₦airaland Forum

BlackSheep10:
about the gab issue, i think he is saying his signing didnt have much influence on the defense because we still had the same midfield. He is saying the moment the midfield chnaged, it affected and complemented the defence. he is just saying even with ramos and vvd as how cbs we would still chop in goals.

What changed in the midfield?

kokanepyramid:
How May matches did we win prior to ESR? what was our win rate prior to ESR?. You’ve forgotten so soon we were breaking terrible records. We were sinking so fast it took ESR to prevent us from touching the Mariana Trench.

We have not been conceding stupid goals even when we were not winning matches pre-ESR. So while ESR brought the creativity, he did not make our defense better. The defense has already been good all season.

I was the one on this thread not you who said an AM, any AM will make us win games. ESR despite being not exactly what we wanted proved me right. I said so having seen our defensive strength. A strong defense makes a team difficult to beat and gives them the impetus to win matches. Our strong defense has not come from any individual player but Arteta's tactical approach. This is straightforward.

kokanepyramid:
No! My statement was buying a defender wasn’t more important than buying an AM, irrespective of who the defender is, that’s the difference. If I was propping another defender against Gabriel then your point would have been valid. Buying a defender wasn’t as important as solving the AM issue results have proven this, it’s not theory it’s practical. Happening before our very eyes.

You are talking 'AM' now because of ESR performance. What has been your view all these while? It is not DM? Chai!

kokanepyramid:
My assertion has always been that the midfield Emery paraded made our defence look terrible and defence was always scapegoated for the deficiencies of that midfield. Or why do u think I was hammering Guen instead of them Mustaffi and Luiz most peeps kept cursing game in game out. The defence looked better as soon as Arteta took over and made some changes in the midfield. We won Man-U in January and narrowly lost to Chelsea. If the video is during Emery era then it’s void based on my argument.

As u can see this season that without ESR in the squad and Partey getting injured the midfield was abysmal and there wasn’t much Gabriel could do in stopping goals from reaching back of the net. I’m sure if it was Mustafi and Luiz in same situation they would have been scapegoated, instead of pointing at the main culprit, MF.
Since ESR and the midfield being complemented by Partey we’ve kept 4 straight clean sheets without Gabriel. If this doesn’t point that defence wasn’t the main culprit I wonder what will.

Try and understand my point this is not about Gabriel.

Neither is it ESR or Partey. How many games have Partey played for us? Probably Monday was his only win. How did ESR's one touch football made Holding world class?

It's not about the personnel but the overall approach Arteta has instilled on our play. Good players helped but as we have seen no player can hold the mic as the one responsible for our recent performances.

Arteta gave priority to defense. He understands that giving attention to strong defending will definitely give you the chance to win any match by the lowest of margins.

Jodera:
Ok, I get your point now perfectly, and I wholly agree with you.


So do you agree with kokane especially with your explanations that we didn't need Gabriel signing since the structure is already there it'll make any good defender thrive?

We needed to do away with the likes of Socrates and Mustafi. They were no longer good enough to play for us. So we needed replacements. Mari was injured, same with Chambers. It was urgent. Gabriel came for 20m at his age. Good defender, such a bargain. He fitted in well.

But it's the tactical approach that made the difference. We won the FA cup with that approach and without Gabriel.

Jodera:
but is it not the same defensive approach and tactical plan Arteta was using pre ESR, yet we dey collect?

Even tho the scoreline then wasn't bad(I think it's only Aston Villa and Tottenham that scored us goal difference greater than 1), yet we never looked like scoring. Even the holding that was branded average is keeping clean sheet week in week out presently, same with either Mari/Luiz.

That's to tell you the tweak in a good Am worked, which was change in midfield, cos the defensive approach was already there since.

Maybe you have a different idea of defence wins you league/game from the way we (myself, kokane and sod) understand it. Cos I think that's where the issue is stemming from

This is not what I am arguing about. I have already stated that ESR as an AM have kind of completed the puzzle, and that's why we have been creating chances and scoring goals.

But the other side of things for me has been the biggest achievement of Arteta. Making us defensively solid. That defensive solidity is what served as the foundation for the impact ESR as the AM or any person for that matter has made. It's the reason we are ascending fast.

This is as a result of tactical approach (defensive structure) not personnel involvement.

You can see that I was spot on when I speculated that any AM will change the fortune of this team. But I was able to see that then despite our poor form because I saw how good we were defensively right from the start of the season. Its so difficult to score against us now.

So it's our defensive strength that has made us strong and able to climb up the league table.

kokanepyramid:
How’s this different from what I’ve been saying, was it not a change in midfield that propped up the defence?

What change in midfield? Please tell.

What's different is the defensive approach and tactical plan by Arteta.

You could see it from the way we press from the front and the shape when not with the ball.

kokanepyramid:
so what did we do differently

Our attack has always been fair. It's the defending that got a massive improvement. Defending not defenders mind you.

olabode89:
This season is very open, a run of 7 wins in 10 games can make an immense difference. United went from 15th to 1st based on an 11 game run of 9 wins and 2 draws.

Man City too. In fact teams those guys are cruising. I hope they meet each other soon.

ChelseaArmy:
pls which among them are free now, I already shift from that sat.

Just blind scan

kokanepyramid:
Don’t be deceived This our position no pure at all.

We’ve played 19 and we sit 10th, some have played 18 others 17 while Villa just below us has played just 15. 4 fcking outstanding matches to play. How did that happen.?

Together with Man City and Man Utd, we are the best performing team since the Christmas. We just need to keep the tempo. Remembering where we are coming from, without any external input in terms of player acquisition, I think the team deserve some praise.

kokanepyramid:
Our CMs have a great impact on that defence o, the match against Palace Xhaka was making some terrific tackles and interceptions even in the box. Partey partnership with Xhaka yesterday was phenomenal man, they were always there for the defenders and supported the attack as well.

Expecting Xhaka to tackle is like expecting Aki and Pawpaw to play basketball. They may bounce the ball but can never compete. Xhaka is not in the team for tackling but for ball distribution. That's why Partey is highly valued because he does both well. But I won't want Xhaka to kill himself tackling.

kokanepyramid:
For me I still want both be kept as squad players as long as they ain’t requesting for huge contract renewal. Adding an AM to that midfield should be the priority now and not plans to sell anyone in that department. If Guen comes back stronger and better we could decide to let one of them go perhaps in January that’s after assessing Guen’s abiliity.

It's a good thing you've opened a fresh pagevfor Guen. I hope he doesn't mess it up because you are hard to please.

kokanepyramid:
That’s the power of a good midfield, peeps really underestimate that department. A very good midfield will paper the cracks of a bad attack and a bad defence. The competition at the back is a good thing too, imagine having a bench of Bellerin and Gabriel as unused subs and Mari not even making the squad, it’s been long we had that kind of quality at the back.

The club needs to splash on AM. also what are we doing about Pepe and Willian? sit down look and watch them waste space? Those two are vampires.

A solid defence please.


It will always take you to the league top. 5 clean sheets in all competitions showed how much effectively Arteta has worked on that area. You could see the way we press from the front and how coordinated the CBs have been.

The idea is what has always worked since antiquity. Fix your defense then your attack will yield extra.

Jodera:
4 consecutive clean sheets..

Arteta has improved our defence no doubt.

Our next matches will see how far, improved or ready we are.

We have Southampton Man u and wolves consecutively

I remember when we analysed the team and concluded that our defense is solid and that we only needed an AM to make this team gel. Here we are...

If not for Arteta's brain fart in the last match, we would be close to 4th place. Like you pointed out rightly some days ago, top four is still very much within reach.

kokanepyramid:
We are saying same thing, thought u were praising Partey for the second goal reason I said he ain’t on the pitch.

I swear I no high I know what I’m saying.

After sipping burukutu all night? Liar! You are high...

Jencejyde:
Thomas is too much levels above any of our current midfielders. Esr keeps developing and now begining to understand that one touch footie especially in tight conditions allows you to transition faster. The pass from partey to auba for that goal would never happen if that was xhaka in possession.

The guys vision passing quality weight of pass is just class. Reminds me of when we had Santi. I would not mind the scouts giving us Bissouma. Haven't seen him play for Brighton recently but I would give away anyone in that midfield bar partey to get him or ingwisha of Fullham.

Those boys sabi , very comfortable on the ball and know when to turn .

No 1. Leave Xhaka alone. He was an excellent partner for Partey in that double pivot.

No 2. Elneny fitted in quite well when he replaced Partey. The grass always looks greener on the other side. No wonder we got a Willian when that money could have extended Balogun's contract.

Jodera:
Unfortunately. It seems na him last power he used last season... We, we were thinking he's just getting started.

Mehn, it'll be bad getting another ozil-like situation oo.

He is MOTM.

Arteta's stubbornness will not make him follow my advice. Anyway this is the team he needs to beat Newcastle today...


Martinelli..... Lacazette....... Saka
................... Smith-Rowe .............
........... Xhaka........... Partey.........
Tierney... Gabriel... Luiz.... Bellerin
........................ Leno.......................

Subs: GK, Holding, AMN, Elneny*, Ceballos, Pepe, Willian*, Aubameyang*, Nketiah

*most likely /expected

Luiz brings more experience and stability than Holding and I think Holding needs a break too. Tierney just has to play and I hope he's okay.

Time to get Partey in the mix. Xhaka was brilliant in the last game, I think he deserves another run out before taking a needed rest.

Lacazette has been our best CF this season. His renewed form should earn him more starting spots invthe centre.

kokanepyramid:
That’s what I’m trying to tell Sod09, it’s a win win for both sides. The free agent would make Arsenal unable to sell him for a fee despite still having a contract, this puts him in a better wage negotiation with his next club. This was similar to what United did with Sanchez But the stingy board wanted to eat their cake and have it.

That's what I am saying. Ozil had wanted Arsenal to agree the 7m be spread over 2years to convince him move to Turkey. But when Arsenal threatened legal action he was forced to agree to a termination. Roland17 makes it sound like Ozil proposed the termination but it was actually Arsenal board.

Don't get me wrong, I like Ozil and felt it was a waste not playing him (I don't give a damn about politics and religion) by the board, but when it comes to deciding who was right and wrong, the fault is from both sides.

Roland17:
Contractually there was nothing Arsenal could have done as far as taking him to court. Ozil was not refusing to play na? He did not down tools! The last time I checked he was training every week with the team and participating in all team activities but the club through Arteta chose not to register him for any competition, so how was it his fault?

He had a contract that was binding between both parties and the issue of a real trade never came up until now. Ozil needed to make an important statement with the way he was treated because of his political stance. Did Arsenal offer him to any club and he refused? Arsenal negotiated the contract with him and now he is supposed to force a move away from Arsenal because he has been vilified by the owners and coaches? Come on man! We did Ozil wrong in my books! There is no justification for this. There is absolutely nothing wrong for him to choose to sit and enjoy the last 6 months of a 350K/ Week salary that was negotiated. He did not down tools.

Rather than being appreciated for his decision we have continued to vilify him even on this thread. The deal could have happened in the summer but which club presented any offer? How many clubs can afford his wage? Was he offered and refused? Here we are, he chose to terminate the contract, yet, he is still burdened with the responsibilities of the failures associated with the bad ending.

Arsenal is struggling mightily under Arteta on and off the field but we can not focus on football and make the right decisions knowing fully well that this team is lacking an AM. Instead with no plans to recruit a decent AM because of our financial situation, we freeze Ozil, take months, injuries and COVID to start playing ESR, splash money on Willian/ Renew contracts of players who have no business donning the crest and exhibiting a distasteful and despicable level of mediocrity is managing the locker room yet Ozil is still the main problem.

I will continue to Stan Ozil, this step he took shows he is a class act because he could have continued to sit and enjoy his money.

But the club could argue that his off the pitch behavior or attitude, actions and comments may have affected the club businesswise and led to potential loss of revenue. This is law and it's an asss.

Roland17:
I am very sad it ended this way.. By far one of the most magical players I have seen in creating assists especially around the final third..His signing brought back some star power to Arsenal and he delivered some trophies.

He was treated poorly and with disrespect but he has shown maturity and genuine love for the Club by terminating his contract because he easily could have continued to hold the club hostage with his wages or have Arsenal pay part of it at another club but I am glad he has done otherwise.

I will always Stan Ozil no matter what anyone thinks, I think everyone already knows that here..

Now, watch Arsenal waste that money on extending Willian’s/ Luiz or Xhaka’s contract. Watch Arsenal sign a useless Chelsea player with that money.

#RUBBISH!
#AWONWERE!!
#YOUTHINKYOUAREDOINGME!!!!

As good as this may sound to you, I will be cautious until the full story comes out. Ozil caused a problem for the club with his political stance. When he was put out of the team he could have sourced for other clubs and stay in the game rather than sitting down and do nothing to earn big wage. I blame Arsenal for not using him that time as it was a big waste, yet I believe they have their reasons. This deal could have happened during the summer. I am aware that Arsenal actually threatened to take legal action and force him to repay the money he earned while doing nothing if he doesn't agree to a termination (he initially wanted Arsenal and Fernebahce to share his wages for another two years). So he was forced to agree not that he's doing the club a favor.

The good thing is that this story has come to an end. A fair end.

Fkhalifa:
Arsenal's job is too big and difficult for Arterta, Atimes I pity the lad.

I remember some fans asking Arterta to play the new G.keeper Runnarson, only for it to back fire.

He sometimes behaves as someone that is lost. Tierney had no business starting and finishing the Newcastle match. We could have won both matches comfortably if he had rested the right players.

BlueRayDick:
Yes, I say it with my full chest ; I want FA cup more than top 6 finish. Obviously we can't make top 4, but what is the essence of top 6 when u are still trophyless?

Those of us that lived during the Wenger Trophyless Era knows what it means to actually be Trophyless.

U don't sign a rookie manager with a very economical budget as a broke club and expect Ur manager to perform miracle

I think it was Jodera that made me realise top 4 is very much within reach this season despite our poor start. Inasmuch as you are spot on.

https://global.espn.com/football/arsenal/story/4288474/arsenal-hit-by-fatigue-in-draw-with-crystal-palace-arteta?device=featurephone

When he had the chance to rest some players and give the likes of Balogun and Azeez much needed playing time.

kokanepyramid:
Poverty is an organised crime, I am trying not to imagine how we will play if the guy get's injured. from the look of things it is just a matter of when

Apart from that self, we can't expect a young boy like that to put in 9/10 performances every game. For the fact that he shone against one or two teams doesn't mean he is now a finished product.

Jodera:
Are you kidding me right now?

Before ystdy match, we're 9points away from 4th with almost half the season gone. If it was even Europa sef, I would agree, but not Fvckin fa cup we don't really need. How can he put up a defeatist mindset just halfway the season gone wen top 4 is still salvageable?

I just hope that's your thoughts and not his... Cos if that's his thought, then we're really heading to mediocrity as a club.

Do you 1ant me to spell it out

OK
Arteta is a S T U P I D coach.

Jodera:
Yeah.. Just saw earlier this morning he was injured and I said it here.

But that still tells you the stupid decision he made starting KT in that match. Now it has backfired

Lol

One thing you must know is that Arteta valued that match more than this one. He knows he won't win the league and top four is becoming a mirage with teams like Leicester, Everton, Aston Villa not willing to bulge.

kokanepyramid:
Lol, this was my fear spy360 we still need an AM badly this January

Our board is broke as dead and would rather build a castle on the current ESR hype than get another AM. Poverty is a sin.

Jodera:
Arteta wanted to rest Tierney but this is never the match to rest him.

I don't know why he used Tierney against Newcastle wen he could have been rested in that match.

This is just nonsense and our left attack is dead cos of that

Tierney was injured

Spy360:
Team Arteta must use to beat Crystal Palace


Auba............. Laca.............. Saka
....................... ESR.......................
......... Xhaka...............Partey........
Tierney... Gabriel... Luiz... Bellerin
....................... Leno......................

Subs: Macey, Mari, Holding, Soares, AMN*, Ceballos, Elneny*, Willian, Nketiah, Balogun, Pepe*, Nelson

Arteta planned to lose this match. I gave him formation he went and used nonsense

Xhaka spraying passes like insecticide. That's the reason why he will always play no matter what