Good people of Le Grove, it is a Saturday, I am at the hospital, it’s hour 12, and I’m writing a blog.
Am I sure of the rules around this sort of thing? No.
I will pay a price for this with divorce papers at some point, but listen, your insatiable appetite for transfer stories, or my need for attention, greatly weighs on me right now.
So what do we have to talk about?
Arsenal and Manchester City have now reached verbal agreement in principle for Oleksandr Zinchenko, fee around £30m. Personal terms are still discussed. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
Salary and length of contract, in negotiation – key step to complete the agreement. pic.twitter.com/QJYrwdqJH1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2022
Arsenal is closing in on Zinchenko and I am absolutely OVER the damn moon about it.
He’s a bit of a ‘woah’ signing for me, mainly because we stopped making moves like this a while ago. Experienced, a winner, in the prime of their career… it’s quite sad I think like that, but that’s how low the standards have sunk over the last 8 years.
I loved the strategy of last summer, I knew we’d go for more complete players this window, but I didn’t think they’d come with Premier League pedigree. I was expecting us to live in the world of Paqueta types. Top talent owning their league. This move on players that are already doing it in the league, but looking to break out, feels very Liverpool when they signed VVD, Mane, and Wijnaldum (stole that from @DanielZeqiri).
These two charts really paint a picture of what we have with Zinchenko.
Firstly, this is how he compares at left back to Tierney and Tavares.
Now, context-wise, accept he plays at a higher level with better players. But what I love about his data is this is a player who had an extremely choppy season with next to no minutes until December when he landed 5 Premier League starts in a row (5 wins and a draw). Then he found the bench and didn’t get a good run until the end of the season when he picked up 7 starts, landing 6 wins. That is extreme mental strength.
Remember, Tavares played great at the start of the season, got benched when Tierney returned, came back a mess against Nottingham Forest. Never recovered.
Regardless, Zinchenko’s left-back numbers are OUTRAGEOUS.
… but there is more.
These are his midfield numbers. When stacked against Granit Xhaka. More passes, more accuracy, better defending.
Then look at the fee. United is paying £50m for a 5ft9 centre-back we wanted to play at left-back. We’re getting a 4 times Premier League winner for £30m.
That is outrageous.
Again, I’m gonna go at the folk that called Arteta the cone boy. Do those people want to sit here and tell me that Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus are coming to Arsenal under any other circumstance other than Arteta at the controls? Do you think they’re coming to Arsenal in their prime to play for a coach that doesn’t know his onions? These are the benefits of having a coach that is a top-tier thinker. It also shows you that despite some of the noise, top players can see this project is about to bang.
There are only two more jobs to be done if we get this deal over the line.
We need to sign Tielemans in central midfield, another top Premier League talent that will find new heights in our system.
We need to sign a winger with outrageous production. There are quite a lot of strong rumours linking us to Leroy Sane. He’s world-class for me, he’d represent a real hero signing, and I’d prefer him over Raphinha any day of the week. Seems like an insane move because of where he is in his career, his price tag of £60m, and his salary of £300k a week, but damn, that would be a statement piece. He’s only 26.
I’m not quite sure we’re going there, but again, if you can, and the player is willing, do it.
I want to keep our best young players at the club. Bukayo Saka needs to see where this project is heading. I’m pretty sure he’d be thrilled to see someone at Sane’s level joining the party.
There’s a rumor about Edmond Tapsoba doing the rounds again. The 50m euro centre back is 22, he’s being linked by a new site that is dedicated to transfer rumours, which is a bad business model unless you peddle 80% guff. Regardless, it’s important to remember that ground zero for Arteta last season was Newcastle. We lacked bravery to break the press and didn’t deliver on the plan. Old Arsenal might have let that slide, new Arsenal will chop out players if there’s an opportunity. Whilst I have my doubts we’ll do anything mental, don’t be shocked if a Gabriel-like name is moved if we can ship in someone else. Big clubs make hard decisions. Ben White and Gabriel dipped hard in H2 last season. I’m not giving credence to the rumour, but look, those Juve rumours won’t die. If he leaves, we are purchasing.
Strong rumours William Saliba is making his rebirth debut against Everton tomorrow. It’ll be interesting to see whether we begin to jettison some of the expendable players now the tour has taken on more seriousness.
Ok, before I go. I have TWO pieces of information.
We signed a podcast deal with BlueWire. So if there’s disruption to your podcast things, let us know, but it should be fairly straightforward. Does this deal make us professional podcasters?
If I speak…
Secondly, thank you to all the generous folk that have contributed to our Patreon subscription. You are a special bunch. We’re trying to work out what the deal is in totality. Here’s where I think we’ll land for 2022 podcast-wise.
- On The Whistle – Premier League – free to air.
- Before the whistle + Europa League review – Patreon
- Special Features – Patreon
We dropped a Patreon BANGER last night. I made slides. Johnny showed up and left it all on the pitch. We talked Saliba, Zinchenko, Sane, and the shape of our summer so far. All good vibes.
Join up below.
Naija you still on this Saka thing?
Those positions you mentioned are all on the wings.
Maybe someday I can see him as a CAM but not anywhere else.
He is not the tallest or strongest – he is a smart player but not a CM man.
I think kula is the better offensive player too We Maddison would be a crazy signing at this point
Maddison is a real quality player but he is one of those that is not easily plugged into well-oiled machines. Reminds me of the likes of Dybala and James Rodriguez in that sense. Technically amazing players but a square peg in a round hole to the vast majority of systems not built around them.
He’s only really suited to that CAM role, not a versatile player or really effective out wide/deeper in CM.
He would cost north of 60 m as well levy must be coming up in hives lol
WE It seems Conte wants to utilize the 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 when necessary, that’s the only way the Madison move makes sense. Kulu for the former and madders for the latter formations, although I’ll be surprised as well because most of the “creativity” is supposed to come from the wing backs hence why he brought in Perisic, it’ll be interesting to see what happens in the coming season. All I’m concerned about is getting Zinchenko in, Tielemans and a goalscoring winger, so we can beat them at their home ground ( we haven’t done that since they moved to the… Read more »
Guns
I think Fabio Vieira can be that kind of player. Like Rich just said, he looks technically ready. Seems to enjoy unlocking defences.
Love how Sane takes some of the inside positions too.
Great vid. hope we get him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx9NdoCSspY
Le Sauce/Serge Yep, think the Maddison move would be more of a statement move by that lot than one badly needed as their 3-4-3 with Kulu as the RW was working pretty amazingly well. It gives them more options sure but don’t see how Maddison starts in a majority of games. As long as we handle our end and wrap up Zinchenko along with bringing in x2 more players (CM, either another CM or a WF) I’m am fairly confident we’ll be up there albeit finishing 4th will be tough given how well the Spuds have strengthened and you’d expect… Read more »
Le Sauce
Its pretty simple. Saka has the ability to play in the middle.
Why would Bayern entertain selling Sane? Unless they plan on playing Mane as a wide forward and bringing in a ST then they only have Gnabry, Sane and Coman for the wide forward positions. Musiala too but he has played more and more in CM for them where he has been great, insane talent that kid.
Bayern paid serious money for Sane and they rarely spend big, would make no sense to sell him now.
I really hate the videos with players in our colours when we have not signed them
Guns
All I said was Saka would be really good in the middle. I didn’t call for him to be moved from the right wing. Was just implying that we keep our options open and if the situation calls for it then he can play in the middle.
*Some idiot will read this and take it as though I said hes not good on the right and we should move him.
If BM can lower their price to around 40 with add ons, I say bite their hand off.
If sell Leno, for say 12.5 or so, there is some money there to be had
Mane is going to cause some disruption in the winger striker situation.
Sane is low man on the pole. Seems that way with them resigning Gnabry
Plus the wages thing… they might want to cut ways…
For all that I dont like about Mike, if he can land this big fish, due to his relationship with him, then I give him a double thumbs up.
Work them Mike…
I missing some context with Sane and Bayern?
They paid £55m for him just x2 years ago and he has been good for them and is just 26.
Why would they sell him for less than £40m?
Guns
If any of the three will suffer it would like be Coman and not Sane.
Coman’s consistency on end product is nowhere near Sane/Gnabry even if he is a superb player.
Coman is very injury-prone too and unreliable. Has averaged less than 20 Bundesliga starts a season for Bayern throughout his while time there.
They have a good problem BM
Just saying that our lineup with Sane in it adds a ton of attacking potential and scoring.
He is in prime age too.
Is it too late to keep Leno, convince him to stay ? Don’t want us to pull another Emiliano Martinez. Matt Turner struggling to adjust to the reality that is Arsenal. Maybe loan him out to a lower club to give him a less pressured adjustment period.
Yes I feel that way Naija
This Turner fella is a big drop off. Offers little competition for ramsdale
Bit concerning that nobody seems to rate Turner at all.
Ramsdale had a very shaky last 3rd of the season himself.
That Turner deal smacks of some inside shit stuff. Like a friend of a friend doing someone a favor. How the heck is this what we need?
Thats why I don’t want to sell Leno, Turner and the other backups do not appear fit for purpose.
From both Preseason games he’s started I also don’t rate Turner. More like Runnarson Pro Max, guys not looking like a great shot stopper and his distribution is meh. I’d rather Leno be kept and made to fight for his No1 spot till we can at least get a decent keeper with good ball distribution which is key for build up from the back
Would be hilarious if Bayern goes in for Kane lol
Naija Let’s agree to disagree, having the ability to play from the middle isn’t my cup of tea. All I’m saying is it’s a waste of time to consider Saka as a midfield option when he’s basically played on the flanks all his life and he’s on course to be one of the best in the world in his position. A good coach wouldn’t consider it (except for football manager nerds) and it’s a case of if it ain’t broken then don’t fix it, if you need a midfielder, go get a proper midfielder, that’s what top clubs do. End… Read more »
Guns
“That Turner deal smacks of some inside shit stuff. Like a friend of a friend doing someone a favor. How the heck is this what we need?”
This made me laugh out loud. But yeah I do get that vibe too. Shell-shocked is the best way I can describe him so far.
Matt Turner so far makes Leno seem like Samson.
I’m an mls season ticket holder and a fan of the USMNT obviously.
To judge turner on a couple preseason games is a bit reactionary.
He will be good enough to backup and push ramsdale.
He’s shown that he can rise to the occasion in the past.
Le Sauce
I get which perspective you are looking at it from its understandable and I also I m of the same opinion, don’t change it if its working.
But during an injury crisis in the middle or something of that nature, I think Saka can perform well there. An option to consider if necessary was my argument.
Caligooner
Just stating observations so far. I m certainly rooting and hoping for him to improve, as it will be to our benefit. I just hope its not a case of first impression is the right impression.
And I would like for us to have a plan B just in case this is his level.
The guy was a college walk on that wasn’t even drafted in mls. He got signed as a free agent for the revs. Made his way to the #1 spot for them and then the #1 spot for the national team.
If anything he’s nervous. He will settle in and excel. That’s just who he is.
Dani
That would be great if they went for Kane.
Spurs lose power
We can get Sane lol
It would hurt a little if Spuds get Maddison… a player most of us rate..
We’re on our own path now. This is my favorite transfer window in memory because the potential of the incomings so far is sky high, and we’re doing it without CL. Such a challenge.
The waiting for CM is killing me though. I hope its worth the suspense.
During the game the commentators mentioned that Turner started playing football when he was 16 and could hardly pass the ball to the closest defender when he went pro. Looks like he’s a fast learner and will adapt to new environments quickly.
When its silent it means someting is happening
or in Arsenal case, it means waiting until last day of the window
Paqueta/ Tielmans
Plus a winger
I think we might be set… Still dont know our lineup with 433., guess in time it will settle itself
Cali gooner who do u have season tix for?
Guns of sf
I had a similar thought about turner, as though stan said ‘if im gonna spend big you gotta buy one usmnt player’ and so he want for gk
LAFC
Nice
I wonder if part of whats going on w tielemans is the back room sticking it to leicester knowing theyre a bit hamstrung w/out a fee and maybe we’re competing w them somewhere… just a thought
Guns
Actually with Ziv, I think we are set.
We are a Europa League team, not CL. Need to work on more modest budgets.
still feel Tielmans is what we need. We cannot bring in all new mids without prem exp.
He knows the EPL and seems to be adaptable. IF TP is healthy and Mike wants the dreaded 4231 then its YT and TP as the double pivot
Zach I’ve actually thought all the links to other midfielders was to drive the price down with Leicester.
In the end I think he will end up at Arsenal unless a Chelsea or the like come out of nowhere with a big offer.
Can’t put it past their new owner. Seems like he gets his kicks trying to hijack deals.
Guess thats the chelsea way
Now let’s see. We got rid of Martinez, who i would say has no obvious weaknesses, ticks every box ….sold him for 20m He is replaced by Leno , excellent shotstopper with a couple of weaknesses….bought him for 20m , probably sell him for 10m Arteta buys Runnarson, who has no obvious strengths…no doubt we will have to pay him to leave…bought him for about 2 mil , wages 40k a week. Arteta replaces Leno with Ramsdale, who looked decent at first but his weaknesses slowly began to surface as the season wore on….cost 30m Arteta buys Matt Turner, who’s… Read more »
Wishing all the best to Turner but hope Ramsdale never gets hurt.
Haven’t watched any pre season game so can’t really comment on Turner but I guess signing someone like Forster or Begovic on a free transfer would have been far more sensible.
As for Ramsdale I have never rated him even when he looked good in the first few months of last season. People went overboard with his hollywood saves. He was very lucky to not be punished for his mistakes in the first half of last season.
Looking at that pablo Vieira link from Rich last night, i would say it may pose a selection problem for Arteta as many of his through balls and crosses were from exactly the position that Odegaard normally takes up, plus Vieira is not afraid to use his right foot when needed.. I would imagine that Jesus/Eddie/Martinelli/saka must be licking their lips at the thought of playing with Vieira, while at the same time Odegaard may feel his position on the pitch is at risk. Of course , Vieira can play in the left channel but watching his best bits ,… Read more »
Is Veira not injured still?
As one can see from the above link , the problem last season wasn’t our strikers , it was our lack of creativity. Arsenal 39 big chances created….61 goals. Compare that to other teams and none are close to what our strikers achieved with so few big chances. We must address the areas that need addressing and that is why i would have liked to have seen Eriksen and Olise come in who both can play the killer ball, let’s hooe Vieira is given the opportunity to show us what he can do, or maybe his signing will push Odegaard… Read more »
Paqueta/+ Tielmans would almost guarantee GF and minimize GA
Since Arteta /Edu spend like we have money, let’s get both of them.
If Fulham can’t find £15m for Leno, they don’t deserve him anyway. Just a bit surprised no takers from other PL sides?
I dont get why we selling Leno.
So much better than this Turner fella
In the end I think Fulham get him for 12m or so…
Leno has great reflexes. Good at stopping shots. Bad at catching and so so with his feet. His blunders have also been costly such as timing and coming out one on one with a striker.
Overall he is decent tho.
If Ramsdale got hurt I would be fine with Leno coming in. not Turner
As one can see from the above link , the problem last season wasn’t our strikers , it was our lack of creativity.
Arsenal 39 big chances created….61 goals.
Compare that to other teams and none are close to what our strikers achieved with so few big chances.
Pierre, and how many chances did Tottenham’s mid create for the trio of Son, Kane, Kulusevski?
Do they even have anyone that remotely resembles the creative midfielder?
Further more, many big chance created come from wingbacks.
Conte was so dissatisfied with his, that he went ahead and brought in a 33 year old Perisic and is looking to convert Lucas Moura into one playing the opposite side.
If Conte truly believes Kane needs to spend less time in the creative role than he hasn’t addressed this issue yet.
Tom
“Further more, many big chance created come from wingbacks.
Conte was so dissatisfied with his, that he went ahead and brought in a 33 year old Perisic and is looking to convert Lucas Moura into one playing the opposite side”
Tom, you are either on a wind up or you don’t understand the game, probably the latter.
Perisic and moura as wing backs ..are you sure.
Pierre writes long comments which everyone sees only validate his prejudice against Ødegaard.
It’s obvious from the first sentence, but he continues trying to make it seem even-handed. Hilarious.
Everyone knows what it’s all about…..
Ozil.
Vieira will get worked in somewhere, because he looks quality, and I hope Pierre is wrong about Arteta persisting with Xhaka.. as we’re all praying for a new midfielder to replace him.
“Tom, you are either on a wind up or you don’t understand the game, probably the latter.“
That’s cute , Pierre.
Never mind the question I posed to you then.
I suppose your idea of total football is to have creative midfielders supply perfect passes for the three most forward players for easy conversions.
Those stats you’re peddling might be useful if you actually broke down where the other top teams get their big chances created from.
Because I can tell you for sure Tottenham get them mostly from strikers.
Tom
“Pierre, and how many chances did Tottenham’s mid create for the trio of Son, Kane, Kulusevski?”
Tom, you answered the question yourself with
“If Conte truly believes Kane needs to spend less time in the creative role than he hasn’t addressed this issue yet.”
Why would Conte be worried about kane playing the creative role, he’s very good at both scoring and creating.
Odegaard isn’t going anywhere, he’s expected to be named club captain, and providing he’s fit, I’d expect him to start 40 games on our inside right. Same with Saka, I’d expect him to start 40 games on the right wing. Saliba + Zinchenko, to add to White, Gabriel + Tomi, will help us play much higher, and having a left back who generally tucks inside, allows for a more attack minded left sided No8 The better our defenders + keeper are on the ball, that gives us license to move away from a double pivot in midfield, and create the… Read more »
Tom “Never mind the question I posed to you then. I suppose your idea of total football is to have creative midfielders supply perfect passes for the three most forward players for easy conversions.” Not at all , liverpool have a superb system with their full backs supplying the ammunition.. Though it would help if one of our midfielders could supply the perfect pass as our full backs are not up to the quality of Robertson and Trent Arnold.. The killer ball is the hardest ball to play whether it’s from out wide or centrally and obviously we are not… Read more »
TT showing his Spud obsession once again 3 times as many favourable comments on the Spuds as opposed to his supposed support of Arsenal
Sad just so fucking sad
Daily Mirror reporting that Police have found communication between both victims. Suggesting the “We didn’t know each other” line is fragmenting. His legal team will be pushing the agenda line of defence I’d suppose if above story is true.
If above is correct, whether he is guilty or not my best guess is charges will be dropped.
Won’t stop the grief at football matches though , that’s for sure
Rich “Odegaard isn’t going anywhere, he’s expected to be named club captain, and providing he’s fit, I’d expect him to start 40 games on our inside right.” Rich you posted a link highlighting Vieira’s ability to create one on one’s, probably 80% of them from Odegaard’s position. Viera needs to play in that position as the pitch opens up for him on the right of centre and he can play any ball you wish to see as he has the vision and split second timing to find the runner . Playing Vieira left of centre will restrict his game and… Read more »
The UK crew is up and at it.
The Cali crew needs to sleep now, See you tomorrow
Spurs wingbacks are poor and they lack creative mid aren’t praises Murky.
You are absolutely hopeless at this trolling thing lol
Tom
““If Conte truly believes Kane needs to spend less time in the creative role than he hasn’t addressed this issue yet.””
Did someone not say that Maddison is linked with Tottenham, that would sort them out I’m sad to say.
20 goals /assists in 28 starts is impressive .
Pierre, I don’t follow transfer rumors, especially ones for other clubs.
I get all my Tottenham gossip from Legrove.
Tom
“Spurs wingbacks are poor and they lack creative mid aren’t praises Murky.
You are absolutely hopeless at this trolling thing lol”
They can(according to you) always play Perisic and Moura as wing backs ….and you were being serious…….. very worrying.
Pierre I agree, Liverpool occasionally tuck TAA inside, and push Thiago further forward But their threat generally comes from tucking their 2 wide forwards inside, and creating the overlap on the outside with their full backs, but this comes at the expense of attacking midfielders. I don’t think this is what we’re doing, even though at times we’ve played an asymmetrical version of this system, with Tierney stationed high + wide, Xhaka tucking in behind him, and our wide left sided forward more inverted, or Smith Rowe coming inside as a left sided No8. We’ve signed Tomi last summer, we… Read more »
Rich
“Once we’ve got a set of defenders that help us play high + squeeze the play, we’ll have a nice combination of pressing forwards in Jesus, Eddie, Martinelli, Odegaard”
How many more defenders does Arteta need to buy
Gabriel
Mari
Tavares
White
Cedric
Tomiyasu
To go with his goalkeepers
Ramsdale
Turner
Runnarson
How many more do we need
People are reading way too much into Turners early preseason games To be clear I’m not saying he’s good enough. But he’s in his mid to late 20s and has gone from a pub league to one of the biggest teams in the biggest league in the world. Some people are so excited for that it lets them hit the ground running. Others will be very nervous and need a few good games to settle the nerves and show their true level. As a GK being nervous is a crime because nervous keepers cost you goals, defensive confidence and points.… Read more »
As much as he wants… what’s your problem.it isn’t your money dude
He could just as well have been MOTM for both of those games. It wouldn’t mean he’s world class either. We can only extrapolate so much about how good a player is from a couple of preseason friendlies (including his debut)
Ofc is much rather those performances had been awesome, but what I’m really interested in is what his REAL level is. Because that’s the part that will determine if he’s a good signing or not. Can’t conclude much about his level this quickly
Very strange argument Raul If Pierre pays money to the club directly for tickets and merchandise or indirectly via tv subscriptions etc, he is playing his part in putting his money into the club and should damn well hope the money is spent wisely Why anyone would not care if arsenal spend good money after bad is frankly hilarious. By the same logic why did anyone care that we got hamstrung with Ozil or Auba contracts? Or stuck with players like runarsson? People want the club to take the money it has and use it wisely to become the best… Read more »
Pierre
I don’t understand your question about buying defenders.
Currently we have in first team squad eight defenders. I am excluding Mari and Bellerin who
will be offloaded this summer.
Basically we have at the moment two players in each position.Assuming that Zinchenko is
recruited the suggestion is that Tavares will be loaned out.
In the case of goalkeepers we will have three in the squad at start of season. Leno will leave.
Compare Arsenal with other clubs such as Spurs and Man Utd who have in some positions
an oversupply.
Rich “More inverted full backs, gives us license to play with 2 No8s, as the full back step into midfield in possession to support the deep lying midfielder, to create a 3 man midfield across the 2 centre backs, which creates a 2-3-4-1 position” I get all of that but if we haven’t a player who can play the killer ball on a regular basis then that all means nothing. At present, to play the killer ball we have Xhaka …no chance Odegaard…has it in him but is reluctant to take the risk. Saka…has a better cross/killer ball from the… Read more »
Like arsenal spent 70m on Pepe
‘Who cares it’s not our money’
We could’ve bought two quality players for the same money, have qualified for the CL once or twice in the last couple of years, used that additional CL money and prestige to get more quality players and be closer to achieving our real aim of winning big titles.
It’s not complicated
Raulishuss
“As much as he wants… what’s your problem.it isn’t your money dude”
I don’t care and never have cared how much we spend on players.
My point was quite simple, Arteta has signed 9 defenders/keepers and rich is still saying “once we have a set of defenders to help us play high”
Pierre One more left sided centre back to complete the set, so we don’t have to alter the way we setup, regardless of who’s playing. Holding + Mari invite pressure, I’d like another left sided centre back with a different physical + technical profile, If we want to play high, push up the pitch, and squeeze the play, on a consistent basis, we need all our defenders to be comfortable doing that. I don’t want to see us brining on Holding with 20 minutes to go to protect a lead, I want us to stay high + dominate the ball,… Read more »
Maddisson to spuds? Why would Leicester want to sell both Tielemans AND Maddisson ?be quite surprised at that.or would it mean getting top dollar for Maddisson.They would block sale of Tielemans ( take the hit) on his contract just to f** k up Arsenals attempts at lowering his price.Hence the spuds connection.
Rich
“I don’t want to see us brining on Holding with 20 minutes to go to protect a lead, I want us to stay high + dominate the ball, rather than sitting deeper, inviting pressure, and clinging on for dear life.”
There is normally a reason why Holding is brought on…because we ALREADY ARE defending deep and hanging on for dear life and he is actually our best player at defending the box.
Getting a more technically gifted centre mid who is press resistant would be more beneficial than keep buying defenders.
Maddison will definitely be an asset for any club that buys him. Very good player with world class potentials. And already very productive.
Rich
Here’s a crazy notion that might just blow your mind…. How about playing 2 right footed CB’s together? Rather than spend cash on yet another defender use the 4 we have, holding being the last resort.
Pierre Holding + Mari are weak links, the opposition know there’ll get joy pressing us high, they know they’ll get joy with a long ball over the top. We’ve got: White, Saliba Gabriel, Those 3 can all push high, they can all cover the space in behind, and are all good on the ball, You put Holding or Mari next to any of those 3, and it changes the entire shape of the team, and forces the whole team backwards. If we want to play high and pin teams in their own half, then we need all our centre backs… Read more »
The idea that a right footer can’t play Left CB despite the vast majority of the good and great LCBs being right footed I’ve always found really odd. This is a recent fad where having the ‘correct’ foot is considered such a huge deal at CB and is not backed up historically at all
Arsenal conceded 18 goals in the last 8 games in season 2021/2. That was down to a shortage of quality defenders and midfielders once we accumulated injuries. It cost us
5 defeats and our place in Champions League place.
The arrival of Saliba and hopefully Zinchenko will improve our resources in defence. I have no issue in keeping Holding and Soares so long as they are playing exclusively in Cup games or in an absolute emergency.
One thing is for sure Manchester United have currently got EIGHT Centre Backs on the books
following recruitment of Martinez. Talk about squad imbalance!!!
Rich, I’m in total agreement with your Gabriel back up point. The replacement CB should not mean a change of system, particularly in how high the line we’re playing. Holding is a great last-ditch, head the ball out CB as well as being a great person to have around the squad but he’s a godsend to an opposition team who can expose him 1-on-1. Pierre, you’re right to point out that Arteta has initially prioritised defenders when reforming the squad. It also should be pointed out that Holding was not one of his incomings. On a separate note, do we… Read more »
Danny S We could move Saliba to the left, he’s played there on loan, that’s not an issue, But I want us to compete in 4 competitions, I want us to go for the domestic cups + Europe, without it effecting us in the league. We need 4 centre backs with the same characteristics, if we want to play a high line + squeeze the play consistently, alongside a clear + defined way of playing, regardless of which centre backs we start. We need symmetry, there’s no value in signing a more attack minded No8, so we can dominate the… Read more »
Rich “If we want to play high and pin teams in their own half, then we need all our centre backs to play a certain way” I find it bizarre we are still having these conversations. What don’t people get? The reason we made the signings we did last pre-season was to enable us to fix a major problem. With Leno & Holding we were terrible at beating the press, our build up from the back was slow, teams could win the ball high against us. It is why Ramsdale & White we’re signed. It was why we no longer… Read more »
*point of view
Might need a pint or too if we do reach 36-38 degrees today!!! It’s already getting sticky.
“They can(according to you) always play Perisic and Moura as wing backs ….and you were being serious…….. very worrying.“
Pierre, not sure you’re worried about my mental state, your lack of awareness, or what might actually happen when Conte does play Perisic at left wingback, which is where he played him at Inter, and Moura at right wingback, which is where he played him in second halves of both pre season games.
In either case I don’t care much.
Pierre, “it’s Arteta’s job to find the right attacking balance , which could mean leaving one or both of his favourites out of the side..xhaka and Odegaard.” We all know that this is not going to happen until external events forces his hand such as Injuries and suspension. Once that happen because of like Pedro would say transactional nature of his relationship with players, he will fall out with one or both. It could be public a la Aubameyang, Özil and Guendouzi or private a la Sokratis, Pablo Mari, Moustafi. I simply hope that if and when that happen, Arsenal… Read more »
Rich “Holding + Mari are weak links, the opposition know there’ll get joy pressing us high, they know they’ll get joy with a long ball over the top.” Not sure why you have the need to keep repeating this, last season they never played together and we conceded more goals than season 20/21 with a supposedly better keeper and better right back. As you know the Mari/ Holding partnership conceded a goal every other game in 20/21 , our best partnership, so maybe they are not as weak as you think.. Obviously Mari has breached Arteta’s non negotiables by having… Read more »
Rich, “It is why Ramsdale & White we’re signed. It was why we no longer had to endure the pain of watching our goalkeeper kick the ball to the opposition out of touch or Xhaka have to drop deep to help progress the ball.” And yet looking at the stats, our new and improve better goalkeeper made more kick directly into touch than Leno. The Athletic has a great article about Arsenal passing that clearly shows that the most used combination is between Ramsdale and Gabriel rather than Ramsdale to White. Second pass is Gabriel to Xhaka. Also Gabriel has… Read more »
The athletic profile of our centre backs, and the technical quality of our entire backline Is dependent on our ability to consistently get 5 attacking players onto the pitch at the same time, one weak link, alters the entire setup. We’re signing inverted full backs, so that points to moving away from a midfield double pivot, and pushing our left sided No8 into a more advanced position, which creates the overload for us in the opponents final third The additional player in the opponents final third, means that the opposition need to deal with that threat, that means they need… Read more »
Bob N16 I am personally in favour of a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system. We need wing backs who can defend properly and not leave us exposed on the flanks. That applies not only to open play but set pieces as well. What Arsenal do need to do is operate properly and fairly a rotation system. We have now got on the books three decent centre backs who expect to play regularly but with our additional European Cup Games plus a 5 player sub rule it should be possible to give them all reasonable game time as well as some rest.… Read more »