Morning all.
The Arsenal players royally cocked up a chance to beat Liverpool and go through to the next round of the FA Cup. Chance after chance came but miss after miss followed them. Outside of the Liverpool penalty area, Mikel Arteta’s team were brilliant and that’s pretty much Arsenal’s story for the last few weeks, if not the season so far. Yes there’s been the odd game when the goals have come but the chance to conversion rate is probably not very good. Poor even.
Liverpool went ahead late in the game courtesy of an own goal from Kiwior and then as Mikel Arteta’s players went in search of an equaliser, the visitors scored a second to ensure there was to be no comeback. Not that a comeback ever really looked likely.
This match was very similar to the performance against West Ham and after that loss, Mikel Arteta said there was no reason to panic. He should be panicking now and the club should too because our lack of goals might just end up costing us a top four spot come May. Top five even because there are a lot of clubs in and around the top.
We’ve now played two fixtures at home, bossed both of them but have failed to score a goal in both. That’s not trophy winning facts, in fact it’s more like a team which is struggling somewhere near the bottom of the table. Liverpool were smart because after having their backs against the wall for the first half, after the break, they came out stronger. Mikel Arteta’s players just carried on carrying on, spurning more chances to score along the way.
Mikel Arteta post match:
It was a really disappointing result with a big performance against probably the team that is the most in-form in Europe. We were better than them, we generated much more than them, we created so many chances but we didn’t capitalise. Against these teams, you have to capitalise if you want to win. If you don’t score in that box, and then you concede an own goal and the second one like we did, it is difficult to win. It’s football, and you have to realise the situation and know we’re going to have to generate more and shoot better and arrive in better positions, but today we had plenty. Today we were better than them, and we should have won the game, there’s no question about that.
Shoulda, coulda, woulda – just didn’t, because his players can’t score goals!
Might the substitutions made more of an impact had they been made earlier? Maybe, maybe not but it’s irrelevant now. I’m mystified by Mikel Arteta’s reluctance to make changes earlier when it’s quite clear something needs tweaking. I’m not even sure why an out and out striker is left on the bench in favour of a midfielder but that’s exactly what happened to Eddie Nketiah. It’s not like he’s been playing lots of minutes this season.
Not including added time, Eddie Nketiah had two minutes, Leandro Trossard, two minutes, Emile Smith Rowe, two minutes and Gabriel Martinelli 28 minutes. Nketiah is our most natural finisher in my opinion, Trossard on his day can also score goals and Smith Rowe isn’t afraid to run at a defence and shoot. These changes could easily have been made earlier, much much earlier. What about a fifth change? Jurgen Klopp wasn’t afraid to name and then play two younger players but our three youngsters stayed routed to the bench. Apart from a gentle jog down the touchline of course.
Where is Mikel Arteta’s imagination or willingness to change things up during a game? I suspect many Arsenal fans believed it was only a matter of time before Liverpool punished us for missing all those first half chances? Is he really that stubborn or even ignorant to what’s going on in front of him? Two characteristics which ended up being Arsene Wenger’s downfall.
Mikel Arteta, his staff and players will now head off out to Dubai for some warm weather training. Hopefully the players will get time to relax too because they need it. Certainly those who have played a lot of minutes over the last five months.
On the trip, Arteta said:
The players need it because we cannot question their effort, what they’ve done today, and the attitude they have played with, the courage, aggression – everything is there but the ball is not going in the right direction at the moment in the opponents’ half, and then you concede an own goal which is incredible. We have to change momentum, that’s for sure, and we need our players and we need our people as well. In the difficult moments, we stick together and get behind those players that, in my opinion, deserve so much. They appreciate that and we stick together and do what we have done in the past. There is nothing new, results will come and enjoyment will come.
Nothing will change unless something changes and in my opinion, it’ll take more than a couple of weeks in the sunshine to fix our lack of goals problem. Nor is it going to fix his rigid managerial ways. Yes, the game plan was good because we created the chances, but unless they go in, we aren’t winning anything anytime soon.
Catch up in the comments.
Good morning Rico.
One statistic says it all. Last three matches 61 attempts 1 goal. Points 0, out of the FA Cup!
Morning Rico
Intriguing comment: ‘Nothing will change unless something changes’…
Disappointing way to exit the Cup. That white shirt needs binning.
Arsenal completely walloped Liverpool without putting the ball in the net. The players need to rediscover their confidence in front of the posts. Hopefully with a break that will come, but it has been frustrating to watch of late.
Liverpool lack the quality of our midfield so boot it long to go straight to the forwards. Very Wimbledon 1988, but it works for them. I didn’t see much else from them to be impressed by.
We have the Scallies at home in a few weeks. I expect a better result in that game.
My issue with stats is that those 61 shots were garbage and barely tested the goal keeper. Even the parry from Allison yesterday was a lame effort actually.
How many of those on target rolled or picked up by the keeper?
Way out thought, would Danny Ings be a possibility of a loan? Good finisher and not used by West Ham. Can’t be worse than what we have.
Morning Cicero, Pete.
Those goal stats are staggering and not for positive reasons.
Pete, the fact that Liverpool were poor and without two key players makes it worse…
He’d certainly be a stop gap Brad, anyone who knows how to hit the back of the net would…
Morning Rico, All, yes that statistic of 61 attempts tells its own story, if it was say 15 attempts then I’d be worried. Liverpool are not imo a great team, they press hard, play a lot of hoof ball and have arguably the most options up front of any team in the top division. They defended diligently and waited for a mistake and we duly gave them one.
Kiwior was just unlucky, if that cross had hit Havertz’s head there’s no way, given his recent form, that the ball would have ended up in the net and was Ramsdale found wanting for the cross? Just putting that out there.
Klopp admitted that he was surprised by Arteta’s line up, Plan B perhaps? If Eddie had started up top then we wouldn’t have had the same control as he would have been totally dominated and Liverpool would have gained more possession. The referee was awful, he simply ignored a litany of Scouser fouls allowing our momentum to be continually broken.
I’m not sure that you can criticise Arteta’s tactics because I think he got them right, the execution of those tactics are on the players.
I guess you could criticise our coaching when it comes to taking the shot, why do our players need so many touches, even so we had enough chances.
I would have liked to see Smith Rowe on earlier, he is direct and he is a good finisher, I’m also going to suggest that maybe Saka needs a spell on the bench and Arteta needs to do something different on the right flank. But don’t ask me what or who?
Trossard and Nketiah have been very much a symptom of our goal drought recently so I didn’t think that bringing them on any earlier would have made any difference.
Crystal Palace next and that is huge, as huge as any game we’ll play this season, the whole club needs a lift and more importantly we need maybe a bit of luck and also a few referees who can see a foul when it’s committed.
The Jesus scenario is worrying because it’s his old injury again so I don’t think we’ll be seeing him again until next month?
I watched how animated Arteta was regarding whatever Havertz was doing, it was as if they’d been working on some new approach play in training based around the German leading the attack and also due to the Jesus injury and FFP (no money for new striker). I think that the Havertz experiment is where we could be going for awhile yet and maybe beyond?
Havertz has spent all season developing an understanding for his left 8 role in the team and now he’s learning how to be a 9 again. Can he be our new Alan Smith? I do hope so.
I liked Jorginho in our midfield, we had more control but maybe it was just for this game?
I don’t think that Eddie is the answer and if we get a decent offer this month then I’d sell him, I’d also sell Nelson if we got a decent offer, both are good lads but they’re never going to take us to where we want to be. Nelson should have scored early in the game, his hesitancy and lack of directness was telling.
I felt sorry for Odegaard, he must have covered every blade of grass last night but he cannot buy a break. Anyone else’s shot would have hit the underside of the bar and gone in but not Martin.
I would have liked to have seen Arteta throw one of our youngsters on last night, not least for the fact that it would have animated the crowd which might have rubbed off on the rest of the team. Imagine Nwaneri getting the ball and the crowd roaring encouragement, it’s psychological and you need to use all the tools in the box, I mean did Eddie do anything? Did Trossard do anything to excite the crowd? And then imagine thd reaction if Nwaneri got the ball and skipped past a few tackles? Imagination Mikel, use it?
Morning Kev, I think the tactics and line up was perfect and it showed by the way we controlled the game but, my gripe is leaving it so long before trying something different when it’s clear those on the pitch wouldn’t get a goal if they stayed out there for another couple of hours. The subs imo were too late, far too late to try and make a difference.
Trossard, Nketiah and ESR had 7 minutes, what can they do in that time? They’ve barely warmed up…
If we are contemplating signing Danny Ings we’re in big trouble!
We could sell Nelson and Eddie, sign a striker and push Jesus out to the wing. His defensive work would certainly help Zinchenko.
I get that about the subs Rico, I think that Arteta had put all his eggs in the basket of his starting XI and Martinelli coming on for Nelson on 62 minutes was probably part of the plan, a plan based around Havertz at centre forward?
The late subs is what you do when you concede a late goal Rico, you know, kitchen sink.
Although I do agree Rico about Smith Rowe, he needs to be used more.
Can you imagine Smudge with the early chance that Nelson had?
I don’t think we’ll be buying a striker in January Rico, I would guess that the club know who they want and will do the deal in the summer. Whoever we bring in now would be a stopgap, a loan and whose going to be loaning is anyone whose any good in January?
Good points Kev.
Our players were taking one too many touches in the Liverpool box. Earlier shots create chaos. Another touch allows players time to get in a block.
Playing deep blocks needs different tactics. Shots from outside the area to draw defenders out of position. Also with our wingers facing 2 or occasionally 3 markers there will be players unmarked on the opposite side. Quicker passes or earlier crosses to the back post create issues for the defence.
I’m sure the coaches know all this and will be working on some of these ideas. Hodgson is a arch exponent of deep defence so we will have plenty of chances to work on new tactics against Palace.
Yes Pete, take the shot early before the defenders get set, Ian Wright was a master at that, I’d like to see someone coaching our strikers/forwards.
Our corners were absolutely awful, the deep ball coach needs a kick up the derere.
I get what you’re saying Kev but then why not change on 80 mins instead of 88?
Why not be more proactive?
dead ball of course.
Neither do I re the striker Kev.
Totally agree re shooting, nothing new though is it? If the ball is there to be hit, just hit it instead of taking the extra touch or pass.
I agree Rico, but thd late changes were a reaction to Liverpool taking the lead, we were in control for most of the game, I don’t have any confidence in Eddie off of the bench and Trossard has been a bit off so I didn’t see them benefitting us at all, but Smith Rowe I totally agree with you, he should have got longer.
But who do you take off for Smith Rowe, Martinelli for Nelson was a given, after that I’m not sure?
Jorginho Kev, for ESR I mean, or shock horror but Saka.
Toney has spent some of his time off in Nashville with a finishing coach. I reckon that’s where our players should be for the next two weeks. 😂
If you want an alternative for the Saka / Martinelli problem then switch them over occasionally . Firstly give defenders something new to worry about and also to change the aspect of the attack . When they are swapped put Havertz in the middle and try centres and push someone alongside him to pick up the knock downs .
It was obvious at half time that things were not happening and we should have had replacements ready to come on at about 55 minutes . 85 plus is no time for anyone to save things .
Totally agree Potter.
Agree completely with Rico about the lateness of the subs. Every game, 60 to 70 minutes in, our opponents are putting on 3, 4, sometimes 5 aggressive, motivated, energetic players to counter our fatigued (from relentless pressing) 11 starters.
As a player who wants to win more opportunities, it must be so frustrating to get less than 20 or even 10 minutes to try and make an impact as the opponents are in total lockdown with a lead, and in time wasting, disruption, cramp mode.
The players that we have available to bring on are quality like Trossard and Emile, so it bothers me a lot while I’m waiting endlessly for changes.
I for one didn’t say we were shit as some said reading around nor do I think in the main that we were unlucky,we aren’t clinical enough and our subs in the main aren’t good enough for a team aspiring for top 4 or better. Why is Raya first choice keeper ? Why is ESR practically frozen out of game time.? Did Liverpool bring on two kids in the second half ?What actually is The process as it’s lost me ?
I am as you know old school and suffered years supporting and in the past going to games. Of course we have injuries as do most clubs but I won’t change my stance on Arteta as he is a rookie manager and does some very strange line ups and subs.
it is a debate as we have some of the finest young players in the PL and it’s not a collapse but it’s worrying that from brushing most teams aside last season we aren’t doing that this season. Should Arteta be changing the way we play from last season. IMO no, as we are many points worse off at the same stage last season.
It’s a huge test for MA but I doubt the owners care a fig with sell out crowds every week regardless who goes ( which I fully understand is another issue).
Jnyc1, agree re the players on the bench in terms of their quality. It’s not like we have poor substitute options any more, all are players Arteta either signed or gave a new contract to. This squad now is 100% Arteta’s, so why is he so afraid to give them more minutes.
Did he not criticise himself at the end of last season for not changing players enough?
Kelsey, not sure what the owners have to do with the football these days or why you think they don’t care. The owners have rubber stamped around £600m since Arteta arrived which if they didn’t care, they wouldn’t have done imo.
Arsenal aren’t playing rubbish football, it’s just a discussion about what/how we think things could improve.
RIP Franz Beckenbaue…
Beckenbauer was a true icon of the late 60’s to mid 70’s . I first remember him from the 1966 world cup , he played in the final but got his revenge in the 1970 Mexico finals . I remember watching the game on television and England were cruising at 2 nil up when Ramsey decided to substitute Bobby Charlton at this point Beckenbauer was able to move forward from his marking job on Charlton and this turned the game He scored and I think Seeler got another they scored a third and England were out.
He was an artist on the pitch almost languid , similar to Bobby Moore in his reading of situations .
He played against some of the best players I have seen Cruyff especially and of course the star studdied Brazillians .
One of the greats RIP.
Just a bit before my time but I’ve only ever read great things about him.
It doesn’t matter if you care about stats or not, the main thing is we are not scoring and not winning.
Didn’t Arteta say not so long back that he would change the players and Keeper at half time if he had too, yet he seems to wait untill the 80 minute mark to make changes.
Arteta has done a good job to get us to were we are after the later Wenger years, but I am not sure if he has it in his game bag to take us the next step.
As for the owners I never did like Stan or trust he had the best intention for our club, but since appointing Arteta you can’t fault Stan and Josh for the money they have put into the club, if anyone is to to blame it has to be Edu and Arteta for the recuiting they have done.
Der Kaiser
Just seen that we are in for Onana of Everton(probably just a rumour) initially on loan,£60m in the summer. A very good player,maybe similar to Partey.
Morning Rico and all
Just testing as my last comment has gone walk about
Interesting how 1 news site claims Arsenal interested in Onana for 60 mil then the next news site claim Everton want 90 mil, not sure he is worth much.
RIP JPR Williams, probably the greatest fullback ever to play the game. A legend for Wales, The British Lions and Barbarians.
Why are we looking to sign another very expensive midfielder?
WHAT DO WE WANT? A STRIKER! WHEN DO WE WANT HIM? NOW!
Cicero 4:58am totally agree.
Maybe that is Arteta’s plan D – don’t defend, don’t score just keep the ball in the middle of the field 😉
RIP JPR Williams,
an absolute giant of rugby,amazing that both him and Franz Beckenbauer should go on the same day.
I’ve seen the Onana story in multiple places now,looks like his agent is offering him around. A very good player,would make us better,but not really what we need.I suppose January is difficult.
One thought,if it’s true,it would mean we’re committed to around £90m in the summer,which wouldn’t leave much wriggle room for anything else. Other than what we raise from sales (Ramsdale,Smith-Rowe ?)
I don’t think that Onana is worth £60m let alone £90m, £40m at a push I reckon but needs must and Everton need to sell so I don’t believe those fees.
The Media know sweet FA and just make up figures, why would Arsenal pay £90m for Onana and not £100m for Toney?
The club flies out to Dubai today, I guess we’ll be getting lots of training videos on YouTube now and the boys hanging out in the sunshine.
Morning all.
Theres nothing from Ornstein etc on Onana so I doubt there’s any truth to the rumour..
liverpool get Norwich maybe that could have been interesting eh Cicero
It would have resurrected a longstanding feud between me and the family next door. Three generations of Canary supporters. 😉
my local would have been tasty , especially as the landlord is a gooner
Someone is going to take one hell of a beating from Arsenal and I’ve got a hunch that it could be the Glaziers.
By Glaziers I mean the Eagles not the owners of Man United. 😉
And by Eagles I mean the football club not the rock band.
Kev, Rico,
I can’t imagine that a defensive MF is what we would be looking to add at this moment. Doesn’t make sense to me. Financial constraints and other pressing needs… plus – having Declan Rice, Elneny, Jorginho, Partey? I’m sure Onana and his agent love links like this.
I think we have an option for another year on Jorginho, elneny is likely done after this season. If anything, maybe we are laying some groundwork for the summer? That is our mode of operation lately.
Most likely just hollow rumours as usual.
JNYC:
I’d like to see a couple of our young midfielders going out on loan this month like Bradley Ibrahim and Jack Henry-Francis, to see how they shape up in senior football? Two very different but very effective D/M B2B types who could save us a fortune in transfer fees and salary if one of them comes through.
Whilst I don’t want to see players given run-outs for the sake of it, you know the young players have to be of the requisite quality – and that has to be PL/CL potential – I still think we need to look for internal solutions, with FFP finally it seems finding some teeth – and not before time.
I’m not budging from my overall view that this will be a very quiet window for Arsenal, unless we sell and even if we do sell they may well sit on that dough for the summer when the best targets are available.
If we don’t win anything this season but maintain our CL position I’ll be disappointed but satisfied because this isn’t going to be an overnight thing and I trust Arteta.
Those who call for the managers head, you know the suspects on LG, are just pissing in the wind because nobody is listening to them and for that I am glad. It just makes me double down more in favour of our manager. I’ll debate with reasonable people, just as we have on HH and BK but the extremists can do one.
It’s all good, just ask Harry Symeou.
A very good podcast btw.
Jnyc, me neither.
If we sign anyone this month I’ll be surprised, unless it’s a loan.
Kev, I’d add the three who were in the bench at the weekend to the loan list. Send them off to a championship club which really needs them and who’ll play them.
If the rumers about Onana are true, then maybe Arteta is looking at him to replace Elneny, Partey, Tierney and Nuno Tavares, as Arteta doesn’t mind playing players out of the best / favourite position.
Yes Rico, Reuell Walters should go on loan if he’s not needed for the 1st team if Cedric leaves, Sousa as well could do with a loan, these lads are what 19 and need some senior exposure, there’s a few more in that age group who could do with a loan as well.
New post up.
Agree Kev, let them play, learn and improve.
I’m with Kev. Don’t expect much, if anything, from this window. I will follow our progress on the pitch as if the window is not even open.