RELYING ON KIDS, THAT’S THE PLAN + TOP 4 ASSESSMENT, WHERE WE AT?

by .

… aaaaaand we’re back here at Agenda FM and today we’re talking about the top 4, kids, and tactical innovation.

Spurs beat Manchester City.

United beat Leeds.

Wolves are level with Leicester.

The top 3 won again.

The only club to get a bloody nose this weekend was West Ham United against Newcastle.

So what have we learned?

Well, the Spurs result was probably the most interesting.

In the moment, I was panicked, I took a time out, cried a bit, but after taking a beat, I’m a little calmer about it.

The ‘Conte is Elite’ fans were quick to call time on Arsenal’s season after the result, pointing to the Italian as the genius behind that result, but scratch beneath the surface and I just can’t have that. Antonio is a world-class manager, no doubt, but he’s not getting world-class performances out of this current side. Beating City is a valuable 3 points, but frame it up against their 3 losses to Chelsea and getting beaten by Wolves and Southampton, and you get the measure of the team. City battered Spurs despite playing badly, and they were beaten by 3 goals that came from 4 shots on target. It would have been 4 goals from 5 had the disallowed goal been allowed to stand. That’s not managerial genius, that’s Harry Kane shop windowing himself to a side that he really, really, really wanted to go to last summer. No one scored 75% of their shots against the best defence in the league, that is an aberration and so, so far from sustainable.

Again, big reminder here, Spurs sit 8th, but they are 3 points away from Arsenal. For me, they are still the biggest threat to our top 4 hopes. One slip and they are right back in… and there will be a slip, because that’s the Premier League.

‘HARRY KANE IS SOOOO ELITE’ was the cry after the game, and look, he truly is elite, but this season? Not so much. Big thanks from Agenda FM to Rich in the comments for these stats.

LG COMMENT OF THE DAY

Kane isn’t the best attacking midfielder or striker

Kane
1882 league minutes
7 goals
2 assists
Goal contribution every 209 minutes

Smith Rowe
1380 minutes
9 goals
2 assists
Goal contribution every 125 minutes

Lacazette
1122
3 goals
5 assists
Goal contribution every 140 minutes

Saka
1741 minutes
7 goals
4 assists
Goal contribution every 158 minutes

Arsenal fans have a habit of looking at everyone else’s grass and commenting on how lush and green it is… even when that grass is mottled, covered in dog poo. We’ve scored 5 more goals than Spurs and conceded 5 less. Harry Kane is the boogeyman everyone fears, but he’s been very poor this season because his head has been turned.

It was also amazing after the Brentford game to read people lamenting the Brentford performance and the fact that Saka and ESR had to bail us out with individual brilliance.

Ok… so on the performance. We played a deep-block against a team that had no interest in coming at us. We had 24 attempts at goal, 8 shots on target and we registered an xG of 1.89 according to Scott at Crab Stats. What more could you want from the performance bar a clean sheet?

Now let’s talk about relying on ESR and Saka… they ARE the players we rely on, that is the plan, that isn’t an accident, it shouldn’t be seen as problematic that our number 7 and 10 are doing elite bits in games. That is what they are their for, that is why they have those numbers, those are the players Arsenal put their chips on. If you are asking why we’re relying on young players at this stage of the season, you missed the whole strategy.

Instead of asking if we should be relying on young players like this, the better comment should be, wow, it is phenomenal that ESR are Saka have better goal contributions than Harry Kane with less minutes… the future is very, very bright.

I also wanted to talk more about the general oddness that I see around Arsenal performances from people STILL grinding an axe about the project with 15 games to go.

⚽We rank 3rd for shots p/g (15)
⚽We rank joint 3rd for shots on target p/g (5.2)
⚽We have kept the 3rd most clean sheets (11)
⚽We have the youngest squad in the league (24.5)

Our players are delivering output like the above after only 20 games. We don’t have a proper striker yet. I’m honestly not sure how anyone can be posting on #ArtetaOut.

Remember, we’re at the start of a cycle, most of the teams around us are entering peak or exiting it, there might be a shift of the world order at some point and we need to be there to pick up the pieces. Liverpool is not what it seems and when they have to renew, it’ll be very interesting to see how that goes. Pep G exiting City will be very difficult to manage because he keeps them to a standard that is too high to maintain under new leadership, then you have Chelsea who are clogging, Spurs who are going to have to deal with Conte for the next 18 months, and United which is a basket case.

For once, we seem like a normal club, capable of being dependable.

A few injuries could change the impression there, but overall, we’re in good shape. I’m going to the Wolves game this week, that really is a huge evening. It’s a #Top4 six-pointer for me. You know I really, really rate Wolves. They are more than capable of damaging us if we’re complacent… but win that, and that feels like a mini Cup Final down. That puts us in good shape to hit Watford hard after the break. I’m getting excited just thinking about it.

Arteta went straight for the home fans after the press conference, talking about the Saka and ESR song the fans were belting out during the game. Again, I keep on saying this, but Arsenal fans have been MASSIVE (IRL) this season. The club was really worried about how the toxic online atmosphere of the summer would impact the players that didn’t really like playing at home. Well, they need not have worried. Our home fans have to be considered the most improved this season. The fans are there win or lose, creating noise, backing the young players, building fan > player relationships. That backing is worth xG, nay, it is worth points. This is not normal Arsenal fan behaviour, I sat in toxic stands during project youth, having to listen to our own supporters abusing Theo Walcott at corners. We’re a different breed now, we care about the project, and it’s paying dividends.

Remember, it is easy to be there when we’re winning… the measure of a fan is how they behave when times are tough. How did we behave after the three losses at the start of the season? We backed the boys.

It was also interesting to hear Arteta talk about that mythical week after the first 3 games. He talked about it again after the game. You kind of get the impression that the break was amazing because he learned who was in and who was out with regards to the project. I suspect that impacted how we operated in January with the exits. But however you cut it, the club has been very together ever since.

I wanted to talk about Xhaka, not the captain issue because that is irrelevant. I wanted to talk about Arteta moving him up the pitch. It’s interesting, it feels like we’re preparing for life without him. He plays further up the pitch and makes us less predictable to play against. Ideally, we’d have a more mobile midfielder occupying that role, someone that can do some damage with final ball passing and late runs into the box, but it’s interesting that it’s working now, even with Granit in that role.

What I like about all these things is there’s clearly a plan of where the club is going. There have always been reasons we don’t just play like City and they become clearer every time we tweak the system. This summer is going to be another round of hyper-specific signings, I just hope they land with the same impact, especially the striker.

I don’t want to go too deep here… but fuck me, refs, what are they like? I’m still struggling to come to terms with that handball yesterday not being given in our favor. I watched McTominay of United get away with some horrendous stuff today. That Everton non-penalty. It’s a fucking shambles. What makes me laugh about Jon Moss is how arrogant he was about being awful. The man isn’t fit enough, he’s not mobile enough, and he’s not good enough. We need a clean sweep at the top with refs, accountability should be the name of the project.

Right, that’s me done. See you in the comments. Watch the damn podcast.

239 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Cape Maker

Im behind our young squad all the way
We will get top 4 at the end of the season exciting times.
We need to get top 4 to ahut up that Manure mouth of Roy Keane and Gary Noseville

COYG

Markymark

Just some thoughts about Arsenal and the Emirates particularly after a Lads trip to Liverpool taking in both sides cup matches. Everton were absolutely rocking after Franks managerial debut. It looked very much like the performance they had against us. Since then things seem to have settled back to mediocrity. When Everton leave to move to the docks I wonder if they will lose more than they gain. The Walton area outside of the ground is poor and the only thing keeping the pubs and local shops open is the ground , it’s got massive soul though a football ghetto… Read more »

Ustyno

Words

That was cracking, honestly they are few normal people here,lolz

Markymark

Ps it takes something to beat the battered streets of Walton but the walk up to Anfield revealed an area like the blitz . This was intermingled with very neatly refurbished streets cheek by jowl.
For anyone travelling to Liverpool black cabs are incredible value and you get Scouse comic commentary included for free.

Naija+soccer

We are 11 points better at this stage of the season than last. That looks like progress

Naija+soccer

Also we ve gone from a team that was averaging 15-20 shots against, under Emery, to a team that averaging something like 3-4 shots against.

Remember when you used to worry about the opponent bombarding our goal ?

We are progressing

Naija+soccer

Haven’t looked yet but I wonder what our shots against stat is this season. Should be up there.

Naija+soccer

We had something like 16 shots in the first half against Brentford. Heard it’s a record this season.

That’s progress.

Graham62

Markymark

I love Goodison Park.
Last time I was there was 2003-04 season.

Nelson

Conte came up with the 5 4 1 formation which was ideal to play against MC. The counter is effective because Kane can hold up the ball and he always knows how to release the ball the Son. This system won’t work against low block. I am interested to see Conte’s plan B and Plan C.

What I don’t understand is Pep deployed Bernardo Silva or Phil Foden as false 9. He has unlimited funding.

Pierre

The change i would make to the Emirates is to find a quicker way of providing food and drink for the fans at half time.

The start of the 2nd half is normally played to a half empty stadium as fans slowly return to their seats which kills the atmosphere..

Surely there must be a way of addressing this…

HerbsArmy

englandsbest

What are you talking about?
If you’re going to challenge somebody about what they’ve said/written, make sure you quote them accurately.
I didn’t say Liverpool have been a constant threat throughout their entire history, I said they have been in the conversation for over half a century, or to put it more precisely for you, from when Bill Shankly brought them up from the old Division Two in the early ’60s.
There can’t be many clubs in world football who have accumulated as many major trophies in the last 50+ years as Liverpool, and certainly not Everton.

englandsbest

On referee bias, a breath of suspicion from AFC will blow Mike Riley and crew away.

Arteta came close to that after the ridiculous Martinelli red card. All that stops other victim clubs complaining is the fear that Riley & Co will target them even more. It will need a Club of Arsenal’s stature to do the trick.

Leftside

Pierre I get you but its of course easier said than done.

Supporters get up from from what I can see between 35-45 minutes in the first half to have enough time to eat and drink before the second half and it still isn’t enough time.

Perhaps if there were more hospitality staff behind the counter that may help somewhat as most of the time the person serving is the person going back to fetch the food and drinks, outside of the people who are actually preparing the food.

Leftside

I also fear that the inept officiating from these referees will ultimately see us fall short when it comes to attaining a CL place. Referees will do us no favours or even officiate fairly when it comes to us, so we’re going to have to rely on our forward players regularly putting the ball in the net, problem is as good as they are, they don’t do it near enough.

Gonsterous

Wolves are playing well but then so are we. We have the quality to beat them and we should be beating them.

3 points on Wednesday boys. Lets do this!!

TheLegendaryDB10

James Woods / all other posters querying re China1 previously Unless he has been censored by the CCP (can’t see why as he hasn’t said anything political but maybe his use of a western website was noticed? He did say he used a VPN so …) I think it is more to do with his work, I hope. He has mentioned in the past that he could work like 70 hrs per week (Or something like that) for some projects he would work on. So hoping it’s more the latter than the former. Well that’s my take on it at… Read more »

englandsbest

Herbs Army

‘Liverpool have always been a constant threat’

Your words, not mine

And another point – all the Arsenal attackers you named cost what was big money then – certainly equivalent to what ‘pool paid for Suarez, Salah, etc.

HerbsArmy

englandsbest

“…despite Liverpool not winning the title for 30 years, they have always been a constant threat..”
So you can clearly see, I was referencing the 30 year time period between 1990-2020 to point out that Liverpool hadn’t gone anywhere, they’re still the same threat they’ve been in recent years.
Why are you nitpicking and making an argument that isn’t there?

Time Up

I think we should cut down the negative while the team fighting for top 4. The team is young and needs all our support.

Those kids we’ve are well behaved, hard working, love the club and most of all performing above their age to make us and the club proud. Surely, they deserve our love until end of the season.

As for Pedro and his unconditional love for Arteta is a difference story, he’s ready to use all the AKB excuses and cause fractions among the fan base to defend Arteta.

HerbsArmy

And on your other point, regardless of whether or not Arsenal paid the equivalent value as Liverpool, how many have been as successful as theirs, apart from Thierry Henry?
Would you say ‘SuperMac’ was value for money, when compared to what Villa paid for, and received in return for Andy Gray?

raptora

Naija: “Also we ve gone from a team that was averaging 15-20 shots against, under Emery, to a team that averaging something like 3-4 shots against.”

We’re facing 12.43 shots per game this season.

For what it’s worth, in one of the worst Arsenal performances under Emery vs Watford away on Sept 15 2019, their xG was 2.83.
In the return game on the Emirates on July 26 2020, with Arteta in charge for months, Watford’s xG was 3.92.

Supporters seem to remember things the way it suits them.

Zacharse

Online fan sentiment will only change when and after football manager puts out a new game w heavily improved skills for arsenal players lol

Nigel Tufnel

Batistuta, I didn’t say you can’t keep moaning about Aubameyang every goal or assist he gets… I said ….you and the other whingers shouldn’t do it….. because it makes you look like jealous stalkers of your ex-boyfriends, following on facebook… just let it go…. he’s gone. You can continue to do it all you want. No law against it. Most people wouldn’t want to be that pathetic, and would move on with their lives. Regular gooners are not focused on ex players scoresheets. When I hear Auba doing well, I’ll be happy for him. I won’t come on Legrove screeching… Read more »

Batistuta

Nigel It’s still policing if you will man and there’s no moaning or whinning or whatever other term you use, it’s part of the culture on here A bucket load of football gets talked about on here, myself, Eagle and others would go on and on about anything football related Arsenal or not especially when there isn’t an Arsenal game on. Dunno what you’re on about exes and Facebook really. We’ve talked about Sanchez and Mhikitaryan and almost everyone else that’s left and how they’ve been doing and in games when they do well. If you don’t like it, you… Read more »

Naija+soccer

Raptora

I don’t give a shit about Arteta”s record in 2020. I clearly specified ‘this season’ only.

And there is no way we are averaging 12.43 shots on target against us this season. Would look it up but busy at work.

Naija+soccer

Also Raptora

I meant shots on target against. Not total shots.

There is no way you can deny that our shots against column has improved this last 10 games .

Positive pete

Laughing boy has left the building.Lets move on.
Left side.Agree with your assessment of the ref situation.You’ll see that on Thursday with that Arsenal hating wanker Martin Atkinson.Watch closely.The usual early booking/ S for us.prob after one innocuous foul.Opposition to get away with serial fouling & any bookings in the last minute.And of course VAR only to be consulted if either a)opposition will benefit or VAR won’t be consulted if any possibility Arsenal might gain an advantage.There.Sorted.Atkinson in a nutshell.

Rambinho

Jamie just another attention seeking wanker on a blog. Why the good byes? Who honestly cares? Just do one and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

englandsbest

Herbs Army

‘Always’ means ‘constant’ and ‘constant’ means ‘always’ – but yes, you are right, it’s a pointless argument. So I’ll come clean.

I don’t care to hear about Liverpool Football Club. And I resent them put up as an example. a Club Arsenal should follow. Their trophy haul is impressive, yes – but Arsenal are way ahead of them in most other ways. Above all they lack class, which Arsenal has in abundance. Anybody who has stood watching a game amidst a bunch of scousers will know what I mean.

Words on a blog

Can’t wait for the moment when Pedro starts tweeting and quoting the wise insights of the trenchantly brilliant Rambinho.

Zacharse

Thought jamie had enough street sense not give a farewell post evidently just another weirdo

As though a lot of posters on here didnt have to wade through anonymous and absolute dogshit opinions for a decade to feel a little sense of camaraderie 7k miles away. Get real folks its a blog thats been going 15 yrs and only yesterday did pete put in ads.

raptora

Naija: “Also we ve gone from a team that was averaging 15-20 shots against, under Emery, to a team that averaging something like 3-4 shots against.” Assuming you meant shots on target, then you are saying that Arsenal under Emery was conceding 15-20 shots on target per game. 2018-19 Total shots against per game – 13 Shots on target against per game – 4.82 2021-22 Total shots against per game – 12.43 Shots on target against per game – 4.17 After full support on the transfer market and £200m spent on defensive players – Mari, Partey, Gabriel, White, Ramsdale, Tomiyasu,… Read more »

raptora

New post

HerbsArmy

englandsbest

So essentially what you’re saying is it’s the ‘Hooray Henry’s’ versus the dirty downtrodden riff-raff from the run down council estate.
An everyday North v South battle and only the southerners are allowed to survive.
Why aren’t you Boris’ levelling up Minister?

IAT-Robbie

“There isn’t a better young coach in Europe than Arteta” I’m sorry but this is bordering on delusion. Why so OTT about something you know just isn’t true? Of football coaches aged 45 and under, the most obvious high-achiever is Nagelsmann (34), who had Hoffenheim playing Champions League football and Leipzig challenging for the title by his second season at both clubs. More noteworthy than anything Mikel has achieved in the league so far. Ruben Amorim (37) of Sporting won the league by his second season ending a 19 year title drought and only lost 1 game. Simone Inzaghi (45)… Read more »

englandsbest

Herb, you worry me. Cockneys are not Hooray Henrys

Markymark

Not sure why the ongoing angst with Arteta though of course Sid is or was a deluded Wenger boy and I’ll tell you that for free. This season is effectively a free hit. If Arteta gets 4th the money will be rolling and I’ll expect a top drawer forward. If Arsenal fall away he’ll have one more opportunity then if that’s blown I expect he’ll be out and Ten Haag in (unless already pinched ) The argument really is about nothing and I’m not sure why berating Pedro on his blog will have any effect . Yep f you’ve got… Read more »

Emiratesstroller

Following today’s announcement that sanctions will be imposed on Russian Banks and
Citizens close to Putin.

Whilst Abramovich was not included specifically in the original list announced by the Prime
Minister he was referred to by Johnson and others during the Q & A session.

It was also suggested that acolytes of Russians should be targeted. That might impact also
on Everton whose major shareholder is a junior partner with Usmanov.

Clearly both Chelsea and Everton may be under serious financial threat from the UK
Government.