Today’s guest post is brought to you by Adam Rae Voge (@AdamVoge). He’s a data wizard based in Minnesota, he likes to take complex datasets and make them easy to understand. This is a fun post, hopefully, you’ll nerd out on it like I did!
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If Arsenal is going to return to the Champions League any time soon, it’s going to start with the midfield. No matter which way you look at it, it was a liability this past season. But how can the club fix its problems in the middle of the pitch? Is anyone we’re being linked to capable of fixing what ails the starting 11? And is anyone out there a solid option if current targets don’t work out?
That’s a complex issue, but thanks to data, we can get an idea of where to start.
Here’s a breakdown of a host of midfielders, including Arsenal’s currently-owned assets, using 25 key data points from Football Reference.
Arsenal’s current midfield: Defined by weakness
Any analysis of the road forward has to start with a glimpse at the present.
Thankfully, data seems to indicate that Thomas Partey, if he can remain healthy, can be a major asset moving forward. This past season, Thomas ranked among the best midfielders in the top five domestic leagues at ball progression (89th percentile), passes into the final third (91st), progressive carries (89th) and successful dribbles (89th). For all his strengths as a progressive midfielder, Thomas also ranked well in several defensive metrics. He was 87th percentile in tackles won per 90 minutes, 97th percentile in dribbler tackle rate, 89th percentile in tackles + interceptions per 90 and 91st percentile in ball recoveries.
He didn’t press the ball successfully as often as some (55th percentile), but when he did, he succeeded at a high rate (80th percentile). These data point to an aggressive midfielder who can win the ball back and quickly start the action going the other direction, which is perfect for what Arsenal needs.
Granit Xhaka, the most frequent partner for Thomas, proved to be statistically middling. Across the 25 metrics I measured, his average percentile rank was 54th, which is about the definition of bang-average. Xhaka consistently ranked highly in passing metrics, with pass completion, passes into the final third, progressive passes and switches all 85th percentile or better. But his shot- and goal-creating actions (SCA and GCA) ranked in the 28th and 42nd percentiles, respectively, indicating Xhaka did most of his best passing before the attacking third.
But where he really struggled was defense, typically a strength of someone of his athletic profile. While his success rate tackling dribblers was better than 94 percent of his counterparts, Xhaka rarely actually executed tackles, ranking in the 31st percentile in sheer quantity. He struggled to pressure the ball (sixth percentile) and was woeful in tackles + interceptions (20th). These aren’t the traits of a dynamic midfielder who can play in a press-heavy system.
Some Arsenal supporters may be surprised to know that the data were friendly to Dani Ceballos. This is due to his key passes (90th percentile), through balls (97th), progressive carries (97th) and shot-creating actions (88th). Anyone watching the games wouldn’t be surprised to know Dani struggled in the more noticeable areas such as being dispossessed of the ball (20th percentile), ability to pressure the ball (24th percentile) and errors committed (ninth percentile). Clearly Ceballos has positive traits but he needs a different type of midfield partner than Thomas or Xhaka.
Elneny’s rankings also come as no surprise. Elite in terms of pass completion (99th percentile), but in the bottom 10 percent in key passes, and non-penalty expected goals and assists (npxG+xA). Basically, he’s passing backward and sideways. He was in the bottom 20 percent in number of tackles completed, successful ball pressure and tackles + interceptions. Unfortunately, there’s not a worldie category.
One of the more interesting options for Arsenal is Joe Willock. Thanks in part to his hellish run of scoring late last season, he finished 96th percentile in npxG+xA. But with a couple of exceptions, he was dismal in most other categories. Willock has shown a tendency to lose the ball (second percentile in miscontrols and fourth in dispossessions). He gets dribbled past more than almost any midfielder (first percentile). He does poorly pressuring the ball (first percentile). Unless he can develop in these areas, and maybe he can, Arsenal would be foolish not to cash in on the narrative his goal streak created.
What of the other Arsenal midfield loanees? Matteo Guendozi averaged a 46th percentile rank, putting him ahead of Willock and Elneny, but certainly not worth the personality that comes attached. He wasn’t dribbled past often this season and successfully pressured the ball at a high rate, but nothing else ranked in the upper 25 percent.
Lucas Torreira was statistically the worst midfielder on Arsenal’s books this past season. He won the ball back (98th percentile) and held onto it (99th percentile) this year, but only cracked the middle of the field in a couple of other categories.
When you put them all together, Arsenal’s midfield lacked a true attacking threat. Only Ceballos and Willock were above average in their contributions to offense, and starting Ceballos was sometimes inviting goals for the opposition. Nobody consistently created shots.
Somehow, the same unit also lacked true defensive teeth. Only Partey was above average at pressuring the ball and winning it back. Xhaka wasn’t dribbled past often, but he committed more errors than the supporters are willing to tolerate.
Current rumours: Who could help?
The good news for Arsenal is that there are a lot of serviceable midfield replacements on the market today, and several of them are forcing their way out of their current club. With the exception of Albert Sambi Lokonga, due to a lack of data available, here’s what my analysis says about the options out there:
It’s unlikely that one player will come in and solve every problem Arsenal have in the midfield. But among those credibly linked to the club, the best positioned to do so would be Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo. Locatelli fits the Xhaka profile and would likely play a more defensive role, allowing Partey to focus more on the attack. But Locatelli would also bring plenty to the attack himself.
By the numbers: Locatelli was 98th percentile in both passes into the final third and progressive passing. He was 80th or better in switches, shot-creating actions, key passes and pass completion percentage. So he’s going to contribute to some goals no matter where he ends up. And of course, he does well defensively. Among the statistics I measured, he was only below average in the number of times he pressured the ball (23rd percentile) and errors committed (15th percentile). He was above average in number of tackles, interceptions and successful ball pressure rate, so perhaps getting the chance to put more pressure on the ball would benefit him.
After Locatelli, there’s a bit of a divide defined by play style. But the most all-around skilled player is Ruben Neves. Despite the venom coming his way from about half Arsenal’s fan base, Neves is an improvement over Granit Xhaka in the vast majority of metrics. He contributes far more to goals (62nd percentile in npxG+xA, 65th in SCA, 71st in key passes), and he’s also a statistically strong tackler (75th in tackles won, 69th in percentage of dribblers tackled). Neves’ real weaknesses are pass completion percentage, successful dribbles, and progressive carries, all of which could be explained at least in part by his willingness to play a long pass over the top. He’s an interesting option to say the least.
After Neves, all-around quality dips, but stylistic strengths remain. Offensively speaking, Rodrigo De Paul and Houssem Aouar are both leaps up from Xhaka’s output. De Paul is 97th percentile in npxG+xA, 98th percentile in key passes, 93rd in progressive passing and 98th percentile in both shot- and goal-creating actions. He can dribble (99th percentile) and carry into the final third (99th percentile). He loses the ball far too often (bottom 10 percent), and can’t tackle, pressure the ball or win it back, but offensively his contribution is outstanding.
It’s a similar story with Aouar. He’s in the top 10 percent in npxG+xA, key passes, through balls, dribbles, progressive carries, SCA and GCA (in a supposed down year, mind you). He does lose the ball more often than most any midfielder in the big five leagues, however, and he contributes very little to the defense. He’s a true 8 type of midfielder, or maybe even an attacking midfielder, so don’t look to him to contribute outside of the attacking third often.
Among the more defensive options, Yves Bissouma stands out. He tackles well (92nd percentile), he wins aerial duels (95th percentile), and he can pressure the ball (85th percentile in successful pressure rate). His dribbling prowess (86th percentile in dribbles completed) means he can recover the ball and push up the pitch a bit before passing. He’s not going to contribute a lot to the attack, but as a partner for Thomas, he’s enticing to say the least.
After Bissouma, both Guido Rodriguez and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa offer upside over Xhaka. Rodriguez is a prolific tackler (90th percentile) and wins aerials (84th percentile). His real weakness as a defender is committing errors (12th percentile). And once he does get on the ball, he doesn’t provide much. He ranked just fifth percentile in key passes, 28th in progressive passes, 12th in SCA and 2nd in GCA.
Zambo Anguissa is a little more interesting as an all-around midfielder. He ranked in the top 15 percent in only two metrics (dribbles completed and tackles + interceptions per 90). If he could clear up his ball security issues (bottom five percent in dispossessions, bottom three in miscontrols), he wouldn’t have many glaring weaknesses from a statistical standpoint. He could be a good third midfielder at the top level.
Midfield options: Who else is there?
OK, now let’s ditch reality for a bit. Who else could make sense to shore up the midfield? There’s plenty out there to pick from. Let’s start with three of my favorites from a defensive mindset.
Aurelien Tchouameni, 21, Monaco: If you’re looking for a midfield partner who could allow Partey to focus on the attack, I lean Tchouameni. He’s only 21, but he just helped a fallen club find their way back to the Champions League. Sound familiar?
Tchouameni wins more tackles than almost any midfielder (99th percentile). He succeeds at pressuring the ball at an elite rate (98th percentile). He wins his aerials better than 98 percent of his midfield contemporaries, and he recovers the ball well (85th percentile). Doesn’t that sound like a midfielder who can cover the defense and allow Partey to commit to the attack?
Cheick Doucoure, 21, Lens: If you can’t get Tchouameni, go for Doucoure. Despite playing at the top tier for the first time this past season, Doucoure ranked in the 96th percentile at pressuring the ball and in the 92nd percentile at tackles + interceptions. Defensively speaking, his only weakness was being dribbled past, but he’s even above average at that (53rd percentile). While he’s only played one season in Ligue 1 (Lens were Ligue 2 for his first two seasons), Doucoure does also provide a bit more offense than Tchouameni, with an npxG+xA in the 72nd percentile and final third passing in the 76th percentile. He profiles as someone a savvy club like Leicester will sign for a pittance and sell at a huge profit.
Maximillian Arnold, 27, Wolfsburg: Maximillian Arnold is on the older side, so some fans may not love the idea of signing him. But he recovers the ball at an elite rate (97th percentile), tackles dribblers (88th percentile) and presses well (87th percentile in successful pressure rate). He also has plenty of offensive talent, ranking in the 88th percentile this past season in npxG+xA, 92nd in key passes, 90th in SCA and 87th in GCA. He helped lead Wolfsburg to the Champions League to a fourth-place finish this past season.
With one of those in tow, here are three offensive midfielders who could help the Arsenal attack:
Fabian Ruiz, 25, Napoli: This isn’t exactly a random suggestion, but Ruiz would be a valuable attacking addition for Arsenal. He’s not a prolific dribbler, but he ranked in the 80th percentile or better in 11 of the 14 offensive or ball-security statistics I tracked for this piece. His weakness truly is his defense, but like Aouar, you wonder if he could succeed as an offensive-minded 8 with Partey or another signing focused more on defense.
Lorenzo Pellegrini, 24, Roma: Pellegrini is another obvious target who would come at more of a cost. His pass completion percentage ranked low (48th percentile), but he was great this past season at carrying the ball into the attacking third (90th percentile). He was rarely dispossessed (88th percentile), with a knack for playing through balls (92nd percentile). Like Ruiz, he wouldn’t offer a lot of value defensively, but his statistics do compare somewhat favorably to Granit Xhaka, so a net improvement would be a certainty.
Bruno Guimaraes, 23, Lyon: Here’s a great example of where G/A can be misleading. Despite contributing to only four goals in 37 Lyon appearances this season, Guimaraes ranked among the elite midfielders (94th percentile) at creating goals. Ball progression is a particular strength of his, with his progressive carries ranking in the 96th percentile and progressive passes in the 85th percentile. He also ranked fifth defensively in my analysis (including Partey), suggesting a true box-to-box midfielder. And he’s Brazilian, so Edu must be aware of him, right?
The final verdict
So who should Arsenal sign, according to the data? Here’s what I would do:
Bruno Guimaraes, hypothetically for up to 40 million Euros, as my box-to-box midfielder. Maximillian Arnold from Wolfsburg for 25 million Euros. And Cheick Doucoure as the DM of the future, for anywhere up to 10 million. For 75 million, that would be a dream summer haul and would allow some focus on the other glaring issues this club has.
Failing that? A Locatelli/Neves summer would be helpful at the least, even if it would cost the same. Unless it’s not, in which case, don’t blame me: Blame the data.
If you liked this, follow me @AdamVoge
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WHAT A READ. If you want to indulge your ears in similar levels of elite content, check out the latest podcast with Mike who penned a midfield scouting report a few weeks ago.
Dark HeiJune 16, 2021 05:59:22 I kind of agree with your point that there is no one around who can be truly clean.But some things are kind of in your face.Take Usmanov, his profile is well known.You compare that to Kronke. Yah he is billionaire etc but it will be really woke stretch to say that his level of malevolence is on the same tier as Usmanov., or that he by being an American means that you put him on the same tier as a war criminal. ———————- Ok,for simplicity.Let’s put it another way. You have say a fictional president… Read more »
“”””””Doesn’t it make more sense to play in the less warmer, winter period – June, July, August – when the daily temperatures are around 25 C and the weather is very pleasant?””””””
In equatorial African countries heavy rainfall is the equivalent of winter snow. In drier countries theres a heavy drizzle in their highland regions. It makes sense to have AFCON in the summer and play in the evenings.
Don’t forget Azeez and Patino already at the club.
https://youtu.be/0XZtianCpow
Azeez and Patino already at the club.
https://youtu.be/0XZtianCpow
Sorry for the double post. Other young midfielders like Omari and Matt Smith might be seen in the preseason.
Interesting post and some comfort in how well Partey measures up in those stats. Xhaka’s stats really confirm what we know of him – he can pass well but only when he is not under pressure. Otherwise the ball goes back. He takes no risks at all and does everything to make him look less bad by conservative actions.
I was talking to some Wolves fans the other day who are distraught at the thought of losing Neves. They think he can do everything and even in a bad year is their midfield engine.
Phd2020 There is a huge difference between being “opportunist and tainted” and what I am suggesting. I am not discussing his reputation within football, but matters which I have learned from people outside this sport. Let me raise one matter, which gives you a clear indication why Usmanov should never have been the owner of Arsenal. He is persona non grata in the United States and that is not on the basis of being a friend of Putin. I am aware that it required a personal intervention from Obama to allow him to attend a Gala of the IOC in… Read more »
Still seems that we are in talks to sign White. Surely we would not waste £50m on him? I am just incredulous that this is the ‘problem’ we’re trying to fix when we have done nothing to tackle the positions we know we need cover or massive improvement – RB, LB,, CMx2, maybe CAM, maybe GK.
“”””””I appreciate that “money matters” in football, and Usmanov may have cleansed his reputation, but there are lines to be drawn.”””””””
“I appreciate that “money matters” in football, and Usmanov may have cleansed his reputation, but there are lines to be drawn.”
Spot the similarities?
“The Hill Woods (no hyphen then) were the millowners in Glossop, east of Manchester on the edge of the Peak district, making their fortune during the early to mid-19th century era of child labour and industrial horrors. The later generations grew to be more philanthropic, ”
Spot the similarities?
Dark HeiJune 16, 2021 05:59:22 I kind of agree with your point that there is no one around who can be truly clean.But some things are kind of in your face.Take Usmanov, his profile is well known.You compare that to Kronke. Yah he is billionaire etc but it will be really woke stretch to say that his level of malevolence is on the same tier as Usmanov., or that he by being an American means that you put him on the same tier as a war criminal. ———— Forgot to mention the investment by our owners into launching a TV… Read more »
Please don’t compare your view of Kroenke’s financial and moral competence with what I am discussing here.
I have made the case on a number of occasions that I would have preferred a different owner to the one we have got with a greater knowledge of football and passion for the club.
However, that is not the issue I raise.
“In 1910 Sammy Hill Wood began a new career as a conservative MP for the High Peak. In 1913 he was involved in top secret government plans and had an early insight of what would unfold to be the Great War. So with that in hand he returned to Glossop and began to sell his shares in the club”
Sid
You are discussing moral and financial ethics and I am not.
Ok, my humble apologies Sir
The thing that makes me laugh almost about this transfer window is that if Xhaka didn’t want to leave, he would probably have a new deal by now and we wouldn’t be looking so hard for a CM.
It’s clear for all to see how much Arteta rates him.
Thank god for all his faults, Xhaka has a bit of pride and ambition.
Very interesting article…. but…. This is what happens when you rely on “The computer sez…….” philosophy. Football is an organic game played by sentient beings – not some computer algorithm. We suffered years of Wenger running on sentimentality and pure bloody mindedness and now are we going to be run by computer data and pure bloody mindedness??? Players aren’t that daft. They know that stats are becoming more significant in the game are apt to pad their own stats out by short safe passing in order to enhance their position. NFL in the USA and AFL in Australia have been… Read more »
https://blog.feedspot.com/arsenal_blogs/
Came across this on my hunt fir transfer news today.
LeGrove just creeps into the top 10! I have asked them for the figures since Christmas so we can get a proper barometer of how it’s doing.
Away to Brentford first game then.
Chelsea and City after that.
Brentford
Chelsea
City
Seems familiar ha
Andy
“””Away to Brentford first game then.”””
Forget that, thats just the bloody warm up for Mikel.
Who have we got Boxing Day?
EmiratesstrollerJune 16, 2021 07:01:30 I appreciate that “money matters” in football, and Usmanov may have cleansed his reputation, but there are lines to be drawn. ———————————- What is your red line? ———- EmiratesstrollerJune 16, 2021 07:01:30 There is a huge difference between being “opportunist and tainted” and what I am suggesting. ———— What would you say about our current prime minister? Given his track record,prior to becoming prime minister.His column articles in the past that were questionable?His back tracking on certain pronouncements and government policy?His extracurricular activities? Would you be happy to have him on the seat of the BoD,if… Read more »
Danny
“”””Chelsea and City after that.”””
Looks like October then.
Benitez, Conte, Zidane ?
I hope we are prepared well ahead of these fixtures
Horrible start. Hate playing newly promoted teams first up, it’s a no win situation. Lose and you are shamed. Win and it was expected,especially at Arsenal where memories of last season’s opening win and it’s false dawn are fresh. Brentford will have the promotion ”bounce’,all will be joy and optimism with very little pressure. That’s followed by chelski and city. Mikel, you know the season starts on Aug 14th? Just checking……
Aussie+ Gooner I agree, football is a team game Talent alone will never be enough, not without the right character, drive, determination, and leadership I was listening to Sir Alex Ferguson the other day, talking about squad building, and I’m paraphrasing… But he was basically saying he’d try and combine talented players, with players with the right mentality + work ethic, because the players who’d got to where they were in spite of being less talented, would set the tone for everybody else It’s not just good players we need, we need players who are hungry Not over the hill… Read more »
And those early fixtures are even more incentive to get the business that needs to be done, done early.
Brentford’s first game in the top flight, packed audience at home against one of the established ‘top six’. Its a game set up for an upset if we’re not on our A game.
@CG Boxing Day is Norwich away.
Nice easy start for the new manager!
Brilliant Andy haha!
I’m sure that those that believe Mikel is the Messiah (not a very naughty boy) will give him a free pass in the early games against Chelsea and City. After that the fixture list isn’t too bad.
If memory serves me correct Norwich were the team that we played after Unai got the chop too, with Freddie in charge
EmiratesstrollerJune 16, 2021 07:25:23 Please don’t compare your view of Kroenke’s financial and moral competence with what I am discussing here. —— But you said earlier.. EmiratesstrollerJune 15, 2021 16:48:32 “There may be a lot of faults with Arsenal past and present, but one thing they are not is allowing “villains and crooks” to take a seat on the Board of Directors or take control of the club. Arsenal have avoided that situation on two separate occasions in last 30+ years with both Roger Levitt and Usmanov. On both occasions the Board had enough common sense to avoid the possibility… Read more »
James Maddinson is a proper baller , its unfortunate he isnt playing in Euros , England do have lot of talent in that position . Arsenal would be lucky if he comes
Rich
“”””There’s so many intangibles that can’t be measured by statistics””””
100% Accurate ( for once)
Fergie also stated soccer management is like baking a cake and all the the ingredients have to come together for it to be a nice successful and tasty cake.
(He was a cracking cake maker.)
Arteta and Co aint even bought the flour and eggs yet.
Partey you absolute monster.
@Leftie, Arteta’s first game was the Bournemouth game on Boxing Day. Given that two of the three games as we end November are Liverpool and ManU both away history could repeat itself with a manager fired late November and a new appointee in place for Boxing Day.
@mattspiro
David Luiz has started talks with Marseille, who also want Saliba & Guendouzi, preferably on loan. #Arsenal would rather sell. Saliba keen to continue with Nice (L’Equipe)
L’Equipe report claims Arsenal would rather sell both Guendouzi and Saliba ‘to get a return on their investments’
“”””Nice easy start for the new manager!””””
Thanks Andy.
the Spurs home fixture v Zorro , 6th game in will decide his fate.
Maddison would cost £50-£60m, so basically no chance IMO.
DivineSherlockJune 16, 2021 09:24:45
James Maddinson is a proper baller , its unfortunate he isnt playing in Euros , England do have lot of talent in that position . Arsenal would be lucky if he come
—–
Yeah,I’m sure James Maddison is jeezing himself to sleep at the prospect of working under Arteta’s hostage taking type of football.
Andy
“”””Maddison would cost £50-£60m, so basically no chance IMO.””””
If Arsenal are giving out that sort of money to Leicester, I would want Whelan their CEO, their DoF (Rudkin?) and their manager.( Rogers)
That lot know how to run a club.
Rich “There’s so many intangibles that can’t be measured by statistics” Exactly. Football team building is about the sum of all parts. Different players for different systems, combinations & partnerships. The best 11 players isn’t the best team. You need balance & good competition but not too much. Playing systems / formations require different skill sets That’s been our biggest problem, an unbalanced bloated squad which has meant square pegs in round holes. It got better after Jan when we bought in players like Odegaard & Partey and shipped out problems but using stats on their own is a lazy… Read more »
Yeah, Leicester bought Maddison from Norwich in 2018 after he had been their player of the season. Smart business.
Fast foward (and this may sound familiar) Norwich win promotion again in 2021 and Arsenal are linked with their player of the season Emi Buendia but decide not to conclude the deal. Maybe we’ll wait until he’s been a success at Villa and then try to sign him too.
Spot on AFCF. The best team wins football matches not the best collection of individuals as determined by the stat merchants. The same people that used to tell us how terrible Alexis’ stats were as he banged in goals and terrorised defences.
The football season is played over 38 games Last season we got 13 points from the available 30, from City, United, Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool, and finished 3rd in the head to head In our current situation, and with our current squad, 13 points is a decent enough tally IMO, because we don’t currently have the third best team If we can get a similar tally next season from those fixtures, we’ll then have to take a minimum of 50 points from 60 from the bottom half Then against Leicester, West Ham, Villa, Everton, we’ll have to aim for an average… Read more »
RichJune 16, 2021 09:18:04 I was listening to Sir Alex Ferguson the other day, talking about squad building, and I’m paraphrasing… But he was basically saying he’d try and combine talented players, with players with the right mentality + work ethic, because the players who’d got to where they were in spite of being less talented, would set the tone for everybody else. It’s not just good players we need, we need players who are hungry Not over the hill mercenaries looking for one last payday, or players going through the motions, only bucking up their ideas as contract renewal… Read more »
RichJune 16, 2021 09:53:09 The football season is played over 38 games Last season we got 13 points from the available 30, from City, United, Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool, and finished 3rd in the head to head In our current situation, and with our current squad, 13 points is a decent enough tally IMO, because we don’t currently have the third best team If we can get a similar tally next season from those fixtures, we’ll then have to take a minimum of 50 points from 60 from the bottom half Then against Leicester, West Ham, Villa, Everton, we’ll have to… Read more »
andy: “Boxing Day is Norwich away.”
So according to the Arteta apologists there’s still half a year left until the new season begins.
PMS2020 You’re making my point for me again, thanks for that…. Our stagnation has been going on for years KSE didn’t care what was happening while Wenger was balancing the books, delivering CL, and their share price was increasing But the problem with treading water, Is that if you don’t try and gain some momentum, you’ll eventually start swallowing water, and going under We slightly underachieved based on where we currently are as a club, not by what our potential is You don’t undo years of poor decision making with a €50 million midfielder in Partey who missed half the… Read more »
PH
100% with you on this. It’s as if we can all ignore what other clubs will be doing.
Far too many are making the assumption next season will play out anything like last season. Football just doesn’t work like that for all we know Arsenals season could be terrible, yes even worse than last season.
But never mind it’s less than 200 days to Christmas!
PhD2020 “Last time a player in recent times,had me on the edge of my seat was CR7 when he played for Manure, circa 2003” Interesting. So TH14 and DB10 didn’t float your boat? I find that a bizarre comment. Henry was largely unplayable, the solo goals against Spurs & Liverpool were ridiculous, so too his Highbury goal against Man Utd which flew past Bartez. Then there was the Inter performance, in fact just too many ‘out of the seat moments. That is without going through a list of Bergkamps magical goals like the Newcastle one and some of his control… Read more »
PMS2020
No, I’m assuming that we improve more than those around us
We complement the already good parts of our squad, by putting parts around them that make them better
And the extra time on the training ground, having fresher legs, statistically we’ll likely get less injuries, and having a more stable starting 11, while having one of the strongest benches outside any team who isn’t playing in Europe
Can see us make up some ground
Whether it’ll play out like that, none of us know…
But realistically this should be our objectives for the league next season
https://youtu.be/INiT1cA_Eqk
BREAKING NEWS:
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that due to the pivotal nature of this transfer window he has sought expert advice on how to proceed. Arsenal fans will be delighted to learn that Arteta is being guided by none other than footballing genius Eric Cantona. Le Grove has managed to obtain the message sent by Cantona to Arteta which is now central to the club’s vision moving forward.
Phd2020
You wait till Arteta gets on his phone to Maddinson xD . Meanwhile Leicester are willing to let him go maybe cos they have ready replacement in Harvey Barnes. Thats how a proper club works
Terraloon .”for all we know Arsenals season could be terrible, yes even worse than last season” It could be vastly better too, have you considered that? With new additions added to what was a pretty average squad improvement is going to happen. Don’t forget (I know it’s not allowed to be mentioned because it is an inconvenient truth) that we added a couple of new players to the team last season which produced an improvement in the next 22 games. So it depends on who we add and if you use the form after the first 16 games or the… Read more »
I’m all for upgrading the squad with players that can challenge for the first 11 so Maddison, providing the fee is realistic, is certainly an upgrade. Neves is also an upgrade on Granit albeit not by a lot.
My worry is if we are planning to bring in 4 or 5 quality players and sell more than 5 or 6 of the current underachievers this process should have really started by now.
I really don’t want to see a last week of the window trolley dash.
Maddison injured a lot recently.
RichJune 16, 2021 10:29:54
PMS2020
You’re making my point for me again, thanks for that….
——-
For not being a glorified fantasist/dreamer like yourself?
I’ll take that any day of the week.
I’ve already addressed your arguments sometime last week..
No,need to repeat myself.If you are in denial,I can always post you the link.
PS
You are mental.
Yep Nelson, also true. I think he has a bad hip or something but not going to the Euros has maybe given him the rest needed for it to heal.
He’s a modern number 10 who on his day is a match winner. Anything below £50 million is good business in my opinion.
Terralon Arsenal’s Season could be worse, it could be better, the future isn’t set, it’s what we make of it That’s all to play for, and will be decided by how astutely and ruthlessly we assemble our squad between now and August Past performances are no guarantee of future results, and that works both ways I’m not confident we’ll get those decisions right, and if we screw this summer up, I’ll be right besides you having a meltdown come August Setting out realistic objectives isn’t being a fantasist, it’s called setting out a road map to how we go about… Read more »
Terraloon Actually Rich is looking more at the numerical aspect historically for what threatens top 4 and title winners, then our own trends in results. The intention from every single club each year is to get better, but it simply never occurs because the variables are too impossible to get hold of. Only thing Arsenal need to do is focus on improving our own metrics, seeing where the biggest shortfall is, and taking those gains into the season to see how it influences our outcomes. We made 61 points, but I think 72 (or thereabouts) is the 4th place average… Read more »
PMS2020
There’s a fine line between genius and insanity, and the most talented people, are usually the most flawed
Genius certainly comes at a huge cost
OMG
Fixture List for next season published
First two games are Chelsea at home and Man City away!!!
Rich, very nicely put.
Sorry they are second and third games. Brentford is first.
Nope Stroller, we’re away to Brentford first game of the season.
Beat me to it.
Emirates
“First two games are Chelsea at home and Man City away!!!”
Oh well, the usuals on here will be celebrating because they can start their moaning after the first game!!! That means we have a two week extension minimum to look forward to. I might go onto a Spuds blog to cheer myself up, they say nicer things about Arsenal than half the people on here!!!
Just checked, that’s wrong its Brentford ES
Did you run the numbers on AMN – he did spend most of the season playing in midfield.
Tbh I’m not expecting him to have great numbers beyond pressing, just curious.
AFC Forever
You are absolutely right.
At least Edu and Arteta will need to focus now on recruitment!!!
Our start is comparable with last season. Away to the play-off winners in the first game and then we play two of the top sides in short order (last season it was Liverpool and City, this year it’s Chelsea and City).
Could be worse, Norwich’s start is Liverpool, City, Leicester, Arsenal.
RichJune 16, 2021 10:33:41
No, I’m assuming that we improve more than those around us
——-
Yeah,Arteta and Edu are the “X-Factor” to lure such precocious talent to our stables.
Willian probably practices ‘Capoeira’ in front of Arteta when he’s doing a team talk.
Probably went full on with the ‘Capoeira’ after his unauthorised trip from Dubai,in full view of his team mates,whilst Arteta was laying down his non-negotiable laws.
AFC
You attack the usual’s (pretty sure I’m on that list) because we’re going to have a really tough time in 2 of our first 3 matches but you don’t come out and explain why Arteta will be winning those matches. No doubt you’ll be coming up with excuses of no pre season, Euro’s affected out transfer window, the balls the wrong shape. When are you going to hold the people in charge accountable?
Personally I reckon we’re looking at 10 or 11 points from our first 6 fixtures.
Fixtures up to the end of December:
AUG
Brentford (A)
Chelsea (H)
Man City (A)
SEP
Norwich (H)
Burnley (A)
Spuds (H)
OCT
Brighton (A)
Palace (h)
Villa (H)
Leicester (A)
NOV
Watford (H)
Liverpool (A)
Newcastle (H)
Man Utd (A)
DEC
Everton (A)
Southampton (H)
West Ham (H)
Leeds (A)
Norwich (A) Boxing Day
Wolves (H)
How many points after we get to the start of the New Year?
RichJune 16, 2021 11:01:02
There’s a fine line between genius and insanity, and the most talented people, are usually the most flawed
Genius certainly comes at a huge cost
——-
What, are you calling yourself a genius?
Really now?
A man named Rich,that stated:-‘Economics is an exact science?”
Andy 1886
It is a difficult start to season and Edu and Arteta need to focus now on “early” recruitment
to ensure that we are at least ready.
Well there goes Arteta’s chance to be the Messiah of Arsenal. The only way he gets a decent tally of points out of those first six games is if we don’t fuck around and get players with proper preseason. If we go low bidding for every player then there is a chance the season would have a horrible start. There is no more last chance for Arteta. He has been lucky he has stayed this long. Show some progress or get the fuck out. It’s about to be 2 seasons in charge with underwhelming outcome so far.
Marc “you don’t come out and explain why Arteta will be winning those matches. No doubt you’ll be coming up with excuses of no pre season, Euro’s affected out transfer window, the balls the wrong shape” You are usually a lot better than that. Ball the wrong shape is as good as denying the 23 run doesn’t count because it was all luck. It works nith ways. Unlike a lot of people I don’t make predictions or pretend to be able to predict results. Gambling is a mugs game. In order for me to best predict our success, or otherwise,… Read more »
Arsenal interested in Aaron Ramsdale lol
Just when you think club can’t surprise you with their ineptitude, they pull it out of thin air.
Stroller, we certainly need to close out deals earlier. It’s all very well holding out until the last minute to save a few pennies. The sooner we integrate new signings the better they are likely to perform in the first part of the season.
“Arsenal interested in Aaron Ramsdale lol”
Dodgy zoom call between Mikel and Edu, obv:
MA: Get Aaron Rams[crackling]
Edu: I’m on it.
AFC ForeverJune 16, 2021 11:16:31 Fixtures up to the end of December: —— Under Arteta,at best,I’m counting 33 points,but could range it from 30-33(30 points the very bare minimum) by the end of the December fixtures.Anything less,a total disaster. I’ve just included 3 points for the winnable games,excluding draws, to simplify matters or arguments. AUG Brentford (A)-3 points Chelsea (H) Man City (A)SEP Norwich (H)-3 points Burnley (A) Spuds (H)OCT Brighton (A)-3 points Palace (h)- 3 points Villa (H)-3 points Leicester (A)NOV Watford (H)- 3 points Liverpool (A) Newcastle (H)-3 points Man Utd (A)DEC Everton (A) Southampton (H)- 3 points… Read more »
AFC
I was taking the piss out of the level of excuses offered up by some of here. I don’t make bets on results but I can look at the first 6 fixtures and make a stab at what I think we’ll see.
What is unknown at the moment is the level of transfer business we’ll do – I do think however it’ll be done after the Euro’s meaning new players won’t be integrated into the team or even at the expected level of fitness.
PHD
Bearing in mind there could / would / should be a handful of draws in there your prediction actually gives Arteta a pretty decent start.
Jamie
Loooool that is so very Arsenal that I can see it happening
Jamie
Brilliant!
Looking at that list I’d want 40 -44 points, not thirty something. Lots of very winnable games in there.
Brentford (A)-3 points
Chelsea (H) 1 point
Man City (A) 0 points
Norwich (H)-3 points
Burnley (A) 3 points
Spuds (H) 1 point
Brighton (A)-3 points
Palace (h)- 3 points
Villa (H)- 1 point
Leicester (A) – 1 point
Watford (H)- 3 points
Liverpool (A) 0 points
Newcastle (H)-3 points
Man Utd (A) – 1 point
Everton (A) – 3 points
Southampton (H)- 3 points
West Ham (H)-3 points
Leeds (A) 1 point
Norwich (A) Boxing Day-3 points
Wolves (H)-3 points
That’s 42 points and I’m being generous by only assuming home draws against Chelsea, Spuds and Villa.
PhD2020 I would certainly look forward to 3 points from these games too – Burnley A – 3 Spuds H – 3 Leeds A – 3 Anything less than 40 points before Christmas table should be considered bad. Arteta has spent year and a half as coach, made some signings(or will make in this summer). Anyone saying we might have some draw from the last, we can take a point from the likes of Everton, Chelsea(H), Leicester, United too; works both ways. 40 point in first 18 games, bare minimum. WE SHOULD STOP EXPECTING LIKE A MID-TABLE CLUB to begin… Read more »
andy
Only problem with that is if it happens we’ll have Pedro telling us we’ve won the Calendar Year top 4 trophy!
andy1886 presented it better, except we all need a win against Spuds at home.
What we do need to take into account and it’s easy (through force of habit) to forget that we have no European football next season so there will be matches against teams who are in Europe where we’ll have a whole week to prepare and will be better rested.
@Mb, yup, I’d want a win against the Spuddies at home too, we also beat Chelsea at home last season too but I was giving MA a little bit of leeway. Maybe change the Spuds at home to 3pts and Everton away to a draw (although I think that Everton will struggle this season).
MarcJune 16, 2021 11:38:43 PHD Bearing in mind there could / would / should be a handful of draws in there your prediction actually gives Arteta a pretty decent start. —– It gives ASIC(Arteta’s Seminal Internment Camp), a pretty decent start,when you factor in,I’ve allowed for us to have three away wins up until Christmas 2021:- 1)Brentford(A)-3 points-1st game of the season and a newly promoted championship team. (Criminal if we lose or draw). 2) Brighton away-3 points.And I’m being hopeful here. 3) Norwich(A)-3 points Promoted championship team,who we would’ve have played at home earlier on during the season,hopefully have… Read more »
Sorry,so the bear minimum for Arteta from my rudimentary calculations is 33 points by the end of Christmas 2021.And,I was being extremely generous.Baseline,worst case scenario 30 points and then,we are scratching basement level,in terms of reaching for top 4,CL contention places.
Europa fight becomes the norm,levelling the field at this point.
Jamie
Can I borrow your idea?
Edu on phone at airport to Tets discussing transfers ,very bad line.
MA ‘ We need a keeper,quick’
Edu’ A sweeper? Dick? Dick who?’
MA’ No,a keeper, a goalkeeper’
Edu’ Oh,ok boss. Who will I get?’
MA’How the fuck should I know,that’s your job’
Edu’ That’s my Bob? You want me to ring Bob Wilson?’
MA’ No,you fuckwit. Just copy what Fergie would have done,buy the best’.
Edu’Ferdie bought a vest?’
MA’Fergie! Remember Alex Ferguson?’
Edu’ Runar Alex Runnarson?’
Almunia
I’ve got to say I find your pathetic attempt at humour is very negative. For punishment you must sing Kumbaya for 2 hours whilst waving you Arteta pom poms.
PMS2020
I though I was a fantasist for setting out aims and objectives based on the bigger picture and the amount of intangibles…
You changed your tune quickly
Glad I’ve got you onboard, wasn’t that difficult 😂