₦airaland Forum

It's like they have smuggled oshogbo weed to the Barca Heirachy. Which one is they are interested in Arteta. Some clubs just like causing anyhow violence.

After the treacherous years of building and enduring, some nuisance wants to come and pour sand inside garri.

How about they focus on their legend to turn things around and try to manage their financial mess rather than all these hobnobbing without much ado.

sod09:
Exactly only typical arsenal can lose from winning position

Hahahaha for real oh

sod09:
Marseille just did all or nothing
A draw will keep them in Europa, they smell blood and greedily went for it all out
No wonder the coach was furious on the touch line he almost entered the pitch

How spurs survived that game is beyond me with their anti football. SMH. Btw Marseille looks like an extension of Former Arsenal Players.

Spy360:
Nelson: Eat your words like sandwich

Good for the Lad that he scored two and an assist but still not the one in my opinion to rely on as a deputy for Saka. For the sake of the team it's a brilliant win and well deserved and yes he made us eat this one today.

I want the best for the Lad but I have just seen enough imho to not be impressed at all . I hope he can take his chance on a more consistent basis and prove everyone that has doubts wrong though. Time will tell.

Sadly Nelson is not it all. For all it's worth we should be looking to give Brighton a good deal to get Leandro Trousard. That's a faster version of Prime Nasri imho. A player gets a golden opportunity to impress and has no impact whatsoever is not what we need right now. He is lost and really does not know the press which is making the team a bit uncoordinated. Even Gabriel has been making some uneccesary errors or recent and it's way to early for that.

Spy360:
His inexperience often comes to play on occasions.

Tomi was good against Liverpool because it was a surprise move. It should not be the normal especially against lower teams. The attack was blunt because we lacked bodies to overload the opponent's defense.

Tomi strengthens the defense but weakens the attack. This is good against stronger teams but not against weaker teams.

Well said again!

Spy360:
If the goal scorer was Armstrong then the person who was supposed to mark him is Partey. Such runs in between defenders are tracked by the DM. That's Partey.

I think there was a mental breakdown and the boys couldn't cope with the pace and physicality of the game especially in the second half.

Roland17 spoke of burnout at midweek, I now think he may be right and our players need some break. They aren't used to such pressure. Hopefully they will get used to it. Na their mates dey CL.

Astute!

BlueRayDick:
If I dey stadium like this, I go just go buy shayo dey enjoy myself and still carry woman commot by the end of the day .

BlueRayDick:
My post match analysis

OUR FLUIDITY IN ATTACK

A lot has changed in our attack play. I rememver how we lamented here last season about Arteta being defensive minded first above any other thing and how we were struggling to score goals from our defensive games. However things have significantly changed since pre-seaon ; in fact we've scored at least 2 goals in each and every match we've played except for the man utd match in which we put 1 past their goalkeeper.

Our change in fortune in attack showed in our attack play yesterday. Jesus was giving Van Djik serious problem contesting for aerial balls even when he's not as tall as the defender. Saka and Martinelli made life a living hell for Tsimikas and Alexander-Arnold respectively. A lot of people believe Martinelli would be too hot for Trent to handle and that was exactly what played out. Our front 3 is so good that u always believe in them to have a shot on target at least at the end of a counter attack move. I will rate Martinelli 9/10, Saka 8.5/10 and Jesus 8/10 for the match yesterday.

OUR STEELY MIDFIELD

The joy of seeing a fully fit Thomas Teye Partey take charge of the midfield is something that can't be explained but better experienced. Partey along with Xhaka practically made Henderson suffer in the middle. I observed loserpool wanted to play through the middle but we snuffed the living daylight out of their midfield. Odegaard may not have been in that hot blistering form we want but that didn't stop him from dictating play from the middle. The fact that Xhaka was getting confident and getting into attacking positions in contrast to his non mobile football in the past year makes it all enjoyable to watch. I will rate Partey 9/10, Xhaka 8.5/ 10 and Odegaard 7.5/10.

OUR BACKLINE THAT LIMITED THE ATTACKING THREAT OF LOSERPOOL

Yesterday may not have been the best of days for our defence as they shipped in 2 goals that could have been avoidable if there was much positional awareness on the part of our two CB'S, yet it could've been worse.

On the RB Ben White was simply amazing. He did a very good job in stifling loserpool's attack on his side of the pitch. Tomiyasu practically kept Salah in his pocket all game and only released him the moment klopp gave up and subbed him off out of frustration. Gabriel and Saliba dealt with Loserpool's goal threat through the middle exevot for the two goals conceded in the match. Saliba is indeed a rock. I hope I'm not the only one that has noticed Saliba has been involved in turning defence into attack which had led to goal or goal scoring opportunities of recent? It looks so unreal that the young man is still 21. The scout that recommended him.should have his pau doubled abeg. Gabriel messed up with the error leading to goal, but we are grateful he picked himself up and did that feint that allowed Saka score the second goal. I'm rating Ben white 8/10, Saliba 8.5/10, Gabriel 7/10 and Tomiyasu 9/10.

AARON RAMSDALE IN GOAL

Our goalkeeper didn't really have much to do in the match as our defenders were up to their A-game except for the two goals that shouldn't have happened. I like the fact that Ramsdale able to see the game out, cos I was scared seeing Turner trying to come on. It's just so annoying that we can't have two good goalkeepers in one team, I mean I watched Leno play vs West Ham yesterday and was wishing he could've stayed as backup goalkeeper to Ramsdale but then it is what it is.
I will rate Ramsdale performance 6/10 sha.

OUR SUBSTITUTIONS

Honestly I didn't pay much attention to our subs cos I was already high as 4ck and was oy concerned about us keeping the slim advantage till the final seconds. I noticed Tierney wasn't bad tho.

OUR GAFFER THE MAIN MAN
I bet Klopp didn't see that Tomiyasu plot twist coming ( none of us saw it coming anyways). I mean the moment we saw Zinchenko was doubtful, the next thing is to think of Tierney playing in that LB position. Arteta springing a surprise on us all made it difficult for Klopp on anybody to plan for that. The fact that the joker worked really well and Salah was tossed inside Tomiyasu gucci bag should be credited to Arteta. Arteta outwitting Klopp is something that gives us all joy. I will rate him 9.5/10 for this game abeg!

Astute! Well done sir!

ObaIgwe1:
FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW IN SOCCER

(1)Trent Alexander Arnold’s grandmother was Sir Alex Ferguson’s first girlfriend.(No words)

(2) Zidane first wanted to join Algeria instead of France, but the coach said that there's a lot of players like him in the squad.(Imagine �)

(3) Chile once won a Football match with 100% possesion. (Guess the opponent?)

(4) Chelsea and Dortmund have never played each other in an official competitive match. (Someone said Dortmund is afraid)�

(5) Édouard Mendy won FIFA Best Goal Keeper but wasn't in the FIFA Best XI team. (Where is the fair play?)

(6) Mourinho went 9 years without losing a single home game. (The Special one?)

(7) Ronald Koeman has more goals than Kroos, Modric and Casemiro combined (the greatest midfield trio?)

( An English manager has never won the Premier League (Graham Potter)�

(9) Sir Alex Ferguson stills earns money from Man United even more than some players

Add yours....

-Copied

No 7 is very interesting but No 9 weak me.

The No 9 is why I always caution young players on the need to have the right attitude and consistency so that long after your playing days, you will still be active in management and earning as well. Tops up to Fergie, na real senior man!

Roland17:
Impressive performance throughout the game. I loved the fact that we maintained momentum and composure throughout the game. We adapted to the flows and stayed in control and while it may not happen all the time because of opposing dynamics, I love the control and composure as the flow of the game changed. This is a good response after our last game.

We have 2 weeks to prepare for those noise makers on the other side.

COYG!

Well said! Composure and Control is where we need consistency going onwards

iamoyindamola:
Bros na true o

Hahaha no be lie at all.

iamoyindamola:
Them say teach your child well to have peace of mind
E get reason

Jodera2:
I was opportuned to watch our match against Man u again and this time without emotions and here are some notable things I got from that match that made us lose(strictly attack wise)

1... Our frontline lack understanding with Jesus' runs and movement, while Jesus haven't really understood our wingers too. There was a situation that after Saka dribbled past Malacia in the box and was looking to create a goal scoring chance, while Jesus ran towards the goalpost for a square ball for a possible tap in, Saka decided to do a cut back and that was how the goalscoring chance was gone. Exact same thing that happened against Fulham. Nketiah beat his man on the rear, Jesus made a dash towards the goalpost for a possible tap in from a square play, Nketiah did a cutback..... Chance gone!!!

2... Indecisiveness and lack of ruthlessness in front of goal— There was a situation Saka made a defence splitting pass for Odegaard inside the 18yard box. Odegaard had the chance to shoot on goal but because the ball fell on his right foot, he was indecisive so he had to wait on Saka to make a run from outside the box to inside of the box just to give him a pass. Man u defenders read the situation and covered up Saka— chance gone.
Even in that same sequence, Gabriel Jesus was available and unmarked for a one time pass and shot(from a cutback) but Odegaard didn't spot him.
Another example is the overload of Zinchenko and Martinelli on Dalot. Zinchenko with the ball, Martinelli was looking to underlap towards the goalpost for a possible one-on-one while Zinchenko played the ball wide.

All these happened in one match due to lack of understanding, indecisive and/or ruthlessness in front of goal. And it isn't only against Man u it is rearing its ugly head.


I just hope the frontline work on their understanding and decisiveness in front of goal and our level will increase a notch higher.

Well said, truly put from an attacking perspective,

No real good link to stream?

Again the first phase is a joy to watch and the consistent monster pressing is a delight. This game may just be over already.

Hopefully they use the last phase to knock the ball around, take a breather and secure the points in the second half. Obviously also still looking to create chances . That First 15 minutes of this game has to be on the same level with the one at emirates last week. Good stuff ! Really a joy to watch.

Finally are we seeing a rounded consistent first Eleven?

kokaneprodigy:
I don’t mind if you can add shale gas to the list.
I want those scum to end up relegated. I’ll go any length to see Lana1 face to face just to see the look on his face when that happens.

The beef is unreal...

Spy360:
Absolutely.

I saw people blaming Ramsdale but didn't want to say anything because Saliba had a very good game.

Another rule is to never give a back pass directly at your goal, always to the sides.

For sure, very crucial to keep to the basics at all times.

On the own goal. Here's my take from personal experience and what i always tell the youngies.

When you are closest to the ball, you should always be the one to take control and make the best decision.
No matter the shout from the goalie or your team mate, if you are the one who is closest to the ball in a dangerous area, simply look to play the ball out of danger and worry not about what the next person says.

There's a reason they always say "Throw-in better" ,"Ball to the Side" or "No Bouncing". Those are the basics and very key for any player to always act upon.

This same decision cost me a gold medal at Nicon Nufol (Nigerian Universities Football League) back then when a defender was waiting for the goalkeeper to clear a ball of the line rather than clearing it himself only for the striker to Knick in between them and score the only goal of the match.

Experience they say is the best teacher and im sure at 21 Saliba will still learn a lot going forward. The fans were the real VIPS when the cheered him on even after the own goal.

BlueRayDick:
My Take on Today's match and the team generally.

1. I would say we really got a good bargain signing Jesus and Zinchenko from city. While Jesus has shown to be a very good upgrade to Lacazette and Auba individually, his ability to press and force error from defenders is definitely superior to what both of them offered us in the recent past. Jesus' technical ability on the ball and hold-up play makes him a serious threat to any defence. The moment he turned Johnny Evans from his back at goal to facing the keeper had me leap for joy. I hope he doesn't suffer injury from any stupiddd defender going forward o.

Zinchenko on the other hand just showed how one-dimensional Tierney had been for us. Tierney normally when he has the ball by the sideline just wants to whip a cross into the box and leave the players in the box to hustle for nodding or tap-in, Zinchenko offers much more than that as we've seen in these two games thus far. He can dribble, can retain possession and even wriggle his way out of tight positions. The guy is just a No.10 playing from leftback position. I know we bought him for flexibility ; to be used in midfield when the need arises but as it stands I don't think I want him playing in midfield for now. His Combo with Martinelli is something I'm not willing to sacrifice for now.

2. We found a fortress in Saliba. For his sake I hope we win something in the nearest possible future, if not big clubs will start to finger his brain with big money offers within a year or two cos the boy is definitely going to do great things if injuries does not disrupt his development. The way he times his tackles is a joy to behold; he can do jam-body when the need arises, he slides without commiting fouls and breaks attacks without breaking a sweat. It's no surprise the fans got behind him immediately after the own goal incident. I just hope he communicates more with other members of the defence.... Maybe if there was more communication he could've alerted white of his wrong positioning before the own goal incident and then maybe if there was enough communication between him and Ramsdale he could've allowed the ball go to Ramsdale instead of nodding it, but then again there was Vardy charging down and everyone knows how Vardy is deadly in such situations. All in all, I think he's definitely going to have a good time doing what he knows how to do best. Kudos to the club management for allowing him to go on loan at a club where he enjoyed enough playing time to develop his potentials.

3. Partey na senior man! No long talk, Make god of soccer pity us this year and allow our Charlie no get injury this year ó. He's obviously going to be vital to our success this season.

4. The fluidity of our attack from midfield to the opponent's box is just wow! Kudos to the coaching staff, they've put in serious work in that regard and it's showing. We've moved from the team most people know that is firstly defensive minded before anything to a team that just glides past opponents midfield and lay siege on their 18 yard box. Martinelli is ready to take anybody on and create opening for others, Saka is either exchanging passes with Odegaard and making a run for return pass in the box, while Jesus can come as far as midfield to get the ball and still be in a position to score by the time the ball gets go the opponent's box. Odegaard is always ready to stretch the ball from one side of the field to the other. Those boys want baba Xhaka to run and get the ball , but man's don't run ...... I'm impressed sha that Xhaka has improved his game going forward tho if he had more speed it would make us even better, but as it seems we are stuck with him I don't have anything against him for now.

5. Arteta thus far is showing that with the necessary ingredients he can cook better for us, make he just dey cook dey go.....and make he no cook Ogbono/Draw soup yet sha

Well Put! The First phase of the game once again was spot on and the press is beginning to make sense. Consistency is now what's needed. Great Job by the lads and coaching crew

Good Win but there is still work to be done

Roland17:
You will be proud of the first 15 minutes. Absolutely impressive..

Yes oh! this was my fear all along. i wanted a fast start and a positive response to match any aggression palace may throw at us in that first 15 minutes and they boys really showed up for it.

My God! How much did we pay for Zinchenko ? That is as technically gifted as one would ever want for a fullback

Absolutely brilliant first phase ! Deserving of the lead

Any links please for those of us on the move.

Roland17:
Last season, I observed some of our opponents utilized the long ball tactics for two reasons. One was to evade the press when it was effective, secondly, they used it to by-pass our midfield, especially when it potent in staying compact, closing passing lanes and pushing high along with the press.

We would have to be competitive aerially and more importantly, win those 2nd balls.

Astute and my thoughts in summary too. Again the phases of the game is where I worry but if the game against Sevilla is anything to go by then we should have absolutely no problems against Palace.

Effectively pressing a team that does not have the ball retaining technique of your team is crucial to winning and dominating the game.

It will be interesting how we approach the first 15, that for me is where it all lies . The attitude and approach says it all. I just want to hope and believe that if that is the case then a level of consistency will be all that's needed there after to get us into contention for top honors this season

The game was literally won in the First 15 mins. Truly Sevilla was not ready but men, the joy and optimism seeing the team execute the press to near perfection is out of this world.

Not getting carried away that there are days when it will go south but the attitude consistently is what we are all craving for. We will take the LS but celebrate the wins massively.

This one is for the technical and recruitment team. They have done their part, over to Arteta now . I really do not want to hear excuses anymore.

Roland17:
Let me preface this by saying I watched the interview, however, my points will be raised primarily on the article you posted so there is balance in perspective. Also, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion and their opinions irrespective of how contrasting it may be must be respected. Personally, the embolden below is the onus of Edu's, not the writer or my own view but Edu's own thoughts.

‘If a guy is performing and has a big salary, that’s not a problem,’ Edu says. ‘When the player is 26-plus, big salary and he’s not performing, he’s killing you.

I really have a lot to write about this but to what end? So I go try to avoid epistle. Let me assure you that there is absolutely no way the clear out happened in the squad without Arteta's full participation. Arteta is the manager and he determines who is useful to this team, who stays and who leaves. There have been moments especially over the last 2 seasons where he has looked overwhelmed by the demands and rigors of squad management/ development and we suffered because of it. Remember when we saw pictures of Arteta with our owner during a hockey game? What do you think was happening there?

You think Edu looks at the squad and says he is trimming the squad because it doesn't make financial sense? He will definitely run into problems with Arteta. Let me remind you Arteta asked Edu to offer Luiz a one year extension but thank God Luiz refused the offer. If a player doesn't meet Arteta's requirement/ needs it becomes Edu's responsibility to get rid of the player. Arteta will bench the said player or totally freeze the player out of the team while Edu works on a means of getting rid of the said player(s).

So yes, Arteta is not as innocent as you guys try to sell it, if anything, the process of eliminating/ discarding a player is initiated by him and he is involved in the entire process. Sometime in 2020, Arteta transitioned from coach to manager, do you know what that entails? It means he is primarily responsible for who stays and who leaves his team (short answer). Me and Obaigwe had a debate last year and a lot of my positions about our recruitment and squad management is coming into fruition.

Lets look at all our transfers thus far. G. Jesus did not join Arsenal because of Edu, he was clear when he said it was his relationship and Arteta's vision that made him join Arsenal. G. Jesus was not an Edu finding or signing. Edu pursued Jesus after Arteta made it clear that was his priority. The same thing with Zinchenko who said his previous relationship with Arteta is the reason he joined Arsenal, same with Viera. The only exception may be Marquinhos but Arteta was also involved and instrumental in his purchase. I think a lot of us forget this team has not exactly been extraordinary.

If Edu is choosing to take the front and heat for the clear out, that is fair, I have seen it happen before, especially if the players involved had cult followings at Arsenal but distancing Arteta from the clear out is not possible in my opinion. Arteta offered Lacazette a contract extension, stopped Xhaka from leaving to Roma last season, stopped AMN from joining Wolves when a concrete offer was made, offered Luiz an extension despite his disciplinary issues and bust ups during trainings.

At the end of the day, we all want the best for our club.

#COYG

Absolutely spot on. Very incisive!

Jodera:
A long but very interesting read about Arsenal's vision and future


Big-money flops were ‘killing’ Arsenal, admits Edu as he aims for a Champions League return

Edu will discover soon if he really did read the runes. The technical director told Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board a couple of years back: ‘Guys, 2022-23 will be the season we are going to be much better.’

Edu’s forecast formed part of a new, five-year plan for Arsenal, devised after Unai Emery was sacked in late 2019.

Change, driven alongside Arteta, has been ruthless and expensive and, at times, painful.

‘If a guy is performing and has a big salary, that’s not a problem,’ Edu says. ‘When the player is 26-plus, big salary and he’s not performing, he’s killing you.

‘You don’t have a valuation to sell the player, the player is comfortable — Arsenal, London, beautiful, everything is fantastic — and a good salary. How many players with that kind of characteristics did we have in the past? Eighty per cent of the squad.’
Not any more. On Edu’s watch, around 40 players have been shipped out. Some, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil, were paid to leave. Several more will go this summer.
Since last year, 10 outfield players have arrived. None older than 25
‘Try to avoid one more year with the problem in the dressing room,’ Edu says. ‘Take it out. Even if you have to pay because that guy is sometimes blocking someone.’ He considers it an investment
‘How many players in the squad have those characteristics today?’ Edu says. ‘Now, as part of the plan, we create value in our players because I don’t want to face that situation many times more. Now, if someone wants, say, Gabriel — OK, come here. No problem.

‘If we sell Bukayo Saka — that’s not going to happen but it’s just an example — we as a club have to prepare his replacement straight away. Someone has to be in the squad or we have to manage the market well.’

That scenario is not unthinkable, given Saka has yet to agree a new deal amid interest from clubs including Manchester City. ‘It’s normal,’ Edu insists. ‘He’s happy, we’re happy, so it’s just: sit down and find a solution.’

Edu was speaking in Orlando, shortly before Arsenal’s pre-season tour ended with an impressive victory over Chelsea. Oleksandr Zinchenko, their fifth summer signing, made his debut in the 4-0 win.

A club like Arsenal is not building to fight for fourth place, I’m sorry,’ says Edu, 44, who first signed for Arsenal as a player in 2001 before returning to be technical director in 2019. ‘We cannot accept it. That’s why I was really, really hurt when I arrived.

‘I said, ‘That’s not the mentality of this football club. What is happening? Everybody is comfortable, everybody is OK, OK, OK…’ F*** you. ‘OK’? No. I don’t want to lose games.’

Edu adds: ‘I want to see the physios, the masseurs, the scouts, everyone with that kind of feeling: ‘F****** hell, now we are going to really go for things’. And I think we are changing, we are putting good mentality in the squad.’

Last season, Arsenal’s push to return to the Champions League — one year ahead of schedule — fell apart.

‘I felt in some important moments we needed players like those we are signing,’ Edu says. ‘We need a bigger squad with personalities, with some behaviours that say, ‘I will kill someone but I don’t lose the game’.’
Hence why character ranks above all else in Arsenal’s scouting. Winning is now a habit for players like Gabriel Jesus, with whom Edu worked while he was general co-ordinator of Brazil.

‘I said, “Gabriel, I’m here to try to sign you. But not the Gabriel from this season”,’ Edu recalls. ‘You’ve lost your shine’.’ The forward’s reply? ‘You’re right.’

Not everyone can be persuaded. Both Lisandro Martinez and Raphinha went elsewhere this summer and Edu once walked away from a deal after money kept cropping up in talks with a player at Borussia Dortmund. ‘If I smell something wrong — ‘Thank you very much’, I go,’ he says.

Without them, Arsenal’s five-year plan approaches crunch time. They veered on to this new path after Emery left in November 2019. Not long after walking into Arteta’s house, Edu knew he was the perfect fit to be the new boss

‘We had a great relationship straight away,’ he says.

The plan should bear fruit this season. Unfortunately, Arsenal’s top-four rivals are strengthening, too. ‘It is difficult, which is why we have to be realistic. But also, why not? They may be good teams but they are not unbeaten like 2003-04,’ laughs Edu, a member of that Invincibles side.

‘I learned from Arsene Wenger,’ the Brazilian says. ‘He tried to look after you and your family. He was focused on taking care of people.’

Edu’s attempts to emulate Wenger’s on-field success go on.

Interesting read. The part that gives me optimism is where he said the character is above everything while scouting.

Indeed we have lost characters over the years, the ones who never had losing as an option. I sincerely hope that philosophy of character above all other attributes is sustained even as we continue building.

The fear mentality must be brought back and for once I can now see that the monstrous pressing that puts teams into submission is being executed much better.

Consistency is all that's now needed if indeed they have gotten it right on the pitch and hopefully the results will come.

Well done to the technical board on this one .

I have seen enough of bissouma to have clamored for us to get him for a while now. Spurs getting him ahead of us hurts oh.

I just hope Arteta and Edu know what they are doing cos looking everywhere, it seems all others even spurs are strengthening very well and fast.

Fire brigade approach won't help us this time around and why on earth do we take forever to seal up targets, who are those in charge of our deals?

ObaIgwe1:
I don't think the problem is due to lack of fund or unwillingness to buy quality players. I read somewhere that Edu and Arteta have a budget of 160M to play with.

I think our main problem is due to the fact that we missed playing CL. The teams who qualified are also in the market, and these quality known players will pick them ahead of us if they have a choice.

The dust will soon settle for us when the big boys leave market, then EL teams will become the prefer bidder. Just hoping by then there will still be enough qualities in the market.

For example, If Madrid and Chelsea sort out their CF problems without Jesus, I'm sure he will have no choice but to consider us.

If the claim of a bugdet of 160Million made available is true then Edu and Arteta have no excuse.Yes I honestly agree that CL is a big issue in attracting players but they have to do a better job in scouting for players that as rightly pointed out will come here to fight for the shirt.

Besides by now they should know key areas to work on. Not just in purchasing players but also on the pitch which is also lacking at the moment. All in all we can all agree that missing out on top four is not doing the team any favours right now.

Roland17:
I discussed this issue last week and it all boils down to our "Purchasing Power". Purchasing power in terms of allure, not financial power in the literal economic sense but why should these players join Arsenal in comparison to other teams. The consequences of not making the top 4 is biting us really bad. You have to also put into consideration that the World Cup is this year, that means, players want to play at the highest stage so they can make a case for their inclusions in the team that makes the WC. Speaking of purchasing power/ allure, can I ask, what is our style of play? can our style attract players? IMHO, we do not play attacking/ enterprising football and that plays into the allure for prospective players. Infact, I can not definitively tell you I know our style but I can tell you it is not attacking football.

Recently, we have become quite slow in the construction of our team, transfer dealings and have gone into the start of the season still trying to trim or build a roster. Consequently we endure slow starts because of a lot of uncertainties when it comes to who is staying, who is leaving, who is going on loan and who is even joining the team. Ironically, before the end of each season, we already know the areas we need to improve upon but by the start of the new season, we have not done anything tangible. I remember when I talked about missing out on Conte, I was reminded we have Arteta who is good but guess who had the last laugh?

Your points here was also alluded to by some analysts which made a lot of sense . The allure of playing in the champions league may really hurt us indeed when it comes to getting the quality we are looking for. Great thoughts...

Jodera:
Nice analysis and input. Such debate and discussion like this is really needed here once in a while.

Lemme chip in my own opinion on Arteta's Arsenal's tactics this season.

Arsenal this season off the ball relies on front pressing with the front three attackers starting the press. Tho I call it zonal press cos from my observations, the front 4(Odegaard inclusive) tightly press only when opponents transition and progress towards their zone. This is the reason why arsenal mostly recovers ball through 2nd balls in midfield. Arsenal off the ball pressing is intense in midfield area with presence of Partey's ingenuity which helps in interception as well as tackles.

In terms of attack, we rely on Partey acting as a link between Midfield and attack. His half turn, effortless dribble and quick transitioning of Midfield ball to attack is top notch, not forgetting the ability to evade intense pressure easily. Odegaard who's the most advanced of the midfield 3 is also important cos of his creativity and understanding with Saka(who's another creative lynchpin). The former understanding of half space and picking pocket of space is mostly underrated in this team. Xhaka tho advanced acts mostly as a recycler in the team. He seems more of a DLP in advanced position as well as stopping attack high up before it becomes serious.

CF under Arteta role is more of a false 9 role than an actual CF. Drops deep, helps Midfield to create numerical advantage while drifting more to the left hand side of the attack as against right due to linking up play more with his left sided attacker who is lacking a linkup partner as against the Saka who has one in Odegaard.

Fullbacks overlap and/or underlap depending on where the ball is at the part of the pitch. Tierney underlaps when Tomi overlaps if ball is at the RHS of the pitch and vice versa.

Since all defenders and Midfielders are good passers on the ball and can easily evade pressure (with the least being Xhaka), it aids in us having possession and dominance with Partey pulling the strings from deep while Odegaard and Saka pulling the strings up front. Intense dominance sees the defence push higher up as we tend to choke opposition. This is the main reason why we have one of the best first eleven but poor supporting cast

Thing is for this tactics to be sustainable In the long run, we need someone of Partey's quality who can screen the defence as well as push attack as he does(cos he acts like 2 in 1) or Partey himself staying fit throughout the season. Bissouma is my obvious choice. Elneny tried but his limitations was still visible and we weren't so good in maintaining dominance except If we intend to play deep.

The 2nd solution for long term sustainability is another Midfielder that's creative as well as being a goalscorer who is positionally good. This will make goals come from Midfield and opponents not feeling secure that if our attackers are caged then there's no hope of we equalising. It also helps to stop the panic of Arteta always removing defenders for attackers and CF around 50-60 something minutes in hope of finding an equaliser.


It might be a long read but I hope it's worthwhile

I took my time to read it and it was worth the read. Simply Astute to be honest. Not very far from my thoughts tactically as well.