THE DEBUT WE WON’T SEE + DATA PROPAGANDA

by .

Well hello.

Arsenal are playing in the League Cup. Patino might start. But who can see it? Just the season ticket holders at the ground. Weird move to not show the game this evening.

Checkout my Patino song:

(to the tune of the Vieira song)

PATINOOOOOO OOHHHHH OHHH PATINOOOOOO OHHH OHHHH HE COMES FROM WATFORD TOWN, HE PUT PHIL JONES ON THE GROUND, PATIINNOOOOOOO OH OH OHHHHH

So sad that I can’t sing this at the computer screen tonight.

Onto other news. There’s been a lot of ‘NOTHING HAS IMPROVED’ with the football, but there are some swanky new stats from Crab Stats that point to green shoots here (full read is great).

Overall Arsenal have moved the ball into the box on 23% of their possessions this season. That ranks 3rd in the Premier League this season, with only Manchester City and Liverpool doing more.

PLUS

Arsenal have 209 final third entries this season, averaging 41.8 per match, ranking 7th in the Premier League at getting the ball into the final third, overall Arsenal have touched the ball 816 times in the final third which is 8th most. For Arsenal this is a bit of feast or famine, against Brentford (58), Norwich (60), and Burnley (50), Arsenal are averaging 56 final third entires per match and against Manchester City (21) and Chelsea (20), Arsenal are averaging 20.5 final third entries.

The thing to consider with the numbers:

1) These stats would be far more impressive if we didn’t have a COVID/injury nightmare at the start of the season

2) They’ll get better because we won’t play the Champions League finalists every week.

Onto the actual data, it’s encouraging. The purpose of the summer was to bring in players that could move the ball vertically at speed because last season we couldn’t get the ball into the box. Well, the new signings are doing the job we brought them in to do.

The concern? We’re shite at turning the better possession into shots on target at goals. What positives can we draw from that?

1) The players we have are all very new to each other. As they learn what the system is about, spend more time with each other, and adapt to the cognitive style of football we’re trying to play… those final third passes will get better and so will the runs to find them.

2) We have good players that aren’t firing right now. Nicolas Pepe will find the target at some point. Odegaard, ESR, and Saka will find their shooting boots. Auba, our most potent striker, will work out some chemistry and the hard work will eventually bang. Good players find the net in the end.

So in short, when people say nothing has changed, they are talking nonsense. The eye test told you that, the individual comps that fly out after every game evidence it, now you have the stats… we’re missing the final pass and shot. When that drops, we’ll start doing more damage to teams.

Hopefully, that’s soon and it starts tonight. See you in the comments, but the only way you get into the comments is consuming the podcast with your ears or eyes.

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gazzap

From what I saw we were not moving the ball quick enough forward. It was back to the old sideways passes and keeping it safe. We wont create anything like that. Not enough forward momentum.

raptora

That dude’s bald head is famous now. 😂

MidwestGun

I’m listening to the .com as well. they are about 5 seconds behind the twitter dude.

Guns of SF

twitter gooner stream ends at 13 mins???

MidwestGun

Saka on for Marti.

Muppetman

Looking forward to Pedro spinning this as a good performance.

Guns of SF

Hoping Manure Chelski and Spuds lose today! Possible still!

Spanishdave

We are a shit show now, can’t score in open play at home to Wimbledon

Leftside

Happy to see Smith Rowe get on the scoresheet

MidwestGun

ESR scores… assists from Saka and Laca.

Nelson

ESR scores

Jonnygunner

SpanishdaveSeptember 22, 2021 21:20:29
We are a shit show now, can’t score in open play at home to Wimbledon

Eh?

gazzap

Goal! They showed it on Sky sports news. ESR scores. Ball pinging about in the box. fell to ESR on his left foot about 8 yards out and he sidefooted into the net.

Nelson

The stream is at least 3 mins delay from live reporting.

Leftside

Eddie on scoresheet

Elmo

Eddie!

Nelson

Leno is standing at least 40 yards from the goal.

Habesha Gooner

Well job done for us. Now of to see Man United struggle.

MidwestGun

Pierre’s boy Eddie scores.

gazzap

Another one!! Nketiah flick from behind his leg. Cross from Soares.

MidwestGun

Balogun on for Eddie.

Cannonball

Oh Dave please pipe down ffs

Paolo

So far 3 games no Xhaka & 3 victories & as it stands no goals conceded!!!

If Xhaka starts in NLD it will be a disgrace. Surely Arteta has learnt a lesson?

Habesha Gooner

2 minutes away from getting rid of Man United

MidwestGun

Looks like Hammers might take down Manc United. Spuds and Chelski perhaps going to pk kicks.

MidwestGun

Yep.. United out.

MidwestGun

Chelski.. Villa going to pks. Same with Spuds.

Ernest Reed

Numbers are such an interesting thing Pedro, they can be interpreted in so many ways. In the end its all about Wins and Points, nothing else matters as much and it shouldn’t. Football is all about results.

raptora

Not good news that the pressure on Ole is building with Conte free to join them. It’s actually the worst news we could get.

Kris

Villa should have had Emi on the bench.
Throw him on for the PKs.

It is still possible Manu, Chelsea, and Spurs all lose. Fingers crossed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Habesha Gooner

If spurs and Chelsea go out then our chances go up to get further in this competition. We have nothing to play for so we might as well be in it to win it.

MidwestGun

Dont know which pk shootout to watch.. I guess Chelski. starts first.

Ashley Young chokes for Villa.

MidwestGun

Chilwell chokes which could have been winner.

Guns of SF

Pens going on.

MidwestGun

Chelski thru … fuckers.

raptora

How to players earning multi millions be so shit at taking pens? Wolves missed 3/5 lol!

Habesha Gooner

What about spuds?

MidwestGun

Spuds through too. in their ugly as fuck purple kits.

Guns of SF

They made it too

Guns of SF

only manure took a shit

Habesha Gooner

Oh well. You win some you lose some. I hope they draw each other though.

Elmo

Good to see some goals go in for us (or listen, seeing as for the 3rd game running we’re not televised live in the UK).

Winners of league cup get place in Europa Conference League!

Guns of SF

Elmo

That is that new weird thingy right? Not the legit EL?

Almuniasaynomore

The boardroom,Emirates stadium. The now weekly meeting of the Brotherhood of Arsenal’s Sincere Trusted And Really Dedicated Servants (B.A.S.T.A.R.D.S) is taking place. Despite the success against high flying Burnley the mood is far more sombre than the celebrations following the epic win over all conquering Norwich. The men and woman sat around the illustrious table seem unusually aware of the heritage of the club which they are meant to serve. The gaze of the former chairmen and managers, whose portraits are arranged along the walls, seems to weigh heavily on them. Chairman Josh Kroenke stands to address the members. JK:… Read more »

TallestTiz

Brave up guys

It’s Xhaka + Partey Midfield against Spurs.

Xhaka to slow the game,Ake errors, fall over the ball once closed down, and later take a red card on 60 minutes.

MidwestGun

We drew Leeds for Next round.

MidwestGun

Spuds got Burnley.

Nelson

ARSENAL VS LEEDS at home

MidwestGun

West Ham got City, Chelski got Southampton, Pool got Preston.

Habesha Gooner

We could do much worse than leeds at home. It’s an okay draw for us.

Guns of SF

we will beat them.

Venga, Dani

Arteta on Patino:

“He was very close, but we decided some players need some minutes. It will happen naturally with time. Charlie has been good, he’s been training with us, he played a practice game at Colney & was really good. But again, he needs time & we will prepare him.”

Nelson

It got to be goal of the month. Thanks!

TheLegendaryDB10

Alumniasaynomore

Another excellent sarcastic take on what is going on at the club.

Keep’em stories coming!! They’re absolutely brill!!!

TheLegendaryDB10

Really happy with the win.

Wombles were not much of a threat but it was good to see us keep control of the game and make sure we got the win.

Now onto the Spuds. They will be tough customers with 0 pity for us.

Let’s give ’em what they deserve and worry about the current situation after.

Right now, beating the Spud cunts is all that counts.

LoveSausage

Almunia,

That was absolutely brilliant! Keep it coming!

Dissenter

Alumunia
“Brotherhood of Arsenal’s Sincere Trusted And Really Dedicated Servants (B.A.S.T.A.R.D.S)”

Your talented is wasted on Arsenal.

Naija+soccer

Why did Arteta start the game with no number 10 or creative players ? It just seem dumb. Who is going to create for the 2 strikers he started ?

Naija+soccer

Fans are complaining about our attack being blunt and here goes Arteta doing trying his best to prove the doubters right

Naija+soccer

From what I gather our attack didn’t get moving till ESR and Saka came on. Just don’t understand those choice of players he started with

Dissenter

Eddie looks like he’s coming into a different level
Pierre may have been right about him all along

It’s only Wimbledon but the lad is looking more and more polished as time goes on

They have to smooth-talk him into signing an extension
Maybe Edu, Merts, Arteta and the other B.A.S.T.A.R.D.S can lock him into a bank vault to convince him to sign.

Guns of SF

your boy Eddie, dissenter
he coming good

TheLegendaryDB10

For me the fact that they are finally spelling out what they are doing right now just shows that they are just big fucking amateurs ( just like Walter said it in the Big Lebowski) .

We’ll find out at the end of this season whether Walter was right that MA is just one big fucking amateur. 😉

Dissenter

Guns
They have to try losing him for zilch
They have to make him sign an extension. he’s going to be a decent premier league striker, no reason why he can’t be the rotating stiker when Auba and Laca take their dog&pony show else where.

TheLegendaryDB10

Naija soccer

There is nothing to understand.

They are just trying to prop up a novice for the job and try and frame whatever he does as if its the future of the club.

There is no target applicable as it is a rebuild apparently. That same courtesy was not extended to Emery of course.

Incredible cynism.

LoveSausage

Dissenter,

I’d love to see Eddie get a shot in a PL game or two. I’ll admit I’m sceptical whether he has what it takes based on previous performances and was hoping we’d sell him before the season. But it’s not uncommon for players in that age group to find their boots all of a sudden. With Auba being absolute dogs hit right now, it couldn’t hurt to give it a try.

Guns of SF

Diss you mean
Not losing him for zilch

Zacharse

That stream was hilarious

China1

Just seen a short highlights video. Looks like the game was easily dominated by us. Shoreline obviously what you’d hope for and Eddie seems to have picked up where he left off in preseason with a great goal

My main question tho is why was partey playing? He needs wrapping in cotton wool

Guns of SF

China

Maybe to build his fitness being out so long…
I just hope he doesnt repeat last years game against spurs when he got hurt and mike pushed him back on the field as they scored on us.

What a shit show that was…

IF that happens, I full back him slapping mike a really good one in the face LOL

MD-Gunner

Possibly to the delight of some here a swap with Juve of Xhaka for McKennie. It will be a testing ground for Tets, if you think Guen was bad just wait for Weston. Disciplinary issues with Juve and the US Men team.

Karsa

Reports say Partey asked for minutes.

Kris
Muppetman

Really hope our finishing improves as season goes on.

Really hope our performances improve as the season goes on…

Dark Hei

Hold your horses on Nketiah. Sure he did a Kanu finish but Kanu is also known for his inconsistency. Let us hope he can build from here. Either a smart transfer fee or a nice contract extension. Everyone is happy if he takes it up to the next level

Pierre

As i have been saying for the last couple of years , the kids have never let us down on the pitch.They have got us through the group stages in europe with ease, same with the league cup and FA cup early rounds .Any one who thinks Balogun is ahead of Eddie Eddie doesn’t understand the game, Balogun is still learning , Eddie is 100% ready and as far as I’m concerned should be starting. We may have a similar situation to smith rowe and willock developing here, in that Eddie needs a little injury or 2 to players like… Read more »

Pierre

Eddie in pre season from the lefthttps://youtu.be/bJh1jOEC4Jg

Pierre

Eddie in pre season from the left v watford

https://youtu.be/bJh1jOEC4Jg

Pierre

Eddie from the left pre season v chelsea

https://youtu.be/49ytG5qmbxA

Kris

Pierre,
a serious question:
What is your affiliation to Eddie Nketiah?

less serious:
How many goals has Willock scored this season?

and another serious one:

If neither Willock nor Nketiah make it in a top 6 team – as starters – will you admit you were wrong about them or will you blame various circumstances/coaches/etc? Are you the kind of man who can admit he was wrong?

Nelson

I am all for putting some pressure on Auba. As a start, if he doesn’t score after 70 mins, sub him out by Eddie. At least, Eddie works harder. But knowing Arteta, he always favors seniors.

Pierre

Kris “less serious: How many goals has Willock scored this season?” You are showing your football ignorance . Firstly Willock has been playing in centre midfield and has scored roughly the same amount of goals as the Arsenal central midfielders…..nil. Secondly Willock never had a pre season ( about 30 mins of football) , and anyone who understands the game would recognise that without a pre season a player needs 4/5/6 games to get up to speed … Willock has been starting in centre mid for a struggling newcastle side despite having no pre season, so maybe you shouldn’t be… Read more »

James wood.

Great EDDIE GOAL.
He has beefed up a bit.
But he needs minutes and a better feed
from players we don’t have.?

shaun

“Ramsdale, Tomi, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Lokonga, Saka, Odegaard, ESR, Auba” looks right to me although I would swap ESR for Pepe obviously lol………………….lol .i just prefer ESR in the 10 position and although they have completely different styles of play they tend to drift into the same positions to receive the ball they being ODE and ESR .I actually prefer ESR in the 10 position but he is still a little naïve and his decision making is not quite what it should be .I would probably start ODE in the 10 and then bring ESR on when the spuds… Read more »

Nelson

An experienced coach would have Patino on the bench and subbed him in after leading by two. It would make him happy and more willing to sign an extension.

Sid

Eddie will be as good as Edourda,
you heard it here 1st!

Naija+soccer

Unpopular opinion but how about we try Pepe in the hole behind striker. Got a feeling he will really thrive there. Although that would mean moving ESR and I don’t want that either.

But they can alternate or replace each other when the other one isn’t available.
I just think playing Pepe on right wing all the time is lazy .

Ishola70

Pepe has shown he lacks intelligence so in the hole behind the striker may not be the best for him.

You got to be cute for that position.

But I understand why it was put forward.

The search for goals in this barren side.

China1

What is the definition of a final third entry? A player has to carry the ball into the final third or the ball has to be played to someone in the final third? Or the ball just has to be played into the final third irrespective of if the pass is successful?

China1

Curious because we’d probably be extremely high up in the PL table for stats like ‘crosses attempted’ which sounds good until you realize our crossing game is poor and strategically dumb with usually just an isolated not very good in the air CF to half heartedly aim for!

China1

Naija Pepe at 10 would be goals, I do believe that – but his passing and decision making can be quite dubious at times so I’m not sure the rest of his game would justify it

It would be the inverse of ozil who would get assists but otherwise be largely poor in 2/3rds of games

Valentin

Rich, Answering from the previous thread to your view on Nkethia and Balogun. I agree that the agent (BTW it is the same for both Nkethia and Balogun) did not give them the best advice for their long term career. Unless he believe that Arteta will soon be gone and that the new manager is likely to play Nkethia. I said last year that despite the hype Balogun was nowhere near ready for premiership football especially not at Arsenal or any top 4 aspiration club. The best thing he should go is a regularly starting place at a championship club… Read more »

Valentin

China1,

The problem is that we play basic high crosses to a tall striker, but we don’t have any and none of our strikers are great in the air.
Replace Aubameyang by an Isak type of striker and he would lap it up.

We need to change our way to attack. Also Tierney need to offer more variety in his crosses: hard low first post (like Cedric did yesterday for Nkethia’s goal), cutback, floaty second post.

Naija+soccer

Ishola

I actually think Pepe is intelligent enough to play well there. I don’t know who decided that the right wing is his best position but its never been. He’s restricted there.

Most expensive player and we can’t even be bothered to find his ideal position. The few times I ve seen him popping up in that ‘in the hole’ zone, he’s looked a better, different and a transformed player.

Naija+soccer

China

I think he would provide more than goals. For one he would insert the chaos factor in our attack and defenses would be scared.

Hes playing on the right wing restricted almost one hand behind his back. Position doesn’t suit him.

Funny enough, I think his time playing on the right wing restricted, is the torture and training that would help him blossom in the right position.

Ishola70

Naja

“Most expensive player and we can’t even be bothered to find his ideal position”

We don’t know what his “ideal” position is do we except he has played most of his career exactly where Arsenal have been playing him for the most part.

As others have said it’s a shame that his decision making is very suspect.

China1

The lack of aerial threat in the box is only half of it tho because our invincibles scored fuck all headers – but they didn’t need to because they flooded the box. Mid height crosses, low smashed crosses, cut backs, all in towards top quality finishers and if the ball had any sort of deflection or poor clearance, or flapped save or pinball, there was always a high chance of it landing at the feet of any of about 3 players with a couple more not far outside the box. Seeing a CF by himself in the box as a… Read more »