₦airaland Forum

Jodera:
Lol, are you saying this as a rival fan or an opposition fan?

Opposition

Bjteensdes24:
Opposition

Tohh... Till Saturday then

Jodera:
Tohh... Till Saturday then

2pm by His grace we will be here

Come Saturday, it's going to be the NORTH FIST

Shifu Tomiyasu vs Heung Min-son.

Bjteensdes24:
2pm by His grace we will be here

Lol, hopefully you no go run sha

BlueRayDick:
Come Saturday, it's going to be the NORTH FIST

Shifu Tomiyasu vs Heung Min-son.

South Korea no sabi fight na, na so so love love. All these Lee min Ho people

No wonder you no put shifu for Son name

BlueRayDick:
Come Saturday, it's going to be the NORTH FIST

Shifu Tomiyasu vs Heung Min-son.

Conte is a very experienced and smart coach. He will come up with many schemes to outwit Arteta.

Arteta must be at his best in terms of game management. Spurs are very good on the counter attack. The best in PL for me especially with Son and Kane. Playing a high line will be stupid. We have to spread the game and keep a low block. Spurs are bad facing a low block.

I can't say more.

Arsenal is topping the league tables of both the men and women PL.

Someone is doing something right at the Emirates.

Me this week and next

Spy360:
Arsenal is topping the league tables of both the men and women PL.

Someone is doing something right at the Emirates.

The ladies have been strong even before now so I'm not reading too much into them.

Na the youths teams and their progress my eyes really dey on esp If dem fit topple Chelsea and Man city

Spy360:
Conte is a very experienced and smart coach. He will come up with many schemes to outwit Arteta.

Arteta must be at his best in terms of game management. Spurs are very good on the counter attack. The best in PL for me especially with Son and Kane. Playing a high line will be stupid. We have to spread the game and keep a low block. Spurs are bad facing a low block

I can't say more.

Gbam!
Mark out Kane and Son and the best way to do that is to deny them spaces. With Partey and Xhaka in Midfield, we should be fine there. Then Jesus and Martinelli should be able to do the job up top.

The headache is
White or Tomiyasu
Vieira or Odegaard

Smith-Rowe will be out for a long while

BlueRayDick:
Smith-Rowe will be out for a long while

Had high hope for this guy. I was even tipping him to make the England squad for world cup. 10 goals from Midfield/wing in EPL is not a mere child's play. Unfortunately, injury is limiting him.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal vs Antonio Conte's Spurs..

The North London derby, red vs white, historic rivals go head to head one more time. Below, is an in-depth Post.

Spurs are widely recognised as a counter-attacking team and that characteristic is partly what makes them so good, but this doesn't mean they don't press high from opposition goal kicks, attempt to force the opposition back in settled play, and play out from the back themselves. Spurs’ press is best when they invert the wide players, push the wingbacks onto the far side fullback, match up in midfield, and the centre backs cover the opposition forwards dropping between the lines.

Although Spurs press to a good standard when the opposition build deep in their own half & even excel at pushing them back in settled play, there are clear ways to pin Spurs back. Again, possibly contrary to popular belief, Spurs also play out from the back. They set in a 4-2-4 shape where Davies pushes out to left back, the left wingback pushes high and wide, and the left winger inverts.

When playing out from the back, though, Spurs have mixed results. The risk is that their non-elite technicians in the build-up will make mistakes and they lose the ball close to their goal and are subsequently in a position of massive danger. The reward is that they create space higher up for Son, Kane, and co to work their magic and combine. However, Spurs aren't entirely linear with regards to how they build play. They also often play long to battle for duels in midfield. It's one of the most difficult tasks in football to build play from the back when the opposition are set high to press. That's why they go long. Here, they battle for duels and have many combative & physical players who can win duels before either A) recycling to mount a settled attack or B) directly exploit the opposition in defensive transition.

Any transition & Spurs are ultra dangerous, but they also sustain attacks. They have high quality positional play as they occupy each lane which means they can combine, switch play or create isolations effectively. They also excel at nullifying teams in defensive transition thanks to their compact midfield presence and positional play in attack. They're almost complete tactically apart from the fact that they get pinned back too easily, but often 'get away with that' because they excel tactically in every other phase and also have incredible forwards like Son, Kane, Kulusevski & Richarlison. So, how do Arsenal match up with that? Let's start from the back.

When Spurs build play in their 4-2-4 Arsenal will likely match up the same way they did last time, and that's in a 4-4-1-1 press. Odegaard or Vieira will drop to mark one of Spurs' pivot & they'll force them wide. Arteta purposefully left Spurs with a 6v5 in the build-up last time they played each other. The advantage rears its head in central areas when Arsenal are shifting across to try and pin Spurs in against the touchline and match up in man-to-man situations.

Arteta knew the quality Spurs' devastating front 3 possessed so wanted to create a numerical advantage to deal with them. Where Spurs were weak, Arteta gave them the advantage in the hopes Arsenal would create man-to-man pressing situations on the sides. Where Spurs were strong, Arteta wanted to have an extra man. The plan was good but as we all know Holding got sent off and ruined that on the day.

This time, however, Holding won't play. It'll be Ben White against Son, Saliba against Kane, and Gabriel against Kulusevski/Richarlison. Gabriel is arguably the weakest link there due to his indecisions when pressing, but he's still a big upgrade on Holding. Arteta could decide to be brave and man-mark all over the park by inverting Saka or Martinelli to press alongside Jesus and pushing the fullback on to press the fullback, but that would leave Spurs front 3 in a 3v3 with Arsenal's last line if they evade the higher quality press.That would remove any advantage Spurs have in the build-up but would increase the reward for them if they do play out of 1v1 situations and intense pressure deep in their own half. It would mean Arsenal are tactically complete but it's sure as hell risky against Son, Kane and co. However, as mentioned previously, Spurs don't exclusively play short. They also play long balls, so Arsenal will have to be ready for the fight in midfield.

In situations where Spurs effectively play out or play long and win duels & subsequently sustain pressure, Spurs holding the width of the pitch to an excellent standard and against Arsenal's back four, that could be troublesome, but Arteta dropped Martinelli into the last line to prevent Spurs from having a 5v4 in that phase.

However, Arsenal don't want to sit back like this. When defending deep they'll set up in the above 5-3-2 shape but will attempt to refrain from this game theme as much as possible and match up with Spurs in narrow 4-3-3 pressing shape when they have settled possession in midfield and amongst their defenders. Saka and Martinelli invert to take the outside centre backs, Jesus will take the middle centre back, Odegaard/Vieira drop off into the pivot alongside Xhaka, and Partey screens passes into Kane and co.

Communication amongst Arsenal's last line is key to marking Spurs' front 3. Arsenal themselves are a possession based team though. The likelihood is that they'll average more of the ball (at least at an even or losing gamestate) but they're not linear in their on-ball approach and don't exclusively play short passes out from the back. Against Brentford (who set to press in a similar way to Spurs), Arsenal exclusively played long from goal kicks.

They saw what Brentford did to United and didn't want to play into their hands, and that could be a similar approach against Spurs' high press in deep Arsenal phases. Instead, they played long balls deep into Brentford's half and counterpressed in a position of strength as a result of that. Ramsdale has abnormally long kicks which enables Arsenal to do this. This gives Arsenal a better chance of winning duels when playing long vs when Spurs do. Arsenal can also play out from the back if Spurs are slightly more passive than usual due to the fact that they're playing away from home against a top team, but it's not likely that'll occur. If they do, they can exploit Spurs because they have top technicians, but it's a risk. It's not a risk to the point where it'd be overly detrimental to do because Arsenal have the technical quality and outlets to stretch the pitch & exploit Spurs in space should they get it, but what worked against Brentford can work against Spurs too as they're similar tactically. Off the back of this situation is the theme Arsenal want to create to win.

Spurs are most vulnerable when defending deep and when the opposition wingers pin their wingbacks back with midfielders overloading their press.This is *exactly* how Arsenal play. Xhaka often drop deeps to collect the ball from the defenders, Zinchenko or Tierney will invert to create a central overload, Odegaard or Vieira can come from high to low to do the same, just like Tielemans did.

Martinelli/Saka also stay high.This is when Arsenal can pull Spurs' block apart and gain optimal control. They also have the positional play in the final third to hold the width, create 1v1 situations, combine, everything. The difference between Arsenal and Spurs is they have wingers high, not wingbacks. Arsenal's positional play and creativity/penetration quality is up there with the best in the world. If they can control Spurs' duels in midfield, press them aggressively, be technically secure and patient to allow midfielders to drop to overload them, they'll have control. However, sustaining pressure is only a method of control if the opposition are not winning, so it's key for Arsenal to create this situation as early on as possible to stamp their authority on the game. If Spurs go 1-0 up, they can sit back and be in control as they're winning. Overall, the game is in Arsenal's hands.

It's a tough task but if they can evade Spurs' press and create a situation where their midfielders drop to overload Spurs' first line of pressing along with the wingers pinning the wingbacks back, they can sustain pressure and win. Martinelli and Saka will have too much for Spurs and Ramsdale is will also be a key to Victory.

#arsenalfanaticsnews

Arteta is better tactically but Conte is better at game control. That's it's more likely for Arsenal to score first, but then can still lose. If Spurs score first, it would be hard for us.

Tierney or Zinchenko for NLD?

With both fit to play against Spurs, who do you guys prefer to start.

My Opinion: I'll prefer Tierney to start over Zinchenko. Tierney is a good defender and a better defender than Zinchenko. He's not also bad going forward have we've seen couple of times against big teams. Moreover, Spurs are always deadly on the counter and most of their games this season doesn't involve Midfield play, so Zinchenko wouldn't be so needed to give us that Midfield advantage.
Son, Kane and kuluveski/Richarlison are known for pace, counter and getting in behind. Who better to stop any of those 3 than for Tierney on the left flank?

So what's your take guys, who would you prefer?
Blueraydick, Iamoyindamola, Roland17, Spy360, Mostob, ObaIgwe1, DaveP, Akinbahm, Jencejyde.

Nice piece ObaIgwe1

Jodera:
Tierney or Zinchenko for NLD?

With both fit to play against Spurs, who do you guys prefer to start.

My Opinion: I'll prefer Tierney to start over Zinchenko. Tierney is a good defender and a better defender than Zinchenko. He's not also bad going forward have we've seen couple of times against big teams. Moreover, Spurs are always deadly on the counter and most of their games this season doesn't involve Midfield play, so Zinchenko wouldn't be so needed to give us that Midfield advantage.
Son, Kane and kuluveski/Richarlison are known for pace, counter and getting in behind. Who better to stop any of those 3 than for Tierney on the left flank?

So what's your take guys, who would you prefer?
Blueraydick, Iamoyindamola, Roland17, Spy360, Mostob, ObaIgwe1, DaveP, Akinbahm, Jencejyde.

We need ball holder not someone spamming unnecessary crosses
I will go with zinchenko
He will serve as left back and invert midfielder plus he's a better defender

Spy360:
Arteta is better tactically but Conte is better at game control. That's it's more likely for Arsenal to score first, but then can still lose. If Spurs score first, it would be hard for us.

We need to score first and prevent any quick equaliser. Once we do that, we'll be able to control the game better and see out the win

If they score first, we still need to play our game so that we won't be susceptible to counter. All in all, I believe we'll win the midfield battle as previous spurs matches shows that they don't too rely on Midfield like that. So our forwards needs to be clinical and our defence needs to be up for the fight in case of any counter.

iamoyindamola:
We need ball holder not someone spamming unnecessary crosses
I will go with zinchenko
He will serve as left back and invert midfielder plus he's a better defender

Are you sure he's a better defender?

Jodera:
Are you sure he's a better defender?

Yes
Check it whether stats or watching closely

Jodera:
Tierney or Zinchenko for NLD?

With both fit to play against Spurs, who do you guys prefer to start.

My Opinion: I'll prefer Tierney to start over Zinchenko. Tierney is a good defender and a better defender than Zinchenko. He's not also bad going forward have we've seen couple of times against big teams. Moreover, Spurs are always deadly on the counter and most of their games this season doesn't involve Midfield play, so Zinchenko wouldn't be so needed to give us that Midfield advantage.
Son, Kane and kuluveski/Richarlison are known for pace, counter and getting in behind. Who better to stop any of those 3 than for Tierney on the left flank?

So what's your take guys, who would you prefer?
Bluer aydick, Iamoyin damola, Rol and17, Spy 360, Most ob, ObaI gwe1, Dav eP, Akin bahm, Jenc ejyde.

Depends on who will attack for Spurs from that angle. If na Kul, Zinch. If na Richi, Tierney.

We wont be having a situo where holding will ruin with red due to nonavailability of defenders. So Arteta can even still to same plan he used that last time.


I have a problem i fear though.

The goal Saka score from that slip then counter, remember he was indecisive but ball still ended up at his feet and he slot it in after their defenders couldn't clear. That's my p.


We won't need him repeating that nonsense. They'll be expecting that from him. He needs to be faster to take his shot, especially as Jesus is going to be lurking, not Laca.


We've been good in dominating with passes from the middle this season. Partey return is a major booster. Viera as sub another one. White should better no cause a pk. Either way, zinch would help with our press more.

Spy360:
Arsenal is topping the league tables of both the men and women PL.

Someone is doing something right at the Emirates.

The women with unbeaten and cleansheet join again in 20games. Omo.

mostob:
Gbam!
Mark out Kane and Son and the best way to do that is to deny them spaces. With Partey and Xhaka in Midfield, we should be fine there. Then Jesus and Martinelli should be able to do the job up top.

The headache is
White or Tomiyasu
Vieira or Odegaard

Arteta will better get sense snd put Yasu in his natural position. I don't see White getting the better out of Son. We leave Kane to Saliba.

iamoyindamola:
Yes
Check it whether stats or watching closely

Hmmm...
Well, I'll start watching more closely then

While he's not a bad defender, I feel more secure and comfortable with Tierney than Zinchenko whenever opposition attacks us.

Tierney performance during Aston Villa and Brentford was outstanding. And his usual cross spamming have reduced this season

Jodera:
Hmmm...
Well, I'll start watching more closely then

While he's not a bad defender, I feel more secure and comfortable with Tierney than Zinchenko whenever opposition attacks us.

Tierney performance during Aston Villa and Brentford was outstanding. And his usual cross spamming have reduced this season

I am not saying he's bad, I just prefer zinny to him

daveP:
Depends on who will attack for Spurs from that angle. If na Kul, Zinch. If na Richi, Tierney.

We wont be having a situo where holding will ruin with red due to nonavailability of defenders. So Arteta can even still to same plan he used that last time.


I have a problem i fear though.

The goal Saka score from that slip then counter, remember he was indecisive but ball still ended up at his feet and he slot it in after their defenders couldn't clear. That's my p.


We won't need him repeating that nonsense. They'll be expecting that from him. He needs to be faster to take his shot, especially as Jesus is going to be lurking, not Laca.


We've been good in dominating with passes from the middle this season. Partey return is a major booster. Viera as sub another one. White should better no cause a pk. Either way, zinch would help with our press more.

I heard Kulu is injured, so he might not play.

In terms of Saka goal last season, if you notice very well he wasn't indecisive. He wanted to pass the ball into space for Auba to attack it but it was blocked and the ball fell back to him which he now quickly used his right leg to play the ball goalwards. I will acknowledge him for his quick thinking in scoring that goal

My major Joy Is Partey that's available. At least, we won't be susceptible to counter laidat

iamoyindamola:
I am not saying he's bad, I just prefer zinny to him

I understand and I'm not even implying that you meant that he was bad tho

daveP:
Arteta will better get sense snd put Yasu in his natural position. I don't see White getting the better out of Son. We leave Kane to Saliba.

Lol, if White can hold Zaha, I believe it's a done deal for Arteta to start White to hold Son

Jodera:
Lol, if White can hold Zaha, I believe it's a done deal for Arteta to start White to hold Son

Guy, no ifs here, make we tok true. Yasu should start imo. It will even amplify Saka threat better. We need Saka firing till he gets subbed off or match ends. Conte is not coming to joke, make we tok true. If he sees any weakness, he will exploit it faster than Arteta can.

Jodera:
I heard Kulu is injured, so he might not play.

In terms of Saka goal last season, if you notice very well he wasn't indecisive. He wanted to pass the ball into space for Auba to attack it but it was blocked and the ball fell back to him which he now quickly used his right leg to play the ball goalwards. I will acknowledge him for his quick thinking in scoring that goal

My major Joy Is Partey that's available. At least, we won't be susceptible to counter laidat

That was actually a blocked shot. He saw the path to him already blocked so he had only a shot to take and he still delayed at that. Whatever he wants to do, he should just do it quicker. That's my issue. I believe we'll enjoy the game sha

Jodera:
Tierney or Zinchenko for NLD?

With both fit to play against Spurs, who do you guys prefer to start.

My Opinion: I'll prefer Tierney to start over Zinchenko. Tierney is a good defender and a better defender than Zinchenko. He's not also bad going forward have we've seen couple of times against big teams. Moreover, Spurs are always deadly on the counter and most of their games this season doesn't involve Midfield play, so Zinchenko wouldn't be so needed to give us that Midfield advantage.
Son, Kane and kuluveski/Richarlison are known for pace, counter and getting in behind. Who better to stop any of those 3 than for Tierney on the left flank?

So what's your take guys, who would you prefer?
Blueraydick, Iamoyindamola, Roland17, Spy360, Mostob, ObaIgwe1, DaveP, Akinbahm, Jencejyde.

My guy did not tag me chai but I will drop my 2 cent.

I will go with Tierney. Zin is a lot more adventurous and not too disciplined . watch the Man U match again.

Tierney is better for a big game and is well disciplined