The morning after and I’m still feeling pretty immense about yesterday. It was the sort of game that builds the character of a team and shows who is there to cut the mustard and who there spreading low-fat mayonnaise like a melt.
Nearly everyone showed up, the key worry heading into that game for me was that Everton hadn’t played for 14 days. I mistakenly thought it was a week. That’s a lot of time to prepare, revive the legs, and get hyped to blitz a side on a shaky road to recovery.
For us, it was the 3rd game in 7 days. That has a huge impact when you’re fighting a team that’s had their feet up. The players looked toasted by the end, Mikel said they were cramping up, factor in that they only had two second-half subs to freshen things up, and the outcome was all the more impressive.
Everton gave us problems, no doubt, but they only hit the target 5 games in a match that was pretty evenly split for possession. I thought a lot of our problems came down Bellerins flank. We had a two-fold problem there, Hector looks disgracefully off the pace, I think we’re all seeing now why the club invested in a spare right back when the need didn’t look that important. We also saw the difference between what Pepe offers as cover and what Auba does. Chalk and cheese, the Ivorian needs to pull his finger out. He has so much to offer going forward, but the only way he’ll survive this regime is if he does his bit tracking back, especially when his right-back is struggling.
Talking of right-backs, it is sad to see that AMN has fallen foul of the new rules of the road. I suspect he’s complained about playing right-back (like he did to Emery), because surely that’s all it can be, he always works hard, hasn’t put a foot wrong when he’s played and looked a standout 5 weeks ago. Seems like a really silly thing to do, especially when your captain is playing on the left and mucking in defensively. Hopefully, he can redeem himself, I’d prefer to see him there than Cedric, so let’s see if his tune changes soon.
Thursday night will be an interesting test for rotation. Mari and Gabriel were both in the stands today. I struggle to understand the Gabriel omission, was pondering whether it was the body language and blow up at Xhaka on Thursday, the fact he’s played a lot, or a slight knock. Mari is going to be interesting, the Spaniard who just loves smiling needs to land some game time soon and a home match against Olympiacos could be a great way to introduce himself to the fans.
Arteta dropped some sexy hintations about Auba’s state of mind after the game.
“Hopefully not just the wins, but as well what we are trying to do,”
“That he really enjoys on the pitch every time he goes, that he feels very much part of what we’re trying to build here. And I think he’s with that mindset at the moment.
“I think it’s been tough for him. You know a player like him, there’s been a lot of disappointments in the last few months and years because he has big expectations. You know he wants to play for the biggest club in the biggest tournaments, and be up there with the best players in the world. And we have to try to support him and give him everything at the club so he really feels fulfilled here. That’s the challenge I have.”
I still think it’s a moonshot to get him to stay, but the manager has said over and over again that he’s our best player and most important. Hard to disagree. It was also interesting that he wasn’t sure if he could be the complete player, namely, could he defend (even if he wanted to).
“I had two questions. One was ‘ he doesn’t want to do it?’ or ‘he cannot do it physically?’. Once I found out that physically he could do it, it was just about convincing him he needs to do it every three days and he’s showing that.”
He’s certainly shown his hunger in bucketloads. If that leads to him to staying, you’ve gotta be onboard that hype train, if he leaves, we’ll land more money than we would of if Emery had stayed on.
The manager alluded to Saka being out of the line-up because of a fitness issue and also leant into some of the mistakes being geared around a little bit of believing-your-own-hype-itis.
“Well I’m never happy when something happens like that. With Kola, he’s been very unlucky with injuries. Bukayo had some issues as well before the game then he started to play after a few minutes. It was a great contribution defensively but as well there are other moments that he showed today that there is still a lot of margin for him to improve and he needs to keep his feet on the ground and we have to help him to.”
Finally, Mesut Ozil had a very good game again. He’s certainly not falling back into old habits, he has a coach that understands him now, and one that he very much seems to respect. Arteta had an interesting piece on him.
“Yeah, I’m very pleased with him. Obviously I played with him and I know him so I try to pinch him as much as possible to do what he needs to do because I know how much he can give on the offensive side. But as well, Mesut – it’s a good example for this game. When we are dominant, when the whole process is properly done and you find the player in the right position, it’s the type of game that he wants. When that game becomes like this (gestures back and forth) that’s not his game. So he needs his teammates, he needs the right structure and organisation for him to flourish. Sometimes it’s not his fault, it’s about the team that is not supporting what he needs.”
Arteta is incredibly open about everything, I love it, feels like we’re getting an inside look under the car bonnet, hopefully, he doesn’t stop with that. Anyway, I feel like that last part was interesting (and the pinching up bit tbh), because that game doesn’t always go the way of Mesut’s strengths, so what is the plan? Or does that mean that he won’t be the plan at some point. Anyway, great to see the player happy and contributing beyond just being a key pass quarterback.
Off-topic. Arteta beat Carlo in his first encounter. He also closed the gap on Spurs to 3 points. Mourinho is out here moaning about his lack of strikers like he’s the first manager to ever have an injury crisis and I have Spurs fans complaining the football he’s trying to play is straight out of 2010 and Nagelsmann made him look antiquated. He’ll tank, like he always does, just faster this time because he can’t shield himself with £500m of players. I’m still happy with who we hired.
RIGHT, I did a podcast for your ears, listen and enjoy. We have a VERY good bit at the end where we discuss hair cuts. We also do a deep dive into the Everton game, we touch on the players who are doing it, we slam veganism, we talk discipline, missing names, and what we think might happen this summer.
Dive in right this instant (and check out yesterday’s HUMDINGER of a match report)
I think the reason AMN hasn’t appeared at right back is that since he stated he’s a midfielder Arteta probably thinks ‘ok then, you will only get game time in midfield’.
“But is he a top 4 player ?”
Thats no longer a conversation as that ship sailed years ago. Honestly, your Ozil worshiping only serves your sense of reality. He’s barely a shell of a former self.
Bamford
“Not anymore. He once was. Long time ago. Would not start today for any of the top four. No chance.”
So Ozil’s not a top 4 player , what about Martinelli…..top 4 ?
“Just look at Mustafi”
I did and his barber should be slapped upside the head for that hideous dye job!
” I hope he catches Coronavirus and dies so he never ruins a game with his slowness again.”
What an awful statement to make, even more so as you are trying to support a futile argument with it.
It will only take you one minute to type an apology and retraction.
‘ozil makes the game look easy’
So easy he has about five goals and assists in the last three years.
Pierre
Aubameyang isn’t top 4 material either, he’s never finished there.
I’m with Banford, the squad is 10th best, won’t be top 4 material until 2027
Ernie
“Thats no longer a conversation as that ship sailed years ago. Honestly, your Ozil worshiping only serves your sense of reality. He’s barely a shell of a former self.”
Get a sense of humour , I’m winding Bamford up .
Wasi
“we will see an upturn in stats”
OK, but what evidence is there of this? Yesterday, for example, he played for 82 minutes and had 1 key pass, 1 dribble, 0 assists, 0 goals and a 6.62 WhoScored rating. And this at home, against the 10th place team in the league.
I agree that there has been some upturn in his level of effort since Arteta’s arrival, however I don’t think it will make all that much of a difference. He simply isn’t a very effectual player at this level anymore.
Thats not nice, Pierre. You know he’s struggling to make friends and you leading him on and all…
One of the problems with Xhaka’s pronounced deep/left position is the rest of the midfield shuffles across to cover the area he now leaves barer than before, which leads to Bellerin having to come inside as well to remain compact as a team. This in turn leaves more space on the right for players like Richarlison to pull off into space and isolate the right-back.
“And this at home, against the 10th place team in the league.“
10th place team in the league is such a childish representation. Are they 10th in terms of their form? Or were they 2nd in the form table since Ancelotti’s arrival?
Because if it’s the latter then your argument is typically bogus. Oh, they were….would you look at that.
Arteta was not that bad a player, Un. You can’t group Arteta in with the likes of Squillachi and Chamakh.
Ernie
““Just look at Mustafi”I did and his barber should be slapped upside the head for that hideous dye job!”
That’s not nice Ern , what with his barber trying to make an honest living and you want to use violence against him.
A good smack upside the head never hurt anyone!
Paulino – yep. Hopefully in the summer we can get enough athletes who can hold their own zone without additional requirement.
Nothing wrong with a bias to a specific side mind you.
Yeah Arteta was fine as a player man. While he wasn’t a world beater and lacked athleticism, technically he was fine and had great positional sense. Also had a rasping shot on him too.
Why he plays Sokratis at right-back. He can defensively(in theory) is well able to deal with the defensive load being asked of him. We use the left to release Saka for offensive purposes.
Ern
“Thats not nice, Pierre. You know he’s struggling to make friends and you leading him on and all…”
I think Bamford is doing a pretty good job ostracising himself without any help from me.
Paulinho “One of the problems with Xhaka’s pronounced deep/left position is the rest of the midfield shuffles across to cover the area he now leaves barer than before, which leads to Bellerin having to come inside as well to remain compact as a team. This in turn leaves more space on the right for players like Richarlison to pull off into space and isolate the right-back.” Spot on – the problem is compounded with Bellerin having lost some pace after his ACL injury. As always the problem is Xhaka get rid of him and replace with a proper CM and… Read more »
Pierre
I’ve got to say I thought Ozil had a really good game yesterday. Good to see him at that level.
Arteta was criminally underrated as an Arsenal player, and he’s exactly what this side needs in CM plus additional physical gifts.
He was tactically aware, a great passer, a leader, and despite his physical limitations his anticipation meant he was brilliant defensively for a spell.
“As always the problem is Xhaka get rid of him and replace with a proper CM and we’re a completely different team.“
Xhaka is being asked to fulfil that role because of Saka you melt, he drops in so Saka can be advanced and we’re still secure.
Xhaka is a topic you and a couple of others really ought to just stay away from, it’s the same drivel.
“As always the problem is Xhaka get rid of him and replace with a proper CM and we’re a completely different team.” The problem is not Xhaka (although we do need to improve on him long-term). Our main focus is on building the play through the left side. We push Saka higher up as a winger so Auba can come inside and join the striker. That means Xhaka and Luiz are covering the space vacated behind. The team shifts across as a result (it’s also why Pepe is isolated on the right a lot). It’s not a structural problem as… Read more »
CC
I’ve no problem with a midfielder covering for a full back that’s pushed up – I have a problem with a midfielder who’s to slow to be able to recover.
You will never convince me that Xhaka has the athleticism let alone the temperament to be a top PL central midfielder.
Your other comment on Arteta is 100% – I can’t remember exactly but did we have a period where we didn’t win if he didn’t play?
Romford
You contradict yourself in the same comment
“The problem is not Xhaka ” to “but we’ll need to dip into the market for more athletic players who can do what Xhaka does and cover more ground seamlessly.”
The problem is Xhaka.
@nelson I agree about Mari and Mustafi, I said that earlier 🙂 If we sell all our dross: Chambers, Holding, Lacazette, Nelson etc we could get up to 90mil and if we invest in some young decent talent, we could have a fast team with a number of goal scorers 🙂
Ernest, Bamford If you look at the way we play now , most of our final balls come from the wide areas. Rarely you see our players trying to play a final ball down the middle. In just the last week 3/4 goals against Newcastle were cutbacks/ crosses Goal against Olympiakos was a lo cross 2/3 goals against Everton were crosses Maybe its just the Arteta system,to shuffle the ball out and then cross/cut back leading to a decrease in goal contributions from Midfield. Even still for an attacking player of Ozil’s calibre , he should be creating and scoring… Read more »
Marc
I’m not trying to convince you of his athleticism, but for you to claim ‘as always the problem is Xhaka’ is utter waffle.
The problem isn’t Xhaka, and I’ve said for two years that when the problem does become Xhaka we’ll be in a good place as a side.
Until then I’d take the Swiss specs off and have a good assessment of where we’re lacking before condemning your pet hate at every opportunity. What he’s doing is commendable, not just in application, but also performance level.
Marc – That doesn’t mean he’s the problem. You could argue we could upgrade on every single player in the squad. Outside of Messi you can find flaws in every player’s game. The job of a coach is to hide the flaws while accentuating the strengths.
I could do exactly the same with every other player in the squad.
Un
Messi has never even won a premier league player of the month award, Teemu Pukki has.
Says it all.
Agreed I think Xhaka has created a new position 2nd left back (or rather Arteta has), great to nullify his weakness’s like running and tackling but can’t help feel with have lost a midfielder.
@Graham62. I don’t much rate the life of shitty slow limited inept players like Lacazette on 150k a week at all, sorry about that. By the way I’m a UEFA B Licence holder and I was offered a job to coach at Fulham, but I’m waiting to get my next licence before I join a club. So my knowledge of football is pretty good. You don’t need to be an expert to see a player who can only score goals when his team are playing champagne football on a perfect pitch like the Emirates but can’t score at an away… Read more »
Every time I watch Ceballos I just wish he was faster man. Look at Kovacic at Chelsea. That’s the prototype.
Since Ceballos has come back into the team we’ve scored 7 goals in two games so we’re obviously helped from an offensive standppoint, just need to ensure the balance is right. It’s why I still wonder if Arteta will move to a 433 long term.
Good post Pedro. Anyone know if we have an Academy LB who could stand in.
I’d argue more that David Luiz would be the person to improve upon in terms of mobility to get the most out of that system.
In as much as it would mean Xhaka could split the CB’s instead of going into auxiliary LB as both (with Saliba in mind) could cover wider and have means to recover more narrow.
Point being, there’s numerous ways and means to map a side and having better suited players is always going to bring your vision to life quicker/more effectively.
That’s where transfers will be interesting to note.
Wenger got us in the top 4 with far worse players than ozil and the team we have now Chamack, lord B, flamini, Yossi Benayoun, Eboue, sanogo, almunia, Gibbs, Arteta himself, song, Andre Santos, jenkison, Silverste, Park chu, denislon. ——————- Un Chamakh was so 2010 though. Do you honestly believe the Prem is at the same level now as it was then. I can’t think of single Wolves player from 2010 season getting into Arsenal team that year. Now, half of their starting eleven are arguably better than Arsenal’s. Same situation with other clubs rosters , and that’s before we… Read more »
“Good post Pedro. Anyone know if we have an Academy LB who could stand in.”
Joel Lopez but he’s a bit far away. Tierney is back in full training now too.
Smh.. We didn’t get 1 point away from top4 under Emery by losing every game. We won these types of games already. People saying “if that was under Emery we would’ve folded” er… Excuse me? 1point from top 4 means we must have won some games.. no? Smh. This is glorious failure or escape with a win type football. We had this before and you all slammed emery for it. What’s so different this time? Oh it looks better. More pleasing to the eye. Well.. we had that under Wenger and you all slammed him for it. The desperation for… Read more »
Raider
Nah but Tierney is close and Cedric can play LB (although I think when fit and sharp he’s nailed on to bench Bellerin)
“yep. Hopefully in the summer we can get enough athletes who can hold their own zone without additional requirement.” This will be the key to see whether we can move onto a higher level. It should be fairly easy to find a more talented player than Xhaka, but clumsy goat does apply himself, and is able to consistently put in solid shifts twice a week. That new player needs to be able to reach a certain intensity and consistency in terms of physical output to see a guaranteed net improvement. We lost Mikhi in the summer – that a lot… Read more »
Paulinho – yeah you’re right. There are many more talented players than Xhaka but two points you made are key. The application is important. Nobody has ever accused him of a lack of effort which is why he’s often very popular amongst managers who admire that level of professionalism. Another fact to add is that you know what you’re gonna get and he’s always fit. Despite him being slow, he’s good in the air and good in duels. Stylistically I like Papa Gueye at Le Havre who is a similar profile but much more athletic. Likes to open up the… Read more »
Luisjo, you say something as grim as your Lacazette comment again you’ll be banned.
CC
Greta Thunberg has claimed Xhaka stole her childhood – how can you defend the man?
”The problem is not Xhaka (although we do need to improve on him long-term).
OFFCOURSE Xhakalson is the problem
1. Saka has to be so advanced because Xhakalson offers zero in the final 3rd. If xhakalson offered anything they would be interchanging
2. Xhakalson has to cover as LB because one CB covers midfielf for xhakalson because the CBs are more mobile than xhakalson.
Can see why there’s no value in your opinions Sid, free is too much for that rubbish.
Wenger got us top 4 because of the teams incredible record against mediocre teams..
Un Na
Leicester City have better players than we do. I realize this is difficult for some of you to comprehend, but it’s true.
As for what Wenger did in certain yesteryears, the PL is far more competitive today than it was then. That in part is why he stopped finishing top four as time went on.
Sid – Saka has never been a final third midfielder. That’s not what you’re expecting from him. He plays deep so we can push Saka forward. That’s how we want to play as Saka isn’t a natural defender.
2) Xhaka covers as LB because of the positions taken up by Saka and Auba in build up.
It’s very simple. I’m telling you this for free!
Because he was playing in an underwhelming team, Arteta is less fondly remember than others. However in term of ability and leadership, as a player I would put him ahead of Edu. It is if course compounding by the fact that his game was never about blood and thunder action which is exactly what some of those “fans” appreciate. That reminds me of Gilberto “The invisible wall” Silva. Near where I used to sit was an loud obnoxious man who kept hurling insults to him. People around him kept trying to tell that Silva was doing a great job to… Read more »
Romford
Again the problem isn’t having a midfielder covering whilst a full back is pushed forward. It’s having one who’s so unsuitable for the modern PL that it unbalances the whole team.
We’ve also been lucky so far that we’ve haven’t faced opposition who have looked to break against Xhaka with a pacey winger – a horror show waiting to happen.
Banford
Pick a new thread to obsess over, player poverty is so 2019. It’s as stupid now as it was then.
Romford We’ve never finished top four with Xhaka a regular first XI starter. Now, I’m well aware of the fact that there were many other things going on in those inadequate sides, but are you really suggesting that we continue for another season with Xhaka in the XI? You readily acknowledge that he lacks athleticism, that we need to upgrade, and that we have to structure the team so as to cover for his weaknesses. Therefore, do you really think it’s wise to leave him in the XI for another season? If so, how many first XI changes do you… Read more »
Charlie
In a sense you’re right, because most people agree with us now. You lot are a tiny, desperate minority. But it was Un Na who brought it up by making the bogus claim about our having superior players to Leicester. We don’t. And no objective observer of the PL thinks we do.
Marc – how exactly does Xhaka unbalance the team? He has played ever game under Arteta so far. The one game he didn’t play against Chelsea we lost. Listen he’s slow but that doesn’t mean that he can’t be successful in this league. I don’t accept that. He starts under every coach he plays under. Where I do agree is that we need better but honestly he’s not cost us at all since Arteta has been here. We’ve played United and Everton who are both quick on the break. The reason he doesn’t get exposed is because the system protects… Read more »
Bamford
As it stands and as we’ll have limited funds in the summer we’ve got a new CB covered already in Saliba.
After that the only issue that might detract from CM is the striker situation. If Auba was to sign a new deal this summers over whelming priority would be a) sell Xhaka b) replace with a new CM who has greater athleticism etc.
Bamford – Xhaka is the first person I would replace in the summer with a PnP midfielder.
Where have I said that we should keep him? My main argument is those disputing that he has cost us. Since Arteta has been here he hasn’t cost us at all. I don’t support the notion.
I get why he’s valued by managers and I agree that any replacement needs to replicate his good qualities while adding the physical qualities we need – hence the Papa Gueye suggestions.
“We’ve never finished top four with Xhaka a regular first XI starter“
Neither has Aubameyang. Next hilariously bad argument?
“In a sense you’re right, because most people agree with us now. You lot are a tiny, desperate minority”
I’m not a “lot” and you’re not an “us”. Stop behaving like you’re a representative of other people, own your own views you spastic.
You claimed us the 8-10th best squad in the league and Emery an overachiever who was sacked when we were 8th. Go untangle you’re ridiculous brain at recess with your superiors in 8th grade.
Romford
Every word you use to defend Xhaka just says why he has to go. The system has to be set up to cover for his deficiencies.
“The system has to be set up to cover for his deficiencies.”
If you think the whole team is set up to cover for him then I can’t help you.
Romford
Would Xhaka start for any of the current top four teams? No, he wouldn’t. So why should we continue with him? I get that you can only replace so many players at a given time, but if we’re improving the team over the summer, why wouldn’t we improve on Xhaka? Perhaps you think there are 3-4 other positions that are in even more need of improvement. That’s possible, I guess. I don’t see us competing for 4th with him in the XI, though; it’s like playing with 10.5 players. The PL is too competitive for that.
Bam, you’re about 4 days back from a ban for making the same point over and over again… if you don’t change the thread and converse with people on terms other than your own, you’ll go in the bin again.
Romford
“If you think the whole team is set up to cover for him then I can’t help you.”
It was your words that said the system has to cover for him.
“The reason he doesn’t get exposed is because the system protects him and leaves him less isolated.”
Marc – the system is protecting a plethora of players, not just him. And that’s what it’s set up to do and what any system should do.
Bamford – have you just glossed over my last statement? I said he’s the first person i’m replacing in midfield if given the opportunity.
Xhaka and Mustafi are both shit. No top four since they joined. Not a coincidence.
Marc You were right about how that Rudiger incident would pan out. Spurs and the Police are saying they found no evidence and the player is also talking Rudiger; “”I’ll always raise my voice – but in relation to this, I’m alone.”… “Racism has won. The offenders can always come back to the stadium, which shows these people have won. It’s a disaster.”. “… “I became a father last Thursday and you start thinking society hasn’t come far enough in fighting racism, so my kids will probably suffer as well.” Spurs are a real jammy club, they always skirt by,… Read more »
Romford
Every team sets up with a system designed to protect areas of the team. We set up to cover the deficiencies of a single player.
Be honest if Xhaka was sold and replaced in the summer would you be pleased?
Romford “Bamford – Xhaka is the first person I would replace in the summer with a PnP midfielder.” Got it. I thought you were suggesting otherwise. You’re just saying he hasn’t been one of the team’s problems since Arteta arrived. I would agree with that to an extent — in the sense that he hasn’t been responsible for a ton of costly mistakes, as he was in the past — but I still think his lack of pace and athleticism means that playing with him is like playing with 10.5 players. Adding Ozil to that XI means you’re playing with… Read more »
“Every team sets up with a system designed to protect areas of the team. We set up to cover the deficiencies of a single player.” The system protects our CBs who were previously exposed. The system allows for Saka to play as a winger in possession. The system allows for Auba to move off the left and join the striker in possession. The system with an inverted RB allows for another body in possession. The system requires our RW to hug the touchline for width with no overlapping FB. You still think the system is designed for one player. And… Read more »
Un
Who would you pick Xhaka or a 27 year old Cesc? Xhaka or a 27 year old Gilberto? Xhaka or a 27 year old Vieira?
Of course all players have different strengths and weaknesses but Xhaka’s are on a completely different level.
Pedro
I hope Arteta wont be afflicted with the same malady of excessive loyalty to players that Wenger had.
I hope he’s just playing nice to the likes of Mustafi. He has one year left on his contract – he has to be sold. Same as Auba, the right business move is to sell him for crazy money and rebuild a la Coutinho.
Arteta comes across as a hardworking idealist who loves the game so much that he thinks he can fix everyone.
Bamford – yes I agree those three all need to be upgraded. How we do it remains to be seen.
Sid – Saka has never been a final third midfielder. That’s not what you’re expecting from him. He plays deep so we can push Saka forward. That’s how we want to play as Saka isn’t a natural defender.
CMs should be able to make runs into the box diaby, ramsey even Carzola when he played next to Coq, Xhakalson offers zero of that
Now i will need to charge logic isnt for free!
With Marc on the granite hacker debate.The guy is simply not Athletic enough.It gets him into difs particularly when pressed & often leads to errors.I might add that his passing range is pretty limited as well & play tends though not all the time to slow down when a quick counter attack might be on.a useful squad player yes but not first team regular for me.
Dissenter
Unfortunately it’s because the FA etc are far more interested in protecting the image of the English game and taking the moral high ground than deal with a problem that seems to be creeping back into the English football.
“CMs should be able to make runs into the box”
It depends on the composition of your midfield and how you set them up. Some teams require their CMs to score, some require them just to defend, some require it just for control. Three’s numerous ways to skin a cat.
The recruiting of Ozil, Xhaka and Mustafi was the beginning of the slide down the table.
It was curtains for Emery and the team when Emery recalled Ozil….
I honestly think Xhaka needs to be taken off the list of problem players.
We need to strengthen the club with midfielders that have different skill sets from Xhaka
Xhaka is useful for his strength of character,leadership, passing abilities and willingness to help the team.
Not trying to stir up shite…Xhaka wont be sold this summer and shouldn’t be. We do need one experienced midfielder and should promote ESR. ESR should be ahead of Willock- who needs to be loaned out.
Pedro I fail to see how I am doing any of that. I am simply conversing here, just like everyone else. Could you tell me what I am not allowed to talk about or say so that I have a clearer idea of what parameters you’ve designed for me? If other people are saying that they don’t rate a particular player, e.g., Xhaka, am I allowed to comment on this as well? If someone makes a claim about our squad quality, such as Un Na did above, am I not allowed to comment on this? Please explain. A little clarity… Read more »
Interesting how the view of Torreira is vastly different to Xhaka given he’s not remotely quicker, and a foot shorter. This is the inconsistency that I don’t accept. If you’re going to denigrate a player for his athleticism then don’t praise another and not mention the exact same when it’s apparent. Xhaka, while slow off the mark, is a much better fit for the PL than Torreira is. If you’re replacing one of those two in a ball-playing possession side then it’s a no brainer from my pov. However our summer business will be dictated by those with a year… Read more »
“Bam, you’re about 4 days back from a ban for making the same point over and over again… if you don’t change the thread and converse with people on terms other than your own, you’ll go in the bin again.”
I dont think him making a point about xhaka deserves the bin but whatever, its your blog, so what you wish.
Saka is a very good defender the notion that xhakalson is covering because he cant defend is false,
Saka is always in the final 3rd doing the job Xhakalson should be doing.
Nah Pedro I think Bamford has been fine. It’s a good discussion. Let’s not discourage other opinions. We ain’t all gonna agree. As long as we have respectful debate, let anybody say what they want.
Is this Bamford chap operating a parody account?
It’s hilarious. It can’t be serious.
Romford PeleFebruary 24, 2020 14:36:01
Some teams require their CMs to score, some require them just to defend, some require it just for control. Three’s numerous ways to skin a cat.
The fewer of the above a CM can do the less effective he is. Xhakalson does only one of the above and not so well.
CC, I think the problem is we have a range of CMs who are good at one thing or another but don’t have the rounded skillset to do a bit of everything well. Torreira as you allude to is shorter and not as good a passer as Xhaka. He does however cover ground quicker over a 20/30 yard area. He’s a better tackler and senses danger better. But you’re right, he is tiny, isn’t the most progressive passer and not athletic enough over a long stretch. You could identify similar, if not same flaws in Xhaka, Guendouzi and Ceballos. That’s… Read more »
Honestly, Mikel Arteta has exceeded my expectations. Arsenal looks flaky at times yesterday but we rode our luck and came away with the W. I’m not only going to be judging Arteta on wins in the PL for the rest of the season, once I see a system where better players would take us further, I’m happy with that. I’m hoping he wins the Europa League which would not only get us in the CL (something we desperately need) but would give him/us real confidence for next season. Arsenal doing good I’m always going to be happy, long may it… Read more »
Dozi shouldnt be at CM he is better of playing the ozil role.
This im telling you for free!
Just a thought on Xhaka, why not shift him to defense? He’s slow a foot in midfield, detrimentally so, but yet when called upon he’s actually been a better than decent defender. He couldn’t honestly be any worse than the nonsense we have now. Just putting it put there.
“You could identify similar, if not same flaws in Xhaka, Guendouzi and Ceballos.“ I’m not convinced there’s a discernible difference in them over a decent yardage, Xhaka kept up with Salah over a good clip but it’s the same for the lot over 5 yards, slow. What you say is also reason why I personally wouldn’t keep Ceballos. I’d say yep, that kind of player but sharper and better with the ball at feet and moving. Buying someone else with those limitations is foolish imo. Then onto my point about where our game is headed. I think Xhaka suits it… Read more »
Ernest
Would you mind putting it back where you found it?
Moving a player who has a history of rash decision making and poor tackling into defence is not a good idea.
I would only take 3 players from current Leicester squad :
Perriera
Soyuncu
Maddison
To say they have a better squad is laughable.
I think what Pedro’s saying Bam, is stop making all conversations about yourself and for yourself.
GunnerDNA
“I’m hoping [Arteta] wins the Europa League.”
Two questions: one, how do people rate our chances of winning the EL? If you were a bookie, what odds would you assign to Arsenal winning and why? (If someone knows what odds bookies have assigned to this, let us know.)
For reference, here are some of the better teams still involved: Inter, Getafe, Leverkusen, Porto, Benfica, Wolves, United, Eintracht, Roma.
Two, who would be in your starting XI in a theoretical EL semifinal? Who would not be? Why?
Bamford, if it looks like you are repeating the same thing over and over, don’t say it.
Squad poverty is your filter. If you are saying something that alludes to that, don’t say it. Follow the flow and stop making it about resuscitating a bad opinion you’ve had for 18 months… especially when it’s not in the flow of the convo.
Hey, just putting it out there Marc. If you are stuck with a player you may as well try to make the best of it. Was just saying that each time he was called upon to play defense he did a decent job, brain farts excepted.
Ernest
Where have I ever made the conversation about me? The answer is nowhere and never. You’re the guy who talks about me constantly despite our never interacting here previously. You, Ernest, make things about me; I do not. Thanks.
UTarse,
“I would only take 3 players from current Leicester squad :
Perriera
Soyuncu
Maddison
To say they have a better squad is laughable”
Who are you scouting for Man City? The under-mentioned players would improve Arsenal big time:
Kasper Schmeichel
Ben Chilwell
Wilfred Ndidi
Youri Tielemans
Dennis Praet
Jamie Vardy