Arsenal turned up the heat in the❄️snow❄️in a game we’d historically have trouble in. It was freezing, our form has been shaky, and we were up against a Sam Allardyce side. The perfect concoction for an afternoon of potent shit-housery.
Not January 2nd 2021.
Arsenal blasted out of the starting blocks and found themselves a sexy performance. Our 4-0 victory was more than worth it. We could have had 6 on another day. 21 attempts at their goal, 12 shots on target, dominant in possession, and plenty of variety to our attacking play.
There were so many great performances, but it’s hard to look past Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka as the standouts. The Scotsman really found his stride, opening the scoring with a blistering run and strike. He turned Darnell Furlong inside out before cutting inside on the left, drilling a thunderbolt into the top corner.
3 minutes later, the Hale-Enders took over on the right. Smith Rowe and Saka drove through the middle, Lacazette found Smith Rowe’s run, the young creator kept his composure finding Saka for the tap-in. A proper Arsenal goal. Saka’s 3rd g/a contribution in as many games. Smith Rowe’s second assist.
The third and fourth goals were taken care of by Lacazette. Good work from Saka out wide for the third, Smith Rowe’s deflected shot fell to Laca who buried it. Tierney did all the work for our 4th, placing a perfect cross at WBAs 6 yard box where a loose knee pushed it over the line.
The game was simple enough for us to take Bellerin off to give AMN some minutes. We were also able to take ESR and Saka off early, and we didn’t need to gamble on Martinelli. Nice to see Willian given a few minutes to show why he’s a spectator these days, though he did register his second shot on target for the season (someone told me that stat, is it really true?).
That’s three wins on the bounce. We’ve gone from relegation fodder to being laughably within 6 points of 2nd place in the league. That’ll all change, no doubt, but the truth of the league this season is it’s tight and likely to stay that way.
The Hale-Enders have made a huge difference to the energy on the pitch. Hungry players make it difficult for the not so hungry players to mail it in. These kids have careers to play for. That’s the energy we need. Strong characters that just want to play nice football.
Also worth mentioning some of the more seasoned guys out there. Rob Holding is very reliable and had another solid game at the back. Pablo Mari looks pretty sound, he has a nice touch, he passes well, and he’s dealt very well with 3 very different teams. I also like his hair. Alex Lacazette is back from the dead. His finishing has been great, his workrate has been top-notch, and he’s adapted to this false 9 role like a pro. He’s more important to this system than Auba. Shades of Teddy Sherringham in his latter years? Maybe.
Now, though our captain had a bit of a shocker again, it’s clear he’s deeply frustrated with the way he’s playing. He gives a fuck. He was running right until the end. He wanted a goal. He celebrated with the kids like he cared. That made me feel better about his form, he’s trying, it’s just not landing right now. It’ll click soon, hopefully for the cups when we’ll need his sharpshooting.
Arsenal needs to keep racking up the wins. It’s frustrating that we had so many discipline problems earlier in the season. Lose those red cards and maybe we’re even closer. Cut our losses earlier on Pepe, Luiz, and Willian, maybe we’re in better shape. Rest Partey for one more game and maybe December looks better. Still, we are where we are because we deserve it. Now things are looking brighter, the hope is that the lessons have been learned and this is the next chapter in our season.
Gabriel M is going to be a difference-maker if we keep him fit. Our best centre back is coming back into the side. Thomas Partey should be in contention for the Newcastle game, that’s our hero signing and he’s played 3 games all season. He will be massive for our run-in. ESR looks the business, he’s strong, he moves rapidly, he can take the ball on the half-turn, and he’s making the difference in big games.
The transfer window might give us some additional ammo. Firstly, we’ll move out toxic players that aren’t contributing positively. Then we’ll add some additional bits. Smith Rowe has played a big role in our mini turnaround. We only have one player like that. It is essential we find another that looks like him so we can rotate and maintain creativity. We desperately need a back-up keeper to protect us from the horror signing we made in the summer. I also think there’s a shout for a back-up left-back with Kola gone.
I hope we make mostly loans. I don’t want to load-up on panic buys that’ll cost a premium. It would be nice if we could be more thoughtful about what we do this time.
Right, short one today, listen to our on the whistle podcast and I’ll see you in the comments.
1st
And
1st
The
Tr4phy
Tr4y
Oops….but got it anyway 🙂
Pedro
“He’s (Lacazette)more important to this system than Auba. Shades of Teddy Sherringham in his latter years? Maybe”
I wish , probably wishful thinking from pedro.
*6 pts off 3rd, Pedro
and most of those above us have a game in hand.
Still, 9 pts with 21 games left is not insurmountable….
Pedro
” Smith Rowe has played a big role in our mini turnaround. We only have one player like that”
No we don’t .
We do not need to waste money by bringing in another CAM.
We are paying a perfectly good CAM 350 grand a week, so why not use him if the need be..
Smith Rowe has obviously learnt from the master so Ozil would be a natural replacement if ESR is injured or fatigued…
Saka and ESR. Inject them in my veins.
Auba is not trying he’s going through the motions, watch him off the ball.
When the second goal developed he was 25 yds. behind play just sauntering and watching .
He plays way left and is disinterested.
He’s the next Ozil , being captain is having a laugh
Pierre
Fuck off! Ozil may be creative but he’d be one of those shit feckless players putting in half a shift that we need to get away from the Hale Enders.
He’s a toxic little cunt. The fact you still go on about him says it all about you really.
Not sure loan moves are a great idea. Seems like we’d just be replacing our unwanted players with similar quality to get us through to the end of the season, and they don’t tend to be cost effective. In most cases, we may as well wait until the summer to offload and replace with players we see definitely want.
Really enjoy the depth of the articles, Pedro. Even when I disagree, your points are always well made.
From last post, sorry for the long read… Habesha, nope I’m not having it, I am Isholas main rival for dislike of xhaka 😂😂. On a serious note, the club could go one of 2 ways, either a cm or a cam and we would improve if we bring in the right quality. I believe that we have enough quality in attack to be dangerous without esr, given we keep the same formation and not shoehorn Laca into the no.10 spot. Saka can rotate there if we play Pepe or Willian right. I believe Willian would do well there (cam),… Read more »
And Pierre you’re a fence sitting bastard
Agree with Danny on Ozil – big difference between him and ESR is he surrenders the ball under the slightest pressure and does the bare minimum to get it back. Saw ESR lose the ball with bad control one time yesterday but he immediately pressed and got it right back – you never see that from Ozil, he just gives it up.
“Arsenal needs to keep racking up the wins. It’s frustrating that we had so many discipline problems earlier in the season. Lose those red cards and maybe we’re even closer. Cut our losses earlier on Pepe, Luiz, and Willian, maybe we’re in better shape. Rest Partey for one more game and maybe December looks better. ”
It’s all on Artetas insistance on playing his favourites and squeezing players into his retarded 7-0-3 system. Hopefully he’ll stick to a 433 now.
Also Pepe played about 3 games in the league, but I get it he’s the new whipping boy.
Would much rather he came on last night instead of Willian, play him in an actual offensive system and we’d have a different player.
Goober
“Habesha, nope I’m not having it, I am Isholas main rival for dislike of xhaka 😂😂.”
This isn’t exactly the Pointy Swiss cunt fanclub so you’d have a fair few rivals to that crown.
From the debate on the previous post. China How do you figure us being more productive with out partey then? We had xhaka and ceballos last night and it was one of the performances of the season. We also had elneny and Xhaka at brighton and chelsea. The things that have changed are saka being played on the right and smithrowe being played in the hole. I know final third entry passes are a problem from our CMs. But the main reason we had no shots was we had no one to knit the passes that eventually make it there.… Read more »
7-0-3 was shocking to watch. And very contradictory to the words that came out of Artetas mouth when he started. Glad he is finally seeing some sense. 433/ 4231 is the way forward 100%. And still not sold that tets is the man. That’s 4/17 performances in the league this season. Man U was mostly luck and this one against an absolutely shocking West Brom. The kids have definitely improved our game, not convinced it’s arteta’s coaching though. If Arteta can keep pushing on I’ll be stoked, but even if he somehow manages to push to Europa places it still… Read more »
Freddie,
Marc and yourself are definitely title contenders that’s for sure
Goober gooner
I promise you mine is silent despise. I have never seen such a phony trusted by 3 successive managers. Ishola got nothing on xhaka. Even his goal against chelsea doesnt make me warm up to him. He should definitley go the first chance we get.
In saying all that too, I’m really excited about the youngsters coming through. These last few games have brought some pride back to the club. Long may it continue on this upward trajectory.
Now all we need is for Arteta to get those 5/6 players he needs and the title is ours!
Pedro Your heads in almost exactly the same place as mine regarding transfers Competition for Tierney Competition for Smith-Rowe, we’ve got nobody like him. his direct running has transformed us Adequate cover for Leno. is a non negotiable I’m not convinced by the loan market, I’m not interested in players who won’t be here in 6 months, apart from maybe a goalkeeper. We need to ruthlessly clear the deadwood We should absolutely go for Zinchenko and our top attacking midfield target, whoever that may be? it has to be someone who brings energy, drive, movement and a goal threat If… Read more »
Danny “He’s a toxic little cunt. The fact you still go on about him says it all about you really.” The fact that i have called everything spot on says more about me actually… This winning run doesn’t surprise me ..i predicted it when 95% of you wanted Arteta out. Playing better football in a 4-2-3-1 system doesn’t surprise me ..i predicted it Arteta stumbling into a better team selection due to injuries or suspension doesn’t surprise me…I predicted it. Arsenal playing better football with the kids is no surprise to me …i predicted it. Add that to Me warning… Read more »
Habesha,
Ahh man it’s funny talking shit about him though, makes me laugh despite how our season has gone so far.
Goobergooner
“And Pierre you’re a fence sitting bastard”
Obviously said in jest.
I see what you did there Pierre, you sat on that fence and said literally all the possibilities without calling for Arteta out (which you even specifically said you weren’t going to do) to then come out with that bullshit above when we won a few games.
I’ll give it to you that you called the youth players, but so many people called for formation changes and that Arteta was talking out his ass.
Pierre
Yes ESR is like ozil. But he actually gives a fuck. And Ozil is retired in his mind. You must have missed the amount of times ESR dispossessed WBA players.
These 3 wins should’ve kicked in at the start of the season after winning the FA Cup. Losing at home to the likes of Burnley is just beyond pathetic. If we’d kept Martinez, together with our new found form, we’d be near the top. Anyway now we’ve to continue this winning run against C.Palace, Newcastle and Southampton and then we’ll be right up there.
Goober
My biggest concern with Arteta (except for his shit tactics,which can be fixed) is how he’s devaluing our biggest assets and his horrible eye for talent.
Guen has lost value, Salibas mismanagement has been unreal, Pepe has been misused and the hapless Willian played instead of him at every opportunity, Balogun hasn’t been given any chances over the less talented Eddie. Martinelli was benched for Eddie. Saka shunted around, ESR just now being used.
that’s a fair few 10s of millions shaved off our squad worth right there and a big worry.
Pierre it was in jest from the last post but you went on your rant and now it seems justified I didn’t put the 😂😂 on the end when reposted on here
I don’t think Auba had a bad game actually. He desperately needs a goal, for sure, but he was very involved yesterday and I gave him a 7 out of 10. But that goal really really needs to come soon, pleeease!
I disagree with making loan signing now.
What the club needs is hard cash for next summer to sign an other world class midfielder.
Let the hale enders do rotation work where ever needed.
Yep Freddie, it’s a hard one to stomach.
The board are just so gutless. They used Arteta just to give themselves some leeway/goodwill from the fans.
So many empty promises from Josh, Raul, vinai, tets, and even Wenger back in the day. Gazidis we all knew(well mostly 😂😂 haha love you peds) was an absolute Kent.
We do need a change from board to manager, but I think that the manager and dof are the 2 that will bring the quickest results as there is no real chance of the owners selling up.
https://norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/news-on-buendia-to-arsenal-this-month-that-wonderful-volley-and-why-emi-is-simply-the-best-in-this-league/
What a goal from Buendia. We are definitely going to regret it if we dont move for him. It will be like maddison to Leicester. He is ready. 7 goals and 7 assists in 19 league appearances.
Just listening to the podcast…
Nice to have Alfred on again!
Habesha
“Pierre
Yes ESR is like ozil. But he actually gives a fuck. And Ozil is retired in his mind. You must have missed the amount of times ESR dispossessed WBA players.”
My point is,why spend millions on a back up when we have Ozil who proved at the beginning of 2020 up until lockdown that he is more than capable of being Smith Rowe’s replacement.
Obviously Ie groaners prefer to waste another 50 odd million on a player we wouldn’t need
Good post, Pedro. No more fence-sitting, Mikel is our man. The wailers, as ever, have got it all wrong. People of faint heart. Getting Arsenal back to the elite is a process. And because of the mess Arteta inherited, bound to take time. Nobody denies he has made mistakes – he admits to them himself. Yesterday we saw the shape of things to come. Movement. speed, aggression, goals, a clean sheet – all that we’ve been pining for and what Atrteta has been working for. It won’t happen every game, but it will become increasingly the norm as his process… Read more »
Ozil will send us backwards because unlike ESR he doesn’t contribute without the ball.
Englands best,
I’m sure you were one of those saying Emery under achieved. Hypocrisy at its finest.
It isn’t only the managers fault, and our squad hasn’t been a title competing squads for so damn long, but putting in a rookie was never the right decision.
I have just posted on previous thread a post not realising what you have written on current thread, which is very similar. The lessons to be learned are the benefits of a “settled team” with Gabriel and Partey being added to the first team and bench. Gabriel is an upgrade on Mari and Partey will offer more control than either Elneny and Ceballos when he returns to match fitness. The club does need a top class creative midfielder in his “prime”. Smith-Rowe has been brilliant, but he is a young player and should not be overplayed in such a key… Read more »
DM “I don’t think Auba had a bad game actually.” You are correct. What we have , in typical Le grove fashion , is a player (Aubameyang)coming in and replacing the flavour of the day( Martinelli) and being criticised despite playing as well as Martinelli has done in the last 2 games Martinelli will give you more energy and intensity than Aubameyang but performance wise i didn’t see any difference. Personally, i believe that for Arteta to implement his football philosophy, Martinelli will be the better option as he gives the team more intensity. I also feel the same with… Read more »
Dunno if it’s just me but ESR reminds of Rosicky, in the way he attacks. Drifting all over the pitch, playing quick passes and running off the ball. I usually take my time to heap praises on youngsters but this guy is special.
Hopefully Willian feels like a pillock at the moment.
Because having ESR is not the only difference in our setup that has facilitated better forward play – though he’s an important catalyst Before we were playing Willian and auba on the wings, or sometimes Pepe. Laca couldn’t hit a cows arse with a banjo a few games ago. Bellerin was stinking the house out, players were getting sent off in every other game. Work rate from the team and player selection were both piss poor – everything was shit So it’s a massive over simplification to think ESR is the primary catalyst in our improvement offensively. He’s been awesome… Read more »
Unfortunately Pierre couldn’t predict Ozil’s early retirement from football
And he’s jumped too early from the Arteta fence, and is going to be on the wrong side yet again, to no one’s surprise
Okay china one question though. Which player in our team apart from Ozil and ESR is good enough to play the N 10 role? Yes the system and players have changed but we have more penetration because we have ESR being available for passes. Even Ceballos was making runs from deep last night because passes were sticking to ESR. If we have someone that can play in that final third then our front 4 are mostly good enough to do some damage. But when they are man marked it is very hard. We had Saka playing left wing, Willian on… Read more »
China1 – I agree it’s not just ESR alone, but it’s a combination of the change in formation to have that floating CAM and the fact that he can do it so well. If we lost him for a few games I think we’d be better than a few weeks ago but still a much weaker side than right now because we just dont have anyone else with his skillset. Could be wrong!
I also think we need to put Azeez as a squad player starting from next season. We cant buy all the new CMs we need. We have to produce some of them.
Keep willian and luiz away from the team, and we will get results. We need to be dumping a few players this window, so we can properly prepare for the summer.
Youth is the way to go, sadly arteta is not a fast learner. He is slower than a kid learning to swim. Get saliba in the team, make amends for past mistakes and move on. Get some of the other youth that are performing and keep the thought of 50m players far away from the mind. We can’t afford anymore 250k a week players.
Youth is the way to go on the pitch. Unfortunately we went for youth off it
China
Playing our best LB in the LB position was a pretty obvious move as well.
The main diff ESR has made is Laca doesn’t drop deep now. He can play CF. He’s not playing false 9 like some are touting, he’s up front. CF.
It’s also changing to a good old 4-2-3-1 making the difference with a number 10 that’s mobile and can operate off the ball.
West Brom defence reminded me of a newspaper yesterday. Hopefully the same happens with Newcastle.
That second goal was amazing, I couldn’t believe it. I got so happy.
I’m glad he’s finally letting off the handbreak.
ESR has been ready for a whole season so again it’s circumstances that have played Arteta’s had not his own ability.
Still credit that he let the team fucking attack for a change and give us our most enjoyable 90mins in a very long time!
More of this please.
We need to sign a CAM and a CM.
Should get loans for a RW, LB and play one of the youngsters in goal (not Macy) as back up.
Easily folded
Black and white but read all over
Hand*
I can tell you this for free.
Bringing Ozil back into the fold, even if it’s as a water carrier, would be the equivalent of us taking ten steps backwards.
Happy New Year..
Hopefully supporters will now refrain from continually playing down our academy players as too often happens on here. Their achievements in the cup competitions have continually been belittled on Le grove.. I have always believed that as a collective they can take the league by a storm with the right defensive set up behind them . Defensively we are improving and the inclusion of Partey with one other will hopefully give us stability in centre midfield. It is very difficult for an academy player to come in alongside experienced players and make an impression.. The injury to Tierney last season… Read more »
China1, The main difference has been the change of formation from a passive, defensive 3-4-3 to a more rounded attacking 4-2-3-1 and the introduction of players who fits that formation. Lacazette has not suddenly found his boots, the change of formation is allowing him now to spend time closer to the goal and not spend energy chasing shadow in midfield. Lacazette is not a No10, he is a No9 who like to have a No10 behind him. At Lyon Lacazette most prolific period was when he had Fekir behind him with whom he could interact. That second goal was exactly… Read more »
I wouldn’t mind seeing Pepe in this set up and with esr and a better form Bellerin. When the young Saka needs a break that is.
The issue with Auba is that he is an extremely gifted goal poacher who thrive in pressing and counter-attacking team, but a mediocre footballer overall. Unfortunately for him Arsenal is moving away from that low defense passive style. Last year when playing ultra defensive, Aubameyang was able to score via long ball above the defense, coming then in his right foot and shoot. This season teams have wised up to the ploy. They play deeper and let us have the ball knowing that we are toothless. That may change with the last few performance. However that means that Aubameyang is… Read more »
It is criminal the way the club have wasted money on has beens that bring nothing to the table and extend contracts for never have beens at very generous rates making it imposible to dispose of them. Shame the same formula could not be applied to Balogun who will leave at the end of his contract – more money down the drain. The answer was there all along – the youth. Most on here saw it, I know I did and I live over 8,000 miles away! But those at the club, day in and day out could not see… Read more »
Freddie
‘Also Pepe played about 3 games in the league, but I get it he’s the new whipping boy.’
We should cut our losses on him. The more he plays for Arsenal the more it becomes apparent how average he is as a player and his market value depreciates. He should go back to France, not good enough for Arsenal.
A back up goalkeeper aa Runnarson is terrible
Laca playing really well at mo.. Hope he keeps it up..
Arteta will I believe make it with Arsenal.. Has made some obvious mistakes but what I was happy about is him giving ESR a run rather then just playing him re Chelsea..
Holding has stepped up and hope he stays fit..
ESR, Saka, Martenelli, Tierney, Saliba and Partey
That’s a good young base of a team
Pedro while it is completely fair to keep highlighting the added ‘energy’, ‘enthusiasm’, ‘drive’, ‘hunger’ etc etc that the young players have added to our team these last few matches… can we just start admitting they are better players. As well as his energy Saka on the right just has more quality than anything Pepe has offered. Willian in 10 mins yesterday seemed to gave the ball away more times than Saka has all season. Emile Smith Rowe in 3 games has equalled Ozil’s premier league assist tally from the last 2 years. Martinelli didn’t feature yesterday but came back… Read more »
We should sell Pepe or loan him out then sell him.
The club needs to appoint a football savvy person on the board of directors, preferably an ex-player. Someone with veto power to challenge Arteta and Edu.
David O’Leary is jut 62 y/p. He has the highest number of appearances for Arsenal and has also managed a premier league club before.
They need a wise head in that transfer committee processs.
tr7 “We should cut our losses on him. The more he plays for Arsenal the more it becomes apparent how average he is as a player and his market value depreciates. He should go back to France, not good enough for Arsenal.” We’ve been utterly shit playing in a 7-0-3 formation in the league, he’s had 3 starts, our terrible run of form can’t be laid on his feet. I’d like to see how he’s doing in a proper set up before giving up on him. I know you never liked him so your opinion on the matter isn’t really… Read more »
Terrific performance. Saka’s goal was a thing of beauty. Some good performances. Tierney looks the business but I was really taken by the difference ESR made to our fluency. He has a smooth touch is physically strong and moves the ball quickly. Shades of Eastham, Brady in days gone by. The young players will have stinkers but please lets persevere with them. With Partey and Gabi to come in there is the making of a decent side there once we shift all the deadwood. Please Arteta don’t buy anymore lightweights via the Kia academy. A back up keep won’t cost… Read more »
Valentin
Edu is absolutely sure that Willian was the right hire. I believe he said in that interview that this questioning the Willian signing “don’t know football”
Can you see the possibility that Willian will come good at some point?
“Cut our losses earlier on Pepe, Luiz, and Willian, maybe we’re in better shape.”
It as this scapegoating/deflection from Pedro I was reacting to btw. Like I said, Pepe has barely played in the league so cutting our losses on him wouldn’t have changed anything, including him instead of Willian might have on the other hand.
*those questioning*
Valentin
“Auba is not finding his scoring boots again any time soon unless Arsenal switches to system that suit him. Or use him as an impact sub when the opposition opens up more.”
I predict he will be our top scorer again this season and will score close to 20.goals….
The Bard
“. Shades of Eastham”
Yeah ,George Eastham was the first player to really catch my eye as a kid .
He loved a one two as he glided over the mud
I have to disagree that with those suggesting we buy another CM because we need to protect ESR. He isnt a kid he is 20 not 17. He looks strong and hungry. Spunking another 40m on an Isco or similar isn’t the way forward.
Pepe isnt the slickest of footballers but there is still something there. But Saka is an automatic starter on the right from now on. Pepe can deputize. He has still his special moments.
Val you talk so much thrash with authority it’s scary. So auba won’t score again till we revert to previous formation? I find that interesting cause I thought auba was learning to play the new way and he was doing a good job. I think he’ll find his form soon and it’ll be egg in your face as usual. Weren’t u lambasting Laca not too long ago? Now you’re back to humble pie. Smh
An FA cup.team with Aubameyang, Willian , Pepe, Ozil, Xhaka, Ceballos, Elneny , Luiz, Mustafi , Cedric, Mari looks pretty decent .
Leave the league to the academy players …
I actually agree with Pierre re. Aubameyang.
He got into some good positions yesterday, and on another day, would’ve bagged 2 or three of those.
He’ll find his scoring boots soon enough, just as Laca has….
I could watch the first two goals on repeat all day.
Tierney is absolutely terrific. Saka and ESR played some lovely stuff too. Strong showing from a team who were pegged as relegation candidates by a few bozos here less than two weeks ago.
Tom
Totally agree with your point above. It’s not just the energy, enthusiasm etc with the kids, they can play too even better than some of the senior mates. With the right guidance all the kids we have can contribute.
Up the Arse
Jamie are u surprised? There are plenty non arsenal fans on this blog. Hopefully arsenal keeps on winning so all we need to deal with is Pierre and his immaculate wisdom
Pierre, Under which system do you think that Auba will score 20 goals? On the left with his lack of interaction with the rest of the team? In the middle? It would be a shame to drop Lacazette to put Aubameyang in the middle. We would lose all that fluidity. Instead of relying on a single player having 20 goals, I would rather we have multiple players on 15 goals each: Lacazette, Saka, Martinelli. In order for Aubameyang to score those 20 goals, Arsenal will have to have a lot of penalties (that’s not happening under Mike Riley’s watch) or… Read more »
I know it’s only West Brom but that’s the best we have looked in absolutely ages. Hale end boys bringing back Wengerball in 2021. Tears in my eyes man, tears in my eyes.
Hilarious the amount of posters chatting relegation a couple of weeks back.Told you lot it was literally impossible and get a grip and here we are,the knee jerkism was really a sight to behold..Hahahah
Pierre indeed mate. They were my first Arsenal team. Loved Eastham and Joe Baker in that side.
Danny
::’toxic little cunt’ could not have put it better.
pierre (aka mystic meg) you really are a fucking melt
Valentin
Laca was dropped to 10 in the closing moments to save his legs and allow Joe to lead the press and chase loose balls upfield. I would like to credit Arteta there for that piece of in-game management, as this is an area I believe he has lacked in so far
‘Hilarious the amount of posters chatting relegation a couple of weeks back.Told you lot it was literally impossible and get a grip and here we are,the knee jerkism was really a sight to behold..Hahahah’
That Joe and Dissenter were going on and on about releagtion chatter did not surprise me but it was astonishing that there were at least a dozen other posters. Beggars belief how people who have watched so much football over decades could think this Arsenal team with Auba, Partey, Gabriel, Saka, Laca and Martinelli could get relegated.
Raulishuss, You got me confused with somebody else. I did not trash Lacazette. I said that Lacazette is not a No10 and his performance as No9 just confirmed what I have been saying. Like I wrote earlier, Lacazette most prolific period at Lyon was when he played with Fekir behind him because they could both bamboozle the opposition’s with quick interchange. The change of formation to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 AND the introduction of a mobile No10 is the reason for the improvement. I have been advocating for that change of formation AND the introduction of No10 (ESR or Özil)… Read more »
Arsenal’s long term weakness has been finding the correct balance in midfield. My preference is a 4-3-3 formation with 2 hard working central and a creative attacking midfield who can link with forwards. Currently the best option would be Partey and Xhaka in box to box positions. Partey will provide the required control and compensate for Xhaka’s deficiencies. However for all the critique of Xhaka he does offer a work ethic and a good range of passing skills. Smith-Rowe as I have suggested on many occasions is a talented player, but he has been injury prone and therefore should not… Read more »
ESR has proved all along that omitting Ozil was a mistake. Cast aside the hate or love you have for Ozil, his ‘role’ in the team as a 10 was missed. A number 10 has a fundamental role in a team, to link play, move the ball quickly and encourage runners. Without a number 10 play is often more static, safe and sideways with team mates reluctant to make runs. Hence what we became. The point Pedro makes is a good one. If the club will not play Ozil (and William isn’t up to it) then we need another option.… Read more »
That Joe and Dissenter were going on and on about releagtion chatter did not surprise me but it was astonishing that there were at least a dozen other posters. Beggars belief how people who have watched so much football over decades could think this Arsenal team with Auba, Partey, Gabriel, Saka, Laca and Martinelli could get relegated”
This really! I mean i had to take a break from the unbelievable things I was reading on here from supposedly ‘clued up’ posters talking about this very arsenal squad getting relegated.😂
Milano gunner,
I understand what you are saying and would agree that we needed to give some rest to Lacazette. However dropping him in as No10. Meant that he had to cover more ground and run more. So instead of resting him, that change of position extended him.
By that time, WestBrom were beaten and were not trying to play from the back. Big Sam had introduced players to hit long and play thenpercentage. IMHO Having Willock running in midfield and chasing second ball would have been more effective. Switching from a 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1.
I think we mist use the 2 weeks to rest some players who have some history with Injury — KT, ESR etc. That is the only way to keep them fresh for for Europa and EPL in the coming months. The FA cup should not be our priority – we should only play fringe players and leave it like that. If we bomb out of FA cup let it be – that means we have to play only once a week until Europa starts. If we somehow gather momentum and get to 30 points at halfway mark then we have… Read more »