Morning all.
There’s nothing like a defeat to get fans temperature boiling. There’s frustration, annoyance, anger even. Blame for our miserable style of football in the Premier League is thrown around willy nilly. It’s human nature to blame someone, even if that someone doesn’t necessarily deserve it.
In Arsenal’s case, every player and Mikel Arteta deserve criticism. Our game plan wasn’t good, our passing was sloppy, certainly defensively and overall, I think too many players had a stinker.
There was a moment in the second half when Trossard was back defending, except he wasn’t actually defending. He poked a toe out towards the opponents feet where the ball was, missed it and gave up. If that’s the actions of a player who wants to win the league then we might as well all give up hope. He wasn’t alone though so please don’t think I’m picking on him. Saliba and Zubimendi were equally as bad with their risky and sloppy passing in our own half. I don’t think I’ve ever seen either be that bad before then.
You know there are games when you/I hope that everything comes together on the day? Sunday one definitely one of them but instead, everything fell apart. Our passing looked nervous, too safe and certainly off. Saliba, on one of his too many ventures into the final third had a great opportunity to play the ball across the box where 2/3 red shirts were waiting but no, he passed back to Rice who was being hounded by a Utd defender.
We oft mention our negative passing and slow build up play but I’m still far from convinced this comes from Arteta. Before you think I’m stupid, look at how we play in Europe. We didn’t fluke a win over Bayern Munich and Inter Milan or Atletico Madrid for that matter. No, we beat all three by playing really well. “Vamos” – that’s what comes from Arteta on the sidelines.
Does anyone truly believe that Arteta tells Odegaard to look behind him for a pass before in front of him? Does Arteta tell his defensive players to make idiotic passes which end with us surrendering possession? Of course not. Yes, we play out from the back which can often frustrate us but I’m not sure there is any directive to faff around as much as we sometimes do.
I’m as disappointed with Sundays performance and result as the next fan but take out the errors, we wouldn’t have lost. Don’t get me wrong, our attacking play is far too safe and timid in my opinion but what concerns me just as much is watching how little our front players move around in attempt to find space. Our throw-ins are dismal because no one moves quick enough or at all. Only when Madueke came on did Saka pop up on the left but why? Why are our two wide men so rooted to the spot? Does that come from Arteta? Probably.
The other day I wrote about trying something different, mixing things up to make us less predictable. If that’s something as simple as our left and right “wingers” switching sides throughout the game then why not? If Arteta wants a change up front, why not try Martinelli or do I dare suggest Madueke? Both have pace to burn and in my opinion, would scare the life out of defenders. Even switching Jesus and Martinelli/Madueke/Trossard depending who is on the pitch could bare fruit especially as Jesus is more winger than striker in my opinion.
Ok, a bit extreme but I’m sure you get the drift. Make us unpredictable. Not all the time of course but just sometimes and in certain fixtures when finding a goal is proving difficult. Arteta has no problem with moving defenders around, nor midfielders when it’s been necessary so why not our attacking players too? Get them moving and in more ways than one…
Just a thought from my armchair.
After Sunday’s defeat, Arteta was as asked about the fans and whether his teams performance reflected the nerves and tension in the stands:
I wouldn’t use that word, because we played in Stamford Bridge in a semi-final and we were brilliant. Against Inter, one of the best teams in Europe we were brilliant. But sometimes you don’t have that day and when you don’t have that day, we have to do the simple things much better than we’ve done today. And on top of that, when you look at the goals, and the goal that Dorgu scored from there, with that angle, in the top corner, it’s the only place he can put it. Sometimes you have to give credit to the opponent as well.
Admittedly, two of Utd’s goals were very good and yes, one has to give credit where it’s deserved but more importantly, perhaps for our own players, maybe Arteta too, that not always does there need to be an additional pass or five because if the goal is in sight, just go for it. Because sometimes, they find the target.
Now the storm has passed though, there is a reason we’re top of the league and it’s not because of making mistakes. Mistakes that I hope we don’t see for the next four months.
Catch up in the comments.
Morning rico, good report, I agree with everything you say! But before and after the loss, I was thinking about our forward signings. I like Eze and Madueke’s attitudes, but for me much better signings have been made in Mbeano, Semenyo and Cunha, who all consistently have an end product and regularly score. I can never see that in Madueke, and Eze there is just something wrong at the moment, he seems lost out there. Have our signings under Berta really been as good as has been made out?
Morning Andrew, all and thanks.
It’s tough to judge our attacking signings really because neither Eze or Madueke have really played that much football. I’d have loved us to sign Semenyo though. I don’t think the other two you mention have been brilliant for Utd, not until Sunday anyway but, I just hope that Arsenal are ruthless in the summer with players who don’t up their game through the next four months.
Good morning Rico.
A thought-provoking post and very much to the point, thank you.
Zubimendi’s Sunday blooper was awful, but why was he in that position anyway? Where were Timber and Saliba? It is usually Rice who drops back into defence, where he is often very effective, I don’t believe either fullback or centre back figure much in Zubimendi’s repertoire.
Over recent games our defence has been a sort of pick-and-mix affair. Timber starting on the right, then moving to the left with White replacing him. Hincapie playing and then not playing, Lewis-Skelly making the odd appearance. Even changing ‘keepers.
There is a distinct lack of coordination within the defence and nobody either on or off the pitch seems to be able to stabilise the situation during play.
Perhaps the fact of playing every three days and thus losing time on the training pitch and fatigue is having a cumulative effect.
Morning Cicero. Thank you.
Good question. Zubimendi is taking a lot of flack for their goal but I think it was a collective cockup. There’s a good chance players are feeling the physical strain but mentally I think they are struggling too. If we need a signing this month, perhaps it’s a psychologist. Help the players to deal with the pressure.
All will be well once our throw-in coach gets his feet under the table. Rico. 😉
I just think Zubemendi needs a break,simple as that. Norgaard wasn’t even on the bench Sunday,I think Arteta said everyone except Dowman is fit so Norgaard must play Wednesday in my opinion.
Isn’t Zubimendi suspended for tomorrow’s game?
😂 Cicero..
He is, Rice too I believe.
Agree Limey, Norgaard, Eze, Madueke, Annous, Salmon, Mosquera – rotate heavily imo.
I have always said that Arsenal are predictable and it drives us fans “nuts” when we keep seeing the players taking the pace off once they are up front with “Here you have it, no you have it, no I don’t want it so have it back, you have it then”, until finally 10 minutes later someone tries to have a pop at goal when its too late because the opposition has created a good defensive. Let’s stop trying to walk the ball in, because every team now knows what they are trying to do as they do it week in and week out. Also, its not rocket science that every team watches the video on how other teams performed/played every week sussing out their tactics. Even we watch MOTD!!
I want to see the players have the confidence to try and score by shooting outside of the box and creating long passes making the other team chase all the time.
Fingers crossed we see a big difference this Saturday against Leeds.
I have to say I am now getting fed up with the doom and gloom (other words C – – P!) coming out of the BBC / Sky / and other Sport commentators mouths about Arsenal having blown the title. Don’t they know there are another 16 games to go?
Yes losing points is not ideal but its never over until the fat lady sings and I believe Arsenal have learnt a hard lesson from last Sunday, which they will want to put right this Saturday and onwards.
It’s what they do, just a week or two they said it was in the bag. They’re idiots who like the sound of their voice a bit too much..
Ife Ibrahim has signed his first professional contract with Arsenal, an 18 year old defensive midfielder who I seriously hope makes it…
17 year old full-back Josiah King has signed his first professional contract too. “ An attacking full-back”
Good luck to them both, but I would have preferred to read about signing a dedicated left back.
Afternoon Gooners, I hope that none of you have been blown away by Storm What’s-it-Name.
Havertz and Hincapie were training today, so expect a few surprises tomorrow, yes Rico I’d love to see AHA in the squad, but I didn’t see him although I saw Salmon, AHA has had a few injury issues since his senior debut.
It’ll be good to see Rice and Zubi get a weeks rest, well six days, mental fatigue can be as damaging as physical fatigue and Norgaard needs to play.
Eze, Merino and Norgaard seems an adequate midfield triumvirate.
Regarding an armchair opinion Rico I’d suggest avoiding any Sky Sports output as much as you possibly can and Match of the Day except the Arsenal highlights (give the post-match analysis a pass) also stay away from most social media and try watching a good film after the game is over.
Failing that lay down in a darkened room…
In my opinion, a recliner with spring out footrest within easy reach of tv remote and a cold beer.
The headline was a question, wasn’t it? 😉
In years (half a century and more) gone by, an ashtray in the vicinity would have been vital. 😉
Ha ha, I have watched either since Sunday Kev. Not interested in what the bitter and twisted buffoons have to say..
The good old days Cicero. 😜
Mikel Arteta has issued an update on the fitness of our first-team squad ahead of our Champions League clash with Kairat Almaty.
The boss was first asked whether defensive duo William Saliba and Jurrien Timber will be involved after they missed training on Tuesday morning.
“No, those are not (available),” the boss said at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, “it’s a good opportunity now that we make a different kind of work with them to get them in the best possible condition for the weekend hopefully.”
As well as William and Jurrien’s absence on Wednesday, we’ll also be without Mikel Merino and Declan Rice, who both serve suspensions having picked up three yellow cards in the first seven league phase matches.
With four first-team regulars out, Mikel will be looking to use his squad, something he’s more than prepared to do.
“It’s been like this for the first seven months of the competition. Whether it was with this competition, domestic league and Champions League, or with international players playing for their countries as well.
“There is nothing new. The good news is that we have some players back as well now that are going to be helping us.
“We are used to it, so that’s never going to be an excuse.”
Our squad this season is the biggest we’ve had since the boss took over in 2019, and he’s enjoying the challenge of managing and working with such a big group of quality players.
“It’s very enjoyable and they make it enjoyable for the type of characters that we have but as well the way they live their profession and how much they want to win with us.
“That’s the only way, it’s not about numbers, it’s about the quality of the numbers and the players that we have, the same with the staff.”
I see Tammy Abraham is linked with Aston Villa,I would have loved him at Arsenal a few years ago.
Me too.. Hope he struggles now though.. 😂
No mention of Havertz and Calafiori?
Is Zubimendi not suspended?
Just looked at the training photos, both Havertz and Calafiori are pictured taking a full part. Martinelli too but no sign of Trossard and Saka.
I thought Zubimendi was suspended. Just hope if he’s not, Arteta doesn’t play him. Give him a rest as he’s doing with Saliba and Timber.
I thought it was Zubimendi but maybe I got him and Merino mixed up Rico, easy mistake to make…
Tomorrow is a dead-rubber, 1st v 36th, so my line up would be –
Kepa; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly;
Norgaard, Rice, Eze;
Madueke (R), Martinelli (L), Gyokeres.
Nothing wrong with an Armchair View, Rico.
Arteta has promised energy and ‘brave’ football for the four month run-in, and he hopes we’re all on the ‘fun bus’ because ‘beautiful’ things are ahead.
He’s obviously addressing feedback from the style of football played against Liverpool, City and United.
The problem for me is when you’re playing Rice and Zubimendi together it’s a double -pivot DM, and suggests caution from the off (which could be interpreted as fear from the opposition).
If we think back to Pep’s Barcelona, his three were Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta, and at City too, he only plays one DM, never two at the same time.
Flair players cannot thrive in a system that is over cautious and if Arsenal are to play the dynamic football fans want to see, one of Rice or Zubimendi has to be benched for a more energetic creative box to box player who can unlock the low block.
I did the same Kev..
I don’t think there is either Alan. Ultimately, I have my opinion but if I was that smart in the game, I’d be sat in a dugout rather than in my armchair…
Good evening Rico and all
A great article from an armchair’s point of view Rico. Enjoyed reading it.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122124783003037521&set=a.122094092295037521
Is the above Arteta’s fault?? Maguire made a good save there. And exceptional control by Dorgu as well. Like Henry against the Irish.
According to FIFA/IFAB Law 12, it is an offense if an attacking player scores directly from their hand or arm, or immediately after the ball touches their hand/arm, even if accidental.
This means any accidental handball leading to a goal or in the immediate goal-scoring build-up is disallowed.
Directly from the hand/arm: If the ball hits an attacker’s hand/arm and goes directly into the goal, the goal is disallowed, regardless of intent.
Immediate goal-scoring action: If the ball touches an attacker’s hand/arm and then they score (or create a goal-scoring opportunity) immediately, the goal is disallowed, even if accidental.
Intentional vs. Accidental: While defensive handballs often require intent, any handball by an attacker that results in an immediate goal is penalized, even if the hand was in a “natural” position.
Definition of Hand/Arm: The offense is only called for contact below the bottom of the armpit.
If a goal is scored immediately following an accidental touch, the goal is cancelled.
I am not complaining. We are used to these kind of situations. So dear Arsenal fans, its at that time of the season again…. expect these type of officiating more.
Or maybe the above handballs were conveniently ommitted or forgotten by those who have an axe to grind about Arteta??
You and me both, Rico.
I think the ideal balance of a midfield three has to be playing with a 6, 8, and a 10.
With Rice, Zubimendi and Odegaard, it’s two 6’s and an 8. In this system Odegaard struggles because he has no creative outlet, he either has to pass back, or to Saka, who has struggled to hit top form this season. Odegaard struggles to impose himself and doesn’t have a great goal return.
Going forward I’d like to see a midfield of Rice, Odegaard and Eze trialled (maybe against Wigan, but tomorrow would be a good time too), because I think it would offer more of a threat in attack.
Evening Devil, thank you.
I saw those too, don’t think anyone bar Arsenal fans thought it was handball. Same old eh.
Being pedantic Alan, it was West Ham. 😜
But yes, a short trial but I think Arteta suggested it was a line up we could expect to see but Odegaard’s injury in that game scuppered it. Personally, I don’t think our captain has been the same since his first bad injury.
Why not clear out all the if, ands buts and make one simple law, if the ball touches the arm below the height of the armpit or touches the hand, it’s handball. Simples!
If Odegaard is done Rico, Arsenal should be targeting two 8’s (1 starter and a back up), and another 10 to support Eze.
Then we would have two 6’s, two 8’s and two 10’s, allowing the more attacking side of our game to flourish, it gives us a solid base amd a better overall balance.
If we don’t have the funds (PSR), Rice or Zubimendi have to be tweaked to play the 8 role.
I think the issue with Eze is that when we attack it goes mostly through Saka, and instead of intricate passing through the middle, we end up with pointless crosses with no-one on the end of them, which makes Eze redundant. If Arsenal aren’t prepared to attack through the middle, it makes you wonder why Eze was bought over a more naturalised left-winger.
And whilst some may have been dead-set against it, Garnacho would have been a better fit, and left United for £35-40m. (He has been more productive than Noni Madueke).
Probably because it is too simple. Takes away any ambiguity though
Not necessarily Alan as we’ll have Nwaneri back, the most natural successor to Odegaard imo.
I think our play is somewhat congested at times, possibly because we seem to favour short passes but I don’t think it helps us because if our players are close, so is the opposition. Gyokeres is very good at taking players away with him but we don’t make the most of the space he creates.
Afternoon Rico and all. Nice write up.
Cicero, there are a few more rules that you can add to your one, starting with offside, the player should be clearly offside not just his foot. Throw in’s the first player that goes to throw it in cannot drop it for another player to take it to waste time.
I would also change the golden boot by not counting penalties and if anything, maybe make a silver boot for goal penalties only.
Another warm night in oz at midnight it was 31 degrees in my back yard.
I’m not sure Odegaard is finished, or how hard we train but maybe we need to cut back on training so hard just during this tuff fixture and then train harder once it eases off to help the players rest.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain has, as I’d imagine most of here would know, been training at Arsenal whilst looking for a new club.
He’s been keeping fit with the academy lads but yesterday, or was it Monday, he joined in with the
senior squad.
At 32 it’s highly unlikely that Arsenal would offer him a contract but stranger things have happened, I mean if he can’t get a new club then maybe he’d be offered a short-term deal to the end of the season?
Sorry Geoff, I switched off right after my comment.
I wouldn’t mind OC signing in a short term deal, why not? He was and probably still is a decent player. He’d run at defenders I’m sure. lol
New post up.