One other dynamic that should be a noticeable feature as the new season moves into 2025 will be the role that Nwaneri plays.
Left 8 could be his best position - great article in Athletic over how they’ve coached him to play the pick pocket role - our Frank Lampard and Bellingham rolled into one.
Kai’s role as a deep no 9 will be perfect as the foil and chance creator to allow him to do so.
I'm not sure that I believe that Timber was just being rested, rather than had a small setback. Hopefully very small. We want his mazy runs through packed mid blocks this year. It's what was missing last season.
I would presume they’re being ultra cautious with him introducing back slowly into competitive games . It don’t surprise me he didn’t play v Liverpool. He will be on bench I suspect for a couple of months as part of that rehabilitation
I'm not going to pretend to know the plans for Merino if he arrives... it could be complicated between 6 and 8 assignments with all the in game changes Arteta makes with Rice as well.
But I'm pretty sure Merino will be relied on to start games like Man City and tough champions league matchups. A mature gritty player to do dirty work and win the ball a few extra times to create a few more chances.
A marginal improvement, but maybe a solid impact in those tight battles of attrition.
It will be interesting to see how he willl be deployed - he and Rice could be interchanged so both play 6 and 8 at different times. That might even happen during games to make it more difficult for opposing teams to pick up runs
I’d see that interchange as making sense from a cover perspective too when one needs resting or is injured or suspended
A world class striker would be nice to have but they are prohibitively expensive in this market. We almost won the league with Jesus and Havertz last year - and Havertz only played half the season at striker while Jesus was often injured and playing hurt. We could get better play from both this year. We need to address a more pressing weakness: the lack of cover for BOTH Odegaard and Saka. Both were overplayed last year and we were lucky neither were injured or else our season would have derailed much like it did in 22/23 when Saliba was injured. Both Saka and Odegaard were overplayed considerably last year and were tired/unproductive at various stages. If they had proper backup then they could have been rested and more effective in the games that counted more. Cover for both Odegaard and Saka could be our Achilles' heel.
People are being harsh on Zinny. He looked poor but was going against world legend Mo Salah. Even when fit Zinny did not start the last game vs. LFC because Arteta knew he would be a liability. Zinny won't start against big teams in the league. He can be a great squad player as someone to bring on late when we are chasing a game and the other team parks the bus or he could start in cup games against weaker attacking opposition. He can eat minutes and provide attacking intent when it is needed urgently.
The two players played in the same position at the same time for a grand total of four months. Therefore, any attempt to make comparisons is dead on arrival.
The same 4 months CF play is what Raptora used to elevate Haverts to top 5 striker in the world and recently, top 3 in the PL. He can do comparisons but I can't?!
the problem is Solanke gets goals but wouldn't press and run channels to the extent Havertz does. Even when Nketiah got goals he didn't usurp the striker because he didn't press like Jesus and Havertz. Havertz is an aerial threat that pulls centerbacks out of position and creates space for midfielders like Odegaard to strike the ball in the net.
Dude...I take it you didn't see Solanke last season. He's always been a pressing beast and an aerial threat. He's just Ben lacking in goals. There's nothing a CF does that Haverts does more than him
Dominic Solanke’s contract at Bournemouth includes a release clause of £65million ($83m) that can only be activated by certain clubs.
Solanke, 26, registered 19 Premier League goals and three assists last season and is being tracked by a number of top English and European teams during this transfer window.
The striker’s release clause, though is limited to a select group of clubs — although the identity of those that would qualify is undisclosed. With Bournemouth unlikely to want to lose their leading scorer, it is expected that the stipulation only allows leading teams in the Premier League and European leagues, that are also set to play in European competitions, to trigger the clause.
Watch Partey's recovery in that goal from the start. It is horrendous. He still has tech and he is great with the ball at his feet but his legs in transition is Casemiro level concerning.
I didn't say the goal was on him. When did I say that? Zinchenko and Gabriel switch off. But I am talking about how he gets back to cover the space. That is horrendous level of running.
My take on this season is that it’ll be more like an endurance race.
We had the World Cup in the middle of 2022/23, and the Euro’s + Copa America this summer.
We’ve got an extra 2 CL group stage games, which doesn’t sound like much, but it takes away 2 midweeks where clubs would normally have time to reset and take stock.
There’s an extra 2 CL games for clubs who don’t qualify directly.
Ten Hag said before he played us that this season would be survival of the fittest.
He then lost Yoro for 3 months and Hojlund for 6 weeks.
I like the look of Merino, as we need to add some physicality to our midfield options.
It’s not a numerical issue… Or necessarily a quality issue.
The question is are we robust enough to be the most consistent team across their entirety of 38 game season, stretching 9 months…
While juggling multiple competitions?..
I’d still like to see at least 2 -3 astute adjustments after we get Merino over the line.
Yeah the fee is what I expected all round. £30 mil with easy add ons I would expect. We can integrate Nwaneri now with Vieira making way for him with in the next season.
Of course Havertz should be judged on his goal involvements but I think his teammates must really appreciate his work rate, the runs he makes, the pressing and the way he puts opposition players under pressure as well as his link up play. If he could finish he’d be undoubtedly world class.
Most fans have no idea how much Havertz does as a false 9. The perfect player for a team like ours.. almost like 2 players on the pitch at once.
He's one of our fastest players too. Saw him come flying back to stop a Pool attack in our box on yesterday.
Tougher than we realised too. Plays with an edge for all his skills.
People complain about Kai 's finishing not being the best (while Jesus has the worst goal conversion rate in the league), but it's amazing for a guy who does so many other things on the pitch.
He should be false nining in those games that I think Merino will be starting in midfield.
Odegaard appreciates his runs. The aerial threat that Havertz possesses often draws opposing centerbacks toward him at the far post leaving Odegaard space to run in to and get a clear shot on goal after Saka/White lays in the ball to him.
Playing him on an island against Salah is a recipe for disaster. Enough already, Mikel! Play the man as an 8 or sell him! It’s bloody unfair the stick he gets for being played outta position. If Timber’s minutes were being limited then he should’ve been saved for last nights game to see where he is at.
I thought Martinelli looked vibrant and the work Odegaard put in was simply scary. The man has a double lung …
But the main thing that remains obvious and we’ve yet to address is pace and a one on man maverick out wide to stretch the defense and to create consistently from a wide position.
We need more legs to get behind the defense and we need a killer as a center forward
Old men like TP5 are useful to eat up minutes in the cup competitions and against relegation fodder, especially if we start a few inexperienced kids. We can't play Rice every game this year.
Yep targets after Calafiori and Merino should be, an electric Winger, a DM (a number 6) and may be a Ramsdale replacement if he leaves.
I can't stress the need for another #6 though. Even fit Partey looks like Casemiro last season when he tries to cover spaces. We need another reliable option in there.
He is a number 8. He isn't a DM. He has played there once or twice but he is a pure 8. I think Arteta sees that we are lacking a physical presence outside of Rice. And he can play Rice and Merino as 8s with Partey and Jorginho as the 6's behind with the brains. He can also put Rice behind Merino in games we have unavailability of midfielders or when we need legs of both players.
I do think we can't rely on Partey even as a squad option though. He is never fit and now looks in physical decline. We need another 6. Our business is Calafiori, Merino, and a Winger with Riess and Eddie leaving and may be a GK if Ramsdale leaves. Even with those 4 incomings I think we sign one more player without too much influx of players. We need that 6.
One other dynamic that should be a noticeable feature as the new season moves into 2025 will be the role that Nwaneri plays.
Left 8 could be his best position - great article in Athletic over how they’ve coached him to play the pick pocket role - our Frank Lampard and Bellingham rolled into one.
Kai’s role as a deep no 9 will be perfect as the foil and chance creator to allow him to do so.
Looks like those X reports that Merino deal agreed were a little optimistic. Who’s have thought that a Twitter report could be wrong?
I'm not sure that I believe that Timber was just being rested, rather than had a small setback. Hopefully very small. We want his mazy runs through packed mid blocks this year. It's what was missing last season.
I would presume they’re being ultra cautious with him introducing back slowly into competitive games . It don’t surprise me he didn’t play v Liverpool. He will be on bench I suspect for a couple of months as part of that rehabilitation
* didn’t
I'm not going to pretend to know the plans for Merino if he arrives... it could be complicated between 6 and 8 assignments with all the in game changes Arteta makes with Rice as well.
But I'm pretty sure Merino will be relied on to start games like Man City and tough champions league matchups. A mature gritty player to do dirty work and win the ball a few extra times to create a few more chances.
A marginal improvement, but maybe a solid impact in those tight battles of attrition.
It will be interesting to see how he willl be deployed - he and Rice could be interchanged so both play 6 and 8 at different times. That might even happen during games to make it more difficult for opposing teams to pick up runs
I’d see that interchange as making sense from a cover perspective too when one needs resting or is injured or suspended
Let Eddie go. Finally. Sheesh. Kid needs to play for his own sake! Thanks but see ya bud!
A world class striker would be nice to have but they are prohibitively expensive in this market. We almost won the league with Jesus and Havertz last year - and Havertz only played half the season at striker while Jesus was often injured and playing hurt. We could get better play from both this year. We need to address a more pressing weakness: the lack of cover for BOTH Odegaard and Saka. Both were overplayed last year and we were lucky neither were injured or else our season would have derailed much like it did in 22/23 when Saliba was injured. Both Saka and Odegaard were overplayed considerably last year and were tired/unproductive at various stages. If they had proper backup then they could have been rested and more effective in the games that counted more. Cover for both Odegaard and Saka could be our Achilles' heel.
The better Arsenal players would be wondering how Jesus is still getting starts for the club at this stage 😂😂
People are being harsh on Zinny. He looked poor but was going against world legend Mo Salah. Even when fit Zinny did not start the last game vs. LFC because Arteta knew he would be a liability. Zinny won't start against big teams in the league. He can be a great squad player as someone to bring on late when we are chasing a game and the other team parks the bus or he could start in cup games against weaker attacking opposition. He can eat minutes and provide attacking intent when it is needed urgently.
Fabrizio Romano
🚨⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham explore move for Dominic Solanke, he’s among targets for Spurs.
Difficult deal as he’s key player for #AFCB, no formal bid to Bournemouth so far.
Spurs exploring options to bring in new striker and potentially new winger, based on opportunities.
________________________________________________________
Would be a perfect match - a player exactly at the level of Spurs - 5-8th.
A player that totally out scored Kai Haverts you rank as top 3 😂😂
Make it make sense
The two players played in the same position at the same time for a grand total of four months. Therefore, any attempt to make comparisons is dead on arrival.
The same 4 months CF play is what Raptora used to elevate Haverts to top 5 striker in the world and recently, top 3 in the PL. He can do comparisons but I can't?!
the problem is Solanke gets goals but wouldn't press and run channels to the extent Havertz does. Even when Nketiah got goals he didn't usurp the striker because he didn't press like Jesus and Havertz. Havertz is an aerial threat that pulls centerbacks out of position and creates space for midfielders like Odegaard to strike the ball in the net.
Dude...I take it you didn't see Solanke last season. He's always been a pressing beast and an aerial threat. He's just Ben lacking in goals. There's nothing a CF does that Haverts does more than him
Dominic Solanke’s contract at Bournemouth includes a release clause of £65million ($83m) that can only be activated by certain clubs.
Solanke, 26, registered 19 Premier League goals and three assists last season and is being tracked by a number of top English and European teams during this transfer window.
The striker’s release clause, though is limited to a select group of clubs — although the identity of those that would qualify is undisclosed. With Bournemouth unlikely to want to lose their leading scorer, it is expected that the stipulation only allows leading teams in the Premier League and European leagues, that are also set to play in European competitions, to trigger the clause.
Yet Spuds will ask about him, prolly trying to lower the amount. Insane interest towards him I see.
It will probably be easier for Arteta to swallow a cow than to swallow shame and buy a good striker this season.
I may not even go for Solanke if I were in charge. I may prefer Watkins, Alvarez, Isak who are ALL DEFINITELY better than Kai.
But you should know that availability or not of suitors for a play doesnt decide his quality. Solanke is a better CF than Kai
"What a preseason tour! Brilliant opportunities and now ready for start of new season. Can't wait to play in front of you guys!"
Lewis-Skelly on Instagram and now gooners wondering if he getting first team minutes this year.
https://x.com/centregoals/status/1818803437724897361
Watch Partey's recovery in that goal from the start. It is horrendous. He still has tech and he is great with the ball at his feet but his legs in transition is Casemiro level concerning.
I can't believe you watched this goal numerous times and you think the goal is on Partey...
I didn't say the goal was on him. When did I say that? Zinchenko and Gabriel switch off. But I am talking about how he gets back to cover the space. That is horrendous level of running.
Think he did alright running back considering the play wasn't in his space and they was no imminent danger
How is Barca able to pay €55 mill for Danny Olmo? Smh
Cos they arent buying from Arsenal
Brokalona can swing some deal with agreements of Club and player, whether they can register the player is a different story.
they are shady as shit. fuckers
My take on this season is that it’ll be more like an endurance race.
We had the World Cup in the middle of 2022/23, and the Euro’s + Copa America this summer.
We’ve got an extra 2 CL group stage games, which doesn’t sound like much, but it takes away 2 midweeks where clubs would normally have time to reset and take stock.
There’s an extra 2 CL games for clubs who don’t qualify directly.
Ten Hag said before he played us that this season would be survival of the fittest.
He then lost Yoro for 3 months and Hojlund for 6 weeks.
I like the look of Merino, as we need to add some physicality to our midfield options.
It’s not a numerical issue… Or necessarily a quality issue.
The question is are we robust enough to be the most consistent team across their entirety of 38 game season, stretching 9 months…
While juggling multiple competitions?..
I’d still like to see at least 2 -3 astute adjustments after we get Merino over the line.
Rich
Are you happy ESR is departing, all things considered? I think we got a fair deal out of it.
Absolutely… No crocodile tears from me.
It’s a shame the way it’s worked out, he was our standout player between Dec 2020 - Dec 2021.
But that was 2.5 seasons ago now, so it’s absolutely the right move for both club + player.
We need to freshen things up a bit, and hopefully add a few robust endurance athletes to the squad.
Was hoping for roughly £25 million, so £27 - £8mill was slightly above what I’d hoped for.
Yeah the fee is what I expected all round. £30 mil with easy add ons I would expect. We can integrate Nwaneri now with Vieira making way for him with in the next season.
Also I predict that while Havertz will continue to frustrate at times in front of goal…
I still think we’ll get 30 - 35 goal contributions out of him in all competitions this season if he stays fit.
20 + goals + 10 + assists.
Of course Havertz should be judged on his goal involvements but I think his teammates must really appreciate his work rate, the runs he makes, the pressing and the way he puts opposition players under pressure as well as his link up play. If he could finish he’d be undoubtedly world class.
Most fans have no idea how much Havertz does as a false 9. The perfect player for a team like ours.. almost like 2 players on the pitch at once.
He's one of our fastest players too. Saw him come flying back to stop a Pool attack in our box on yesterday.
Tougher than we realised too. Plays with an edge for all his skills.
People complain about Kai 's finishing not being the best (while Jesus has the worst goal conversion rate in the league), but it's amazing for a guy who does so many other things on the pitch.
He should be false nining in those games that I think Merino will be starting in midfield.
Odegaard appreciates his runs. The aerial threat that Havertz possesses often draws opposing centerbacks toward him at the far post leaving Odegaard space to run in to and get a clear shot on goal after Saka/White lays in the ball to him.
I love TP5 but I saw an old man out there.
Same for Jorginho.
They need to go.
Reiss Nelson doesn’t deserve to be here.
Don’t care about any Hale End nostalgia,
We need to win the league, period!
Take Eddie with you too.
As for Zinchy, this one is on Arteta.
The man is an attacking middy.
Playing him on an island against Salah is a recipe for disaster. Enough already, Mikel! Play the man as an 8 or sell him! It’s bloody unfair the stick he gets for being played outta position. If Timber’s minutes were being limited then he should’ve been saved for last nights game to see where he is at.
I thought Martinelli looked vibrant and the work Odegaard put in was simply scary. The man has a double lung …
But the main thing that remains obvious and we’ve yet to address is pace and a one on man maverick out wide to stretch the defense and to create consistently from a wide position.
We need more legs to get behind the defense and we need a killer as a center forward
Old men like TP5 are useful to eat up minutes in the cup competitions and against relegation fodder, especially if we start a few inexperienced kids. We can't play Rice every game this year.
says whom? Mikel?
Yep targets after Calafiori and Merino should be, an electric Winger, a DM (a number 6) and may be a Ramsdale replacement if he leaves.
I can't stress the need for another #6 though. Even fit Partey looks like Casemiro last season when he tries to cover spaces. We need another reliable option in there.
Do you think a DM is likely when we'd have Jorginho, Rice and Merino all capable of playing there, with Timber as a potential back-up?
Even Calafiori has played DM I think.
Great post, fully agree with your assessment.
Not gonna get all flustered but there were a number of troubling developments last night
It does start to feel like the merino rumours are reaching a bit of a fever pitch.
Most rumours are nonsense but it seems to be pretty relentless now that we’re getting close to bringing him in
I am guessing he is expected to be a starter tho it does pose the question of if he would be a 6, an 8 or he and rice will dove tail and do both
He scored about 6 goals last season so I do think on paper he looks like a good deal.
As well 30m euros is absolutely fine. That’s comparable to the trossard deal which was another smart one
Not everyone needs to cost 50m
He is a number 8. He isn't a DM. He has played there once or twice but he is a pure 8. I think Arteta sees that we are lacking a physical presence outside of Rice. And he can play Rice and Merino as 8s with Partey and Jorginho as the 6's behind with the brains. He can also put Rice behind Merino in games we have unavailability of midfielders or when we need legs of both players.
I do think we can't rely on Partey even as a squad option though. He is never fit and now looks in physical decline. We need another 6. Our business is Calafiori, Merino, and a Winger with Riess and Eddie leaving and may be a GK if Ramsdale leaves. Even with those 4 incomings I think we sign one more player without too much influx of players. We need that 6.