Morning all.
Sit back, absorb the pressure, tire the opposition down and frustrate them. Get them rattled. Then in the second half, give them the full Arsenal. The best we can do and be. Bring on the fresh legs from the bench, the strongest bench we’ve had for a while and strut our stuff.
A cunning plan or should we be concerned?
Eventually an opposing team will surely make their first half possession count, or will our defensive resolve continue to pay off. I’ve no idea but the way we’ve been starting matches has to be a concern for Unai Emery. It seems his halftime talks work wonders, as do his early changes but I wonder why it is that we can’t start the first half as we do the second.
Leicester City won the title with an average of just over 41% possession – only West Brom and Sunderland saw less of the ball. During that same 2015/16 season, Arsenal notched up an average of just over 56% possession that same season and we weren’t the highest by any means.
This season so far, you’d be forgiven if you thought that our possession stats had dropped compared to previous seasons because that’s how it’s looked, to me anyway but in fact we’re still averaging a figure similar to that 2015/16 season. 55.22% to be pedantic. No surprise really that Man City top the table with just over 67%. Interesting, Liverpool are pretty much identical to us.
Possession, is it such a big deal?
We’ve been so used to seeing Arsenal boss the possession but not always did it bear fruit. The opponents would sit back and say ‘bring it on, you won’t get through us’ and often, we didn’t. It’d become stale and predictable. Now though, when we have the ball, more often than not, there seems to be a plan. Xhaka and Guendouzi in particular are good at spraying the long and wide passes. Torreira the short sharp rotation of the ball, Ozil (when he fancies it) the defence splitting pass, As well as the deft touches in and around the box and Iwobi, well he likes to get the ball and run with it. Aubameyang too with pace to burn. Lacazette is just Lacazette and I love him.
When Arsenal pass and move, I don’t think there’s a better sight to see in the game and I’d say we match City and Liverpool in that department. Certainly when we’re at our best as we were during the second half last Monday night but I don’t think any team can play with such intensity for ninety minutes. Which is perhaps why Leicester City’s possession stats were low during their League winning season. They picked their moments, and did what they did effectively. Vardy’s pace undid a lot of teams that year, as did Mahrez and Kante was superb.
I think possession is overrated. The game is about what the players do with the ball when they’ve got it rather than how long they can keep it. Any team can keep the ball, pass it sideways, backwards, forwards, sideways – repeat, to notch up the stats but isn’t that boring? I’d much rather see Arsenal break on the counter with pace, sort sharp passes forwards which leaves opponents standing and if that means sitting back sometimes, invite the opposition forward and then hit them on the break, then sobeit. Especially when we’re playing a side renowned for keeping the ball, or playing the patient game. Or just because that’s the way the game is going and there’s no other option at the time.
Against both City and Chelsea, two sides who often boss the possession table, we played some great football at times during the match. We cut their defences in two with speed and accurate passing. The end product was our downfall that day but encouraging as far as our attacking game went but it showed we can do it it against two of the leagues best.
Also encouraging is Unai Emery. The man who only talks about improving, being more compact at the back, improving players individually and as a team. Not panicking if/when we lose, not going overboard when we’re winning. He takes each game at a time and won’t talk about playing Blackpool or Liverpool because only Crystal Palace matter right now. He won’t allow himself or the team to they’ve cracked it. There’s a long way to go and he knows it. That’s his message and it’s the players message too as they won’t be drawn into anything other than improving when a microphone is stuck under their nose.
Instead of Mr Predicable, we’ve now got Mr Unpredictable. Just seeing the substitute bench on Monday night confirmed that. He wasn’t afraid of naming young Zech Medley in his squad, a centre back who is equally as comfortable playing full back yet a player who some of us said ‘who the heck is he?’ Well, he’s Arsenal through and through apparently but Chelsea got him before us.
Emery hasn’t been afraid to bench Aubameyang, Lacazette, Ramsey or Ozil but then why would he, or why should he. He’s the boss, not any of the players. Rob Holding is another example. Whilst it was expected that Chambers would be the next in line to join the central defence, Emery had other ideas. Off he went to Fulham and the guy who so often has looked like a rabbit caught in headlights is slowly but surely improving. Emery doesn’t take a risk with his players either. Torreira had to be patient on his arrival after the World Cup, Welbeck too and Leno. Guendouzi, at just nineteen years old and from second tier French side clearly impressed in training and Emery wasn’t afraid to throw him out there. The Spaniard is very different to his predecessor and it’s exciting. At least I think it is.
So yes, when a Scouse neighbour asked the other day if I was happy with Emery and the way things were going with Arsenal, I didn’t need time to think about my answer. And before he could even mention our defending, I’d already pointed out how long Klopp took to sort his out. Ha!
We’re on a great run but it’s not going to last forever. It could end tomorrow or some other day but when it does, at least we’ll know that it won’t be through lack of preparation, commitment or trying. I don’t think Unai Emery will allow that. No doubt the players know it too. Don’t work, they won’t play. It’s as simple as that.
It’s Saturday, enjoy it and don’t forget to put your clocks back an hour tonight. Extra time in bed, I love it…..
Happy days.
All I’ll say is it made sense in my head when I was writing….. 😜
Good morning Rico, no need to worry it makes sense to me too…..on second thoughts, that being the case, perhaps you should be worried. 😀
Morning Cicero, ha ha.
It does seem odd though the way our matches are going. Certainly can’t rely on having a very good second half all the time.
The dark evenings are coming – boo.
Morning Gooners.
Morning Rico, a post that comes at you from many different directions. 🙂
But very readable…
Yep, possession is overrated if all you do is go back and forth.
As far as our run, I think you have a point about our 1st half and 2nd half performances, it could be a ploy, a tactic, to draw out the opposition, Arsenal are still viewed as very beatable by the middle and lower range teams in the Premier League, whilst the top sides are sitting up taking notice whilst not quite afraid of us – yet?
Our secret so far is our conversion rate, have you noticed how we shoot more often, from distance, Wenger never allowed that?
Look how improved Bellerin is now at pulling the ball back into the box, a box that under Wenger that usually had one attacker or nobody in there, we attack in numbers now.
Sporting had 10 attempts on goal on Thursday, but only 2 on target, poor finishing or our defending?
Holding got in a lot of challenges, the sort of thing that goes unnoticed, but disrupts the opposition.
Alternatively Arsenal had 9 attempts on goal, but 7 on target, a rate that will eventually bring results. Welbeck had a good goal disallowed and was really unlucky with another chance, Arsenal should have won 3-0.
The changes aren’t seismic, that’s why a lot of people make the mistake of saying that we’re still playing Wengerball, but we really are not. And it’s great…
Morning all!
Can someone explain me why Ramsey is covering the goalkeeper before the game resumest and usually stands as the most advanced player, and then comes running to (re) occupy his position in the midfield?
It causes himu an unnecessary physical wear and I never perceive (and also with him too) what he is doing in the pitch.
Liechteiner is hardworking but no longer has pace for this competitive level.
We do not currently have left defense. Xhaxa is a painful patch
Rico, the slow start to games could be a way of ameliorating, the effects of age on our defence, Lichtsteiner, Sokratis, Mustafi, Monreal no spring chickens there.
Let the other team run around a bit while our (old) boys get the rust out of their joints and take the measure of the opposition.
Seriously though an early goal would be nice change and you’re right, we can’t continue to rely on a second half blitz.
You write fascinating, and lively, but, measured insights about our Arsenal, Rico.
I always look forward to reading your stuff and, by the way, a very good morning to you and all the other contributors.
Here’s hoping the dream continues tomorrow so I’m holding my breath.
Collectively they’ve improved and some of the goals were syrupy good but…..it’s the space the opposition find in our penalty area that sends out constant warning signals.
I DO believe UE will solve that eventually as he so effectively is turning around our fortunes.
I was away in Toulouse last week watching a magnificent game of rugby between Toulouse and Leinster.
Interestingly, not one complaint of players against the referee, they just got on with it.
Perhaps some things to learn from that sport?
Have a good weekend – snowing here!
Morning Kev, got to keep you on your toes. It’s the Emery effect, you don’t know what’s coming next… 😂
I’m beginning to think it’s all a plan which has worked well up to now. Sporting were meant to trouble us, but we handled them with ease in my opinion. The next three fixtures will tell us just as much as any because Blackpool might once have been a banana skin because of complacency and Liverpool because of their pace and much loved by the media, attacking abilities.
Yes, we might not always be easy on the eye but I’m loving football and Arsenal again…
JM, Ramsey sees himself as a number ten, hence his advanced position. He’s never been much good as a defensive midfielder or at any kind of defence so he tends to wander about in the midfield area until he can spot a chance of a late trot into the box. Once there, he doesn’t have the pace or inclination to get back in order to counter a quick break.
Watch Xhaka’s positioning when he’s filing in at left back, he doesn’t go bombing forward like a wing back, he stays back ready to deal with an attack. Give the guy some credit for doing a difficult job in what is for him a very unusual position.
Could be Cicero and if so, intelligent from Emery. I’d imagine as January and the summer window comes along, he’ll inject a bit of pace in defence although Holding is no slowcoach and I don’t think Mavropanos is either and those two seem to be the future.
Kev, re Medley, how good is he? First team squad next season do you reckon?
Morning to you Andorra and thank you. Snow??
Emery is certainly saying all the right things about improving the first half performances and he’s not known for leaving any stone unturned.
Agree. Xhaka Cicero, as a fill in, I think he’s been more than ok. He knows his limits as far as his pace goes and doesn’t over commit going forward. Who’d have thought eh, Xhaka at left back. Lol
I’m so much on my toes Rico that I just pirouetted into the kitchen to put the kettle on. 😃
I love the fact that we cannot predict what Emery will do next, neither can the opposition.
As you say, we made Sporting look ordinary, it was a great performance.
But then Emery is Spanish…
It must be tactical with Ramsey I guess JM and it paid dividends as we won the game.
You don’t have to understand the tactic to appreciate the end result.
Both Medley and Ballard have a lot of promise Rico, Medley is a big unit but quite skilful on the deck for a big ‘un. It’s possible that we could see him vs Blackpool next Wednesday, but I think he has a lot of potential. Also Emery has really encouraged Holding so he’s shown he’s prepared to give Youth it’s chance but, as with all young central defenders, it takes experience to polish off the rough edges and Rob is getting there. He and Mavropanos could save Arsenal having to spend zillions on an expensive defender. We have to live within our means and I suspect that Emery will employ many internal solutions over the next 18 months.
Ha ha Kev, it must be Strictly night come early…
Thanks, good to hear. Every player has to start somewhere.
Interesting that Jenks is back in the mix too. I wonder if Emery and co have done something good with him. Thought Holding was good on Thursday, not afraid to get stuck into an ariel battle. Still a few rough edges, but…..
Morning all.
It’s great to see you’ve got your mojo back Rico. Another cracking post and so full of optimism. There has been a seismic shift in all things Arsenal since our third game of the season. Sure we’ve not been great at times, sure we should have conceded goals but have not, sure the garden is not yet full of roses but, it certainly seems to be full of buds just waiting to bloom!
Wee Dick is doing a very good, albeit understated job at Arsenal. He’s done all the things that needed to be done or, rather he’s well on the way to getting the best out of many of our very talented and gifted squad who seemed to lose direction and purpose under the old regime. Long may it continue.
Hopefully we will get a good result at Palace tomorrow. Amazingly if we were still in last year’s mindset, going to Palace would have been a real tough ask to get a positive result. I suspect I would have accepted, before kick off that a draw would not be a bad result, but now I actually expect Arsenal to win, not a feeling I would have anticipated six months ago.
We will lose eventually that is inevitable and, it will be a huge disappointment but I really do believe we’re on the comeback trail and should not accept that a fourth place finish will be okay. I think we’re better than that, at least potentially. Let’s hope I’m right, as then, I too will have rediscovered my mojo!
Happy days, even if it is perishingly cold and damp here, 5c degrees almost finger numbing!
Thanks Wavy. Good positive comment from you too, in fact many of us on here now seem to have our mojo back.
It might be far too soon to think this but like you, I’m optimistic ahead of all our fixtures now, whereas before I was resigned to disappointment and simply accepted it when it came. It didn’t seem to matter anymore but not because Arsenal didn’t matter I hasten to add.
I no longer fear Liverpool, whereas just weeks ago I did. There’s something about us. It’s all very different. I like it.
Glen Hoddle rushed to hospital earlier, he’s seriously ill apparently after collapsing whilst on BT Sport. Hope he’s ok..
Evening all and thank you Rico for a very enjoyable read.
I thought this line about your Scouse neighbour……….”And before he could even mention our defending”………….was going to say……….”And before he could get my car up on bricks to nick my wheels” hahahha
I did mention the other day something about Dick`s Rope-a-dopeball and it weirdly seems true……poor 1st half followed by great 2nd half becoming more regular than a Spud fan complaining about the shadow from N5 darkening their existence.
Although it`s nice to win eleven on the trot I still believe they were eleven games we expected to win and although I dont want to jinx the run I would expect to make it lucky thirteen on the trot against C Palace and Blackpool ! It`s what we do against The Bindippers that we will be judged imo, anything above a loss will be considered an improvement !………………and talking of possession, (other than the warehouse full of hubcaps) The Scousers had 80% today !
I know it`s The Sun, but I`d love this rumour to be true as how much more can the players/agents screw the clubs ?……………………………
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7593901/europes-biggest-clubs-secret-talks-wage-pact/
Most uplifting report rico before I go to bed, been out all day at Biggleswade. Night all.
Good morning Rico and everyone, As I said after the Chelsea’s game, we can only improve and boy we really have improved.. I just love the competition in the team and the way Unai makes timely subs.. the man actually watches the game unlike someone I know who already decides his subs before the match starts.. we can only improve I say again..2-3transfer windows will do the trick for us.
Good morning all.
Le Coq, the Sun reports that “secret” talks have been held between top clubs aimed at limiting player wages, if they are so secret how does the Sun know they have taken place?
Hope it didn’t keep you awake Andrew. Lol
Morning Mexy, Cicero, all.
New post up now.