarks.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/oct/31/premier-league-manchester-united-v-newcastle-only-boxing-day-game

Premier League confirms Manchester United v Newcastle is only Boxing Day game

League says issues rooted in more European matches

It promises increased Boxing Day games next year

Another tradition bites the dust

Poor Jack Wiltshire.

Luton were 3-nil up against FGR and are now 3-3.

Jack's blushes spared!

Just coming on to say the same!!! 4-3

Yes, I almost stopped watching at 3-nil and went out for a few minutes and it was 3-2!