Anyone else picturing Saka jumping off the back end of a yellow fun boat riding his rainbow unicorn and raising Big Ears aloft?
hehehe.…this should be The Truth!
It’s always those who have retired. It’s good to hear anyway. I hope it happens. It needs to happen. But it’ll be have to be forced on Infantino. That piece of shit would rather see fans die on the st...
Infantino is probably expecting to be put in charge of Venezuela or Greenland. He should have learnt from Ms Machado that you don't get anything from crawling up the orangeman's arse.
It’s always those who have retired. It’s good to hear anyway. I hope it happens. It needs to happen. But it’ll be have to be forced on Infantino. That piece of shit would rather see fans die on the street than let down his Peace Prize Presidente!
Feels like instead of the fun boat I got on the Titanic by mistake
Fuck, don't say that!
The fun boat has been lost at sea for a while now, I hope it's made it back to shore
Feels like instead of the fun boat I got on the Titanic by mistake
Anyone else picturing Saka jumping off the back end of a yellow fun boat riding his rainbow unicorn and raising Big Ears aloft?
...it sounds like we're winning THE LOT!
so, stop being 'Captain Sensible' and put your entire pension pot on 'The Arsenal Quadruple 2026!' ™ ©
The fun boat has been lost at sea for a while now, I hope it's made it back to shore
I'm old now but I'd fucking love to go back up to Dirty Leeds in the away end...
That away support is gonna be key. I hope the players respond.
Shit on the pitch, shit behind the wheel 🤦
Reminds me of Van der Sar junking his Rolls in the early teens.
I love and admire Noni's intent (we don't have nearly enough of that). it's the execution at the end of it that's the problem. That one move on the weekend was so symptomatic of it, where he drove i...
I can think of three times he tried to dribble and he let the ball run away from him. And there was one where he found space I think it was Gyökeres he could have put in but his touch was heavy and it went out of play.
I’m sorry but if you’re doing that at 24 it’s not form, it’s intrinsic to your play. I thought he was a bad buy at the start. I was willing to give him support but he’s not a quality player and I don’t even think he’s a squad player. £50m to Chelsea was bad business.
We’re gonna have to hope Saka finds his game and stays fit.
Noni does try, but he's been extremely ineffective. Trying isn't enough at this level for experienced players. Basically Pepe, Gervinho and Bendtner were all pretty much more effective in their first seasons.
"...I’m actually wanting to go off all social media. At least here I can express a bit...."
Doing that since the start of the year has been therapeutic. I think the point someone made of being afraid...
I love and admire Noni's intent (we don't have nearly enough of that). it's the execution at the end of it that's the problem. That one move on the weekend was so symptomatic of it, where he drove into the box brilliantly well but then misstepped and punted it straight out of play...
Ok, apologies for bad inference! When you wrote "The asterisk being in the stadium. During games get behind the players", seemed to imply to me that you thought they weren't doing that or might not do...
I'm old now but I'd fucking love to go back up to Dirty Leeds in the away end...
Really good blog today, covers it all. At least with Wenger’s later teams, even when they lost you could say they played the most exciting football. Arteta’s game demands the joy of victory. I think w...
"...I’m actually wanting to go off all social media. At least here I can express a bit...."
Doing that since the start of the year has been therapeutic. I think the point someone made of being afraid to take risks that could get you benched is a driving factor. Seems like Noni is the only one with a handbrake off. He doesn't make it work all the time, but he's not afraid to try.
Just mix up how we build up.
Sometimes you take the sting out of the game and walk it up fine. But sometimes up the pace and take direct line breaker passes.
Don't always set up so wide like we do ...
I think part of the problem with Odegaard is what is illustrated in the picture talking about Saliba. Ben white is "an inside forward" No he's not or rather he shouldn't be. MO operated much better when that channel was not occupied and White would go around the outside. It moves the defneders more thatn somewhat staticlly occupying the channel that MO ( and Eze could) use to thread passes to a moving White or Saka
Why doesn't he manage Catalonia and win the world cup with them since he's such a big bald genius
He's never managed a shit club.
Always had unlimited resources.
Ok, apologies for bad inference! When you wrote "The asterisk being in the stadium. During games get behind the players", seemed to imply to me that you thought they weren't doing that or might not do...
That was intended as a general comment about the one time fan behaviour can have an effect on the players/results, not a criticism of our home fans. From the TV it sounded like they were in excellent voice on the weekend.
I didn't say that. I know the fans in the stadium are getting behind the team, I even made a very specific comment to that effect yesterday
Ok, apologies for bad inference! When you wrote "The asterisk being in the stadium. During games get behind the players", seemed to imply to me that you thought they weren't doing that or might not do that. Just saying I think the fans have been brilliant, especially the away support. I just think now's the time for the team to deliver and everyone should just be a bit more understanding of the frustration and not let it get to them and especially for the players to do the same.
I still don't understand this implied criticism of fans in the stadium. Do you not think fans are getting behind the team? I heard an intense roar at the beginning and they were driving the team on. W...
I didn't say that. I know the fans in the stadium are getting behind the team, I even made a very specific comment to that effect yesterday
In a career renowned for taking only the most difficult of tasks, I can only imagine he will want to tick off PSG before riding off into the sunset.
I still think he's biding his time for a shot at a surefire World Cup contender squad.
I don't think his positioning is the problem. I just think we ask too much from him defensively to really get the most out of him offensively. We should risk losing some defensive solidity to keep him...
-positioning
+position
It was around that time we had discussions about converting him into an 8 or 10. Arteta won't do it (just like he won't move Lewis-Skelly into midfield) but when we're desperate for someone to step u...
I don't think his positioning is the problem. I just think we ask too much from him defensively to really get the most out of him offensively. We should risk losing some defensive solidity to keep him more on the front foot with higher starting positions and allow him to drift and not have to carry the width. The reality is most of the attacking difference makers in today's game are widemen.
It was around that time we had discussions about converting him into an 8 or 10. Arteta won't do it (just like he won't move Lewis-Skelly into midfield) but when we're desperate for someone to step up in Odegaard's position... 🤔🤷
Saka did mix things up well once, the late shot at the near post. And it nearly worked. We need more of that.
And despite the loss, we did have a better xG than them. All of the attackers are now pre...
I mentioned this yesterday but have a look at all the goals from 22/23. The two things that jumped out to me were more narrow positioning and Odegaard/Xhaka very close to the box.
In a career renowned for taking only the most difficult of tasks, I can only imagine he will want to tick off PSG before riding off into the sunset.
Why doesn't he manage Catalonia and win the world cup with them since he's such a big bald genius
"Arsenal fans need to..."
I try to treat fandom like I do whisky. Take it however you like it. I know how I prefer it and can give recommendations if asked, but in the end, do what you want.
The as...
I still don't understand this implied criticism of fans in the stadium. Do you not think fans are getting behind the team? I heard an intense roar at the beginning and they were driving the team on. We scored and the fans seemed to be well up for it. Then yew let one in stupidly. you can forgive fans for being upset. But I still heard a lot of support from there (admittedly through the TV, others on here were present so they can give a better idea - albeit still subjective).
When I hear "come on Arsenal", that's always comes across as a bit of a frustrated geeing up, usually when we're not doing enough. The silence is worse and again, if the players are not giving anything to cheer about, it's hard to get the fans going. I wish we were like Galatasaray or Dortmund and just sang throughout. But we're a rich, urban club and yes sometimes that means a bit privileged and maybe a bit too middle-class and polite.
But I thought the support was there, alot of desire and expectation. But trying to go crazy watching sideways football is perhaps asking a bit much? The onus is on the players to match the supporters' desire.
Saka did mix things up well once, the late shot at the near post. And it nearly worked. We need more of that.
And despite the loss, we did have a better xG than them. All of the attackers are now pretty much having trouble converting chances, it's not just a moving the ball and pulling the trigger problem.
But I'm not sure what the right answer is with this mix of players. I know both Ode and Eze can be better, but neither is stepping it up. Martinelli should absolutely have gotten the time instead of Madueke, who is looking like a busted flush. And maybe hope that Havertz comes back quickly and strong.
I'd love to know what mnsr wenger thinks we should do
Raya, Merino (RB), Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard (DM), Eze, Trossard, Martinelli, Henry (6 month loan), Saka
Just mix up how we build up.
Sometimes you take the sting out of the game and walk it up fine. But sometimes up the pace and take direct line breaker passes.
Don't always set up so wide like we do in every possession where we are essentially a line of 5 up top. Switch it up and sometimes bring the wings in closer to the box and play more narrowly. Commit the 8's forward and get them to the edge of the area to play combination football, crash the box for rebounds and get on the end of pullbacks.
Enjoyed the blog very much today.
It’s good to be able to comment/vent on forums and get others’ perspectives on players and systems. I think your writing and tone in the blog each day, always sets the tone for a good balance of comments on here.
It’s the only place I comment in.
And even when folks disagree, it’s usually pretty respectful on here.
Really hope we can turn this around.
I honestly don’t mind which team goes out there but the system needs tweaking.
I just want us to move the ball around quicker and be a little more creative again in the final 3rd. We need to play with more freedom at times.
The sooner he fucks off somewhere else the better
In a career renowned for taking only the most difficult of tasks, I can only imagine he will want to tick off PSG before riding off into the sunset.
The sooner he fucks off somewhere else the better
My glass is definitely half empty this week. If we keep playing the same way we'll be battling for 4th at the end of the season. Doom. Please turn it around!
♫ Turn (it) around...
Every now and then, I get a little bit tired
Of listening to the sound of my tears
Turn (it) around...
Every now and then, I get a little bit nervous
That the best of all the years have gone by
Turn (it) around...
Every now and then, I get a little bit terrified...
ha ha, the headache bit, so true and one that applies to many situations where people give advice that's unhelpful at best and moronic at worst.
I'd love to know what mnsr wenger thinks we should do
"Arsenal fans need to..."
I try to treat fandom like I do whisky. Take it however you like it. I know how I prefer it and can give recommendations if asked, but in the end, do what you want.
The asterisk being in the stadium. During games get behind the players because the helps them do what we all want them to do... but everywhere else, go nuts.
The subs on Sunday were absolutely baffling.
It was reactionary, but he broke up partnerships.
Our best trio of White, Ødegaard and Saka? Non-existent. And why move Saka to the left?
Jesus should never start a league game again.
"The counter-point to this might be that if we lose possession we have too many men ahead of the ball"
Better to lose the ball way up there than further back. we used to cough up goals like that on the regular but with Saliba and Big Gabby back there they have become fairly rare. Now we're coughing up goals from giving the ball away in our own end.
100 Arse
well in moley!
Top of the morning tables toppers
Accelerator down... I mentioned it yesterday but the most irritating thing about our cautious approach is it effectively herds the opponents into a low block when it's the low block is our kryptonite. We're the architects of our own dismay.
The fraud seems to have absolutely lost his rag at the referee over the weekend including suggesting the players should "fight the decision" -
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/477…"Respect the refs" discourse: 0
Andrew @arseblog
I want to thank you for your positive outlook
It is so refreshing in this completely F'ed up time
so thanks again.
Pleasure!
Andrew @arseblog
I want to thank you for your positive outlook
It is so refreshing in this completely F'ed up time
so thanks again.
History has been preposterously unkind to GG's teams, they won and had an outstanding defence. Still plenty of goals and flair to be found in the midfield.
Yes. Certainly from 87-92. We used to steam forward.
In my earlier comment I was just observing that managers' playing styles are not always reflected in their teams.
Loved those days. Davis generations ahead of his time. If Anders had slipped out of a thermometer you wouldn't have caught a drop of him.
History has been preposterously unkind to GG's teams, they won and had an outstanding defence. Still plenty of goals and flair to be found in the midfield.
what do you love? the football is as bad as a george graham team
George Graham’s teams were way more exciting. They defended, they didn’t play fancy, but they had creative midfielders like Davis, Thomas, Rocastle, Limpar and exciting forwards like Merson and Wright. I always thought the boring tag was overdone. Arteta’s football really is the apex of anti-football. I detest data-driven football. Ffs it’s meant to be entertainment not a fucking balance sheet of probabilities! Can he change? We’re four points clear. Now’s the time for some kind of intervention. I really hope they’re all having a meeting. But the players all seem in total deference to Arteta’s svengali-like charisma. That won’t last long if we don’t win the league. Saliba will be the first off. But it should be Arteta if we don’t win. His Arsenal career is on the line. Does he have the capacity to change?
It's so frustrating to watch. Painful. Also shouldn't it be Zubimendi getting the ball there with Ødegaard further forward. Zubi was bought for his creativity too.
Yeah, I've said this before. Why is Odegaard hanging around Saliba/Gabriel's boots, Zubi is equipped to be the deep lying playmaker. Rice should be ahead of him, Odegaard should be right up high "where it hurts" (and therein lies the problem). I haven't seen a player this desperate to avoid physical contact since Theo, and at least Theo for all his lack of bravery could be relied upon to bury minimum 10+ goals a season with a masculine, technically proficent hard shot into the corner. Odegaard is starting to look like Hleb on a lettuce-only diet, frail, timid, all the physical prowess of an emaciated leaf.
Arse,
I love this group of player and Arteta.
It pains me that Odegaard plays so negative. He will almost always pass backwards when options are ahead of him, for someone of his quality he can mak...
what do you love? the football is as bad as a george graham team
Saka is a great player but the current system is not working for him, nor anyone for that matter
Saka is a player who needs greater players around him. He's not a leader, he's not a spontaneous creator. He's someone with great athleticism and desire to learn who has had, from his first appearance, the weight of expectation placed on him. He has raised his level from year to year, improved his positioning and his shooting with either foot. He's a very, very good player and fed in by better players he can excel. But his best work has come when Ødegaard has played well and further forward. That is not happening now and Saka is not able to find enough space and he's not able to feed others in or improvise moves to break the block.
This is not me "picking" on Saka. It's me suggesting we can't rely on him a la Maradona, to keep carrying this team. He's no Maradona or Messi, and we don't have anyone close to that in this forward line. We're relying on Arteta's tactics and those tactics are quite cynical at time, far too data-driven and now being found out by the opposition. It worries me that we're gonna blow this again. I think we'd all find that hard to take, but you know there will be the nerdy tactico influencers (Yes, they exist) who will find a way to excuse it.
Come on Arsenal, prove me wrong!!!
I haven't criticised Hincapié. I see a lot of people blaming him, but I didn't think he did much wrong, though he was hesitant as was everyone.
As for Saka, I'm sorry, but other than do the three mov...
Saka is a great player but the current system is not working for him, nor anyone for that matter
He is doing this constantly now. Taking a load of touches, and a lot of time, to pass square or back. Hopeless.
It's so frustrating to watch. Painful. Also shouldn't it be Zubimendi getting the ball there with Ødegaard further forward. Zubi was bought for his creativity too.
Oops. Started off quoting NB and his not liking Hincapie at LB, then tried to add a second quote and thought it didn't work so just hit "arse".
What intrigues me about the idea that Arteta is suffoc...
I haven't criticised Hincapié. I see a lot of people blaming him, but I didn't think he did much wrong, though he was hesitant as was everyone.
As for Saka, I'm sorry, but other than do the three moves he does (shield the ball, take on a player and either cut inside for the shot or go to his right for the cross/shot) and other than his corners, what else does he do? Where is the variety in his passing? He went on the left and was anonymous. He was often dropping centrally, but you know what he wants to do, get it onto his left and shoot. His shooting has been wayward to say the least. When has he had a shot with the power of Cunha or Dorgu for that matter?
It's harsh and people get upset because they rightly say he's our best forward at the moment. But that very fact is sobering because it means the others are even worse. Saka's just not got much variety to his play. Maybe he's stalled, maybe he's just not as good as some like to believe.
We need a match winner, someone with flair and I don't see it anywhere in our front line and that worries me. I was willing to overlook it while we were winning, but now it's glaring. I honestly don't see how Arteta can fix this as he won't change his planning and it does seem as if all the players are jaded, overcoached and maybe a bit fed up.
He is doing this constantly now. Taking a load of touches, and a lot of time, to pass square or back. Hopeless.
Saka is fantastic but we simply don't platform him well. But I do feel Saka has lost a it of pace. Not much of an issue if we surround him with players who move enough rather than just be static.
Se...
Saka's currency has to be end product. Goals have dried up, and not from want of trying. It's not like he is laying chances on a plate for others who are spooning them into row Z. He has absolutely had a mediocre season this far by his standards, and I think a massive part of our success/failure by season's end will be directly related to whether he continues like this or raises is game to the levels we have seen before, and quite frankly are in desperate need of. He is our principle difference maker, and come hell or high water he has got to start leading the offence's charge.
'When you look at the stats, we should have won the (23/24) Premier League'.
This is maybe one of the big problems. You can't reduce your teams attack to a structural equation model.
Also, wasn't Cuesta a specialist at individual development? Did we lose something replacing him with Heinze?
Oops. Started off quoting NB and his not liking Hincapie at LB, then tried to add a second quote and thought it didn't work so just hit "arse".
What intrigues me about the idea that Arteta is suffocating the poor sods at his disposal, is that every time one of them speaks about him they litter their comments with unfetered praise, even awe for his organisation and thoroughness. Could be a bit of Stockholm Syndrome perhaps, but I'm not sure he is some kind of autocratic monster stifling their flair and talent like an ogre.
After all the evidence after so many years, there is surely zero hope of Arteta making any significant changes to his colourless, risk averse, autonomous (and probably stifling) influence over his pla...
Arse.
Hincapie's excellent cross led directly to the first goal on Sunday :)
Also one of the few players who wants to shoot at goal regularly
Yep, and you saw that with Utd on the weekend. Utd moved the ball quickly and tried more 'high risk' shots and it paid of. They didn't create a lot but they really took their chances. They're not even very good.
Arse,
I love this group of player and Arteta.
It pains me that Odegaard plays so negative. He will almost always pass backwards when options are ahead of him, for someone of his quality he can make the opportunities, risk adverse rather than take them chance of losing processing for an attempt at goal. To me it's lack of confidence not Arteta demanding negativity.
I think other players are also being affected by it.
I dunno what would help Odegaard at this point.
Anyway, I'm too old n daft to begin to know anything.
Very stormy wormy pudding n pie here.
Hope you are all safe n well.
He's also one of the most clinical finishers in the squad
Also one of the few players who wants to shoot at goal regularly
Absolutely. I get the loan - but he does have the qualities we are lacking.
The one player who moves the ball forward with speed- either running with it or passing forward.
(Partey , who at times oft...
He's also one of the most clinical finishers in the squad
Could've been Nwaneri this time
Absolutely. I get the loan - but he does have the qualities we are lacking.
The one player who moves the ball forward with speed- either running with it or passing forward.
(Partey , who at times often seemed preternaturally relaxed did seem to pass much more vertically than Zubi.)
Morning fine gents. Blogs I took a mental note of that moment too during the game, it was very emblematic of our lack of drive.
I remember us struggling just the same way early on in Arteta's tenure...
Could've been Nwaneri this time
Agreed.
The way this team plays reflects the manager as a player and person. Efficient ,controlled, not mercurial. With Stroller Graham - a languorous player with panache- it was the opposite - do as I say not as I did.
1)We needed a striker, a creative midfield player for when Ode was off form, and another direct option on the left wing for when Gabi M. wasn't on it. We addressed all three issues this summer. The
problem is -that as yet ,despite the huge cost, none of the signings have consistently performed. And that's being polite.
2)The way we play with a slow controlled build-up, allaying the danger of the counter-means that our spare player is often a defender. Recently as per Blog it has been Big Gabi or Saliba. The opposition are happy with this. It is supposed to be the left back a la Zinny ( a 10 for his national team) but he was defensively exposed . It could be Myles in terms of his technique - but again defensively it appears he may not have the speed or height. So we are missing Calla. There may be a link between his absence and 2 points from 9.
Hincapie's cross created the first goal. But this is exception that proves the real . He is not a technical player and usually looks back to Tross. Leo is technically fantastic but has not pace and often turns back inside. That , I expect is why we are looking at Liveramento.
3) We are way too ponderous in the build up. You can't complain about how adept teams have become at low blocks when given any opportunity to break forward fast you allow the oppo. time to get back into position.
4) Sometimes we need to show the commendable urgency running forward that we show filing back.
I'm nervous. Can't escape the feeling that if we can't win it this year -we never will.
That said hope we don't fall apart-there need to be a measure of perspective. We are still top.
Possibly Wednesday's no pressure game will help. It may have come at a good time. The players largely seem determined-and what they need may be the Kairat not the stick.
His first thought is always to find saka
By the time Ødegaard sets himself to pass the movement has already happened and by then he's missed the chance. It's not only him but he is supposed to be our main creator
YES!
This is the closest we might come to a trophy this season ... the way things are going
I'm a bit confused by the Saka criticism, he gets round his man multiple times per match, gets shots off, even if he hasn't scored for a bit, can go left or right, works hard. He's the last guy on the...
agree
I don't think there's anything wrong with Odegaard, and I don't think he's been found out particularly, as I've said before, there's no movement for him to play in to. If we wait for a low block to b...
By the time Ødegaard sets himself to pass the movement has already happened and by then he's missed the chance. It's not only him but he is supposed to be our main creator
Hope we win the Carabao Cup at least
:)
Hope we win the Carabao Cup at least
He is an absolute liability off the ball. His pressing is borderline performative and he gets ragdolled on duels time and time again.
He is genuinely no better than Eze OOP
I completely agree with you on that.
I mean, that's really nit-picky for me. The reason he hasn't gone into the space is because a much quicker player is basically on top of him, so he swerves to keep possession
I think it just slows the play down., Expecting Jesus to drop deep is not the answer for me. I honestly think Odegaard tends to slow things a bit too much. A lot of it surely comes from tactics and drills followed at the training ground.
His output has been pathetic this season though.
Just 3 non-pelanty goals! If he carries on in this vain, he'll be on course for just 5 NPG... Which for our "Star man", is simply just not good enough...
I know but he is marked like you wouldn't believe nowadays and there's often never any fucker in the middle...
I'm a bit confused by the Saka criticism, he gets round his man multiple times per match, gets shots off, even if he hasn't scored for a bit, can go left or right, works hard. He's the last guy on the...
His output has been pathetic this season though.
Just 3 non-pelanty goals! If he carries on in this vain, he'll be on course for just 5 NPG... Which for our "Star man", is simply just not good enough!
More to the point why hasn’t Jesus come short into the space to give Odegaard a pass
Agree on this though, Jesus could drop and then we get it forward
I think it's less his performance and more the way he is being used. He's being asked to hold width whilst we try to find a way for Saliba and Timber to get closer to the goal.
Some say it's a means ...
Comes back again to movement - into and around the box - citizen, which I'm afraid again highlights the (other) striker issues...
I mean, that's really nit-picky for me. The reason he hasn't gone into the space is because a much quicker player is basically on top of him, so he swerves to keep possession
More to the point why hasn’t Jesus come short into the space to give Odegaard a pass
I’m pretty sure that if Calafiori had been in Hincapie’s position then the ball would have found its way into the box far quicker
I think it's less his performance and more the way he is being used. He's being asked to hold width whilst we try to find a way for Saliba and Timber to get closer to the goal.
Some say it's a means ...
If Saka is holding the width and so far away from goal, the only thing he can do is put a cross in. If this is what Saka's ability is reduced to, then Mikel and his staff might as well pack their bags.
I'm a bit confused by the Saka criticism, he gets round his man multiple times per match, gets shots off, even if he hasn't scored for a bit, can go left or right, works hard. He's the last guy on the...
I think it's less his performance and more the way he is being used. He's being asked to hold width whilst we try to find a way for Saliba and Timber to get closer to the goal.
Some say it's a means to get Saka more space by asking the opposition to follow Saliba/Timber but it's not really working.
Sakas return on goals and assists is in the bin as a result.
I'm a bit confused by the Saka criticism, he gets round his man multiple times per match, gets shots off, even if he hasn't scored for a bit, can go left or right, works hard. He's the last guy on the...
Saka is fantastic but we simply don't platform him well. But I do feel Saka has lost a it of pace. Not much of an issue if we surround him with players who move enough rather than just be static.
Seeing Timber/Hincapie take up positions where Trossard or Saka should be, gets me very irritated.
That lack of movement is something we see particularly clearly from the stands all the time chrism..
Yeah, it's striking watching them all stand in a line across the pitch.
I'm a bit confused by the Saka criticism, he gets round his man multiple times per match, gets shots off, even if he hasn't scored for a bit, can go left or right, works hard. He's the last guy on the team to be worried about.
I don't think there's anything wrong with Odegaard, and I don't think he's been found out particularly, as I've said before, there's no movement for him to play in to. If we wait for a low block to b...
It is curious, the lack of movement you speak of as , plenty of Viks goals in Portugal , appeared to be from good.movement..amd runs
If we are going to continue playing Odegaard, keep Eze on the pitch and let Rice/Zubi play at #6. Play Madueke/Martinelli on the left as we need pace and Saka clearly looks like he has lost a couple of yards.
Morning fine gents. Blogs I took a mental note of that moment too during the game, it was very emblematic of our lack of drive.
I remember us struggling just the same way early on in Arteta's tenure, until that Chelsea game with ESR. Feels like we're back in the same funk, need someone to ignite the silky football that these players supposedly have in them.
He is more of a Bernardo Silva rather than a Bruno Fernandes who is willing to play risky football.
Silva has a lot more aggression and directness. This is missing from more than one of our players. We don’t threaten, we try to bore the opposition to making a mistake.
Arse!
Well in, moley!!
Morning all!!!
The way we play Tiki Taka in the last 2 seasons - we don't pass the ball quickly enough. No zip to it. The passing out from the back is meant to get the opposition out of position and take advantage of the same to create chances. How can we do this when we pass at walking pace?
I have seen clips in games where Rice has been frustrated at Odegaard's unwillingness to take the risk,,,
The lack of movement is a factor, no doubt. But the fact that Ødegaard needs players to aim for, rather than be able to progress the ball himself, is an issue. This is why he seems to drop deeper and ...
He is more of a Bernardo Silva rather than a Bruno Fernandes who is willing to play risky football.
Would be interesting to see both Ode and Eze on the pitch at the same time but the manager prioritizes OOP (Out of possession) work rate from forwards/attackers in team selection. I understand that Mikel has seen the likes of Ozil etc just lazing around/missing games when he was a player with us and doesn't want that sort of culture that Wenger used to allow for special stars. But playing football like is a disaster in the making. Nobody wants to see football like this after spending close to £1B unless we are winning all the trophies.
Maybe he has too much of the Moyes influence from his Everton days.
Even after the win against Inter I think, saw him leave the bench looking lost or without a happy expression. Not sure whats going on.
That toddler still keeping him up at night?
I don't think there's anything wrong with Odegaard, and I don't think he's been found out particularly, as I've said before, there's no movement for him to play in to. If we wait for a low block to b...
The lack of movement is a factor, no doubt. But the fact that Ødegaard needs players to aim for, rather than be able to progress the ball himself, is an issue. This is why he seems to drop deeper and deeper, because he gets harried off the ball so easily. There were times he seemed a little stronger, but he looks as frail as ever now. And others have noted the performative pressing, arms in the air, looking busy but not getting near anyone. Again, he's been better at that. There were times where he genuinely led the press. But his form is way off and I do think he needs to be dropped, but if Eze gets on he has to be further up the pitch where he can do damage. Tbh though, Eze looks dazed and confused, no aggression, no conviction in his movements.
There are some serious things that need to change for us to hold on to our lead.
Is there something "wrong" with him d'you think? Other than form?
Even after the win against Inter I think, saw him leave the bench looking lost or without a happy expression. Not sure whats going on.
I don't think there's anything wrong with Odegaard, and I don't think he's been found out particularly, as I've said before, there's no movement for him to play in to. If we wait for a low block to b...
That lack of movement is something we see particularly clearly from the stands all the time chrism..
Is there something "wrong" with him d'you think? Other than form?
Maybe he like other players worldwide, may be cautious of getting injured again (already injured twice this season) in a WC year which Norway has qualified for after 20+ odd years. He is their captain after all.
How much of Odegaard's current risk-averse game is due to Mikel's post 2023 tactics?
I don't think there's anything wrong with Odegaard, and I don't think he's been found out particularly, as I've said before, there's no movement for him to play in to. If we wait for a low block to be set up and our front players are static all the time, how exactly is he meant to open up defences? If someone has an answer to that we can debate it.
I personally think he's been found out a bit. I don't think he is strong enough to be the heartbeat of the team, he needs so much time and space and other teams have found an easy way to stop that.
He is an absolute liability off the ball. His pressing is borderline performative and he gets ragdolled on duels time and time again.
He is genuinely no better than Eze OOP
Is there something "wrong" with him d'you think? Other than form?
I personally think he's been found out a bit. I don't think he is strong enough to be the heartbeat of the team, he needs so much time and space and other teams have found an easy way to stop that.
Think Odegaard has been subbed off early in big games against Liverpool and Utd and also was subbed off early against Forest too if I am not mistaken...
A terrible sign for both Ode and Mikel
Is there something "wrong" with him d'you think? Other than form?
Think Odegaard has been subbed off early in big games against Liverpool and Utd and also was subbed off early against Forest too if I am not mistaken...
A terrible sign for both Ode and Mikel
Ødegaard should be benched next game really. The last few games he sadly hasn't given us anything productive
Why letting them back In case they get ball back and break on us , then we are defending 4 Vs their 5 in transition.
The idea as I said I heard before in a video is you only want the game open for 10 or so , minutes of the 90 to score you goes and take your points .
Why is not the same as exciting watching .
E.g. Serie A Italian football from the 1990s .
AC Milan won league scoring 36 goals and conceded only 16 ( ISH)
Think Odegaard has been subbed off early in big games against Liverpool and Utd and also was subbed off early against Forest too if I am not mistaken...
A terrible sign for both Ode and Mikel
Well in moley
Well observed Blogs
I remember an important game - maybe a final - where things were desperate and AW chose to sub on Dennis with hardly any minutes left. I'll never forget the look of disdain from the player in those moments as he checked the clock. I felt that way in the North Bank on Sunday when Saka got swapped round for Madueke...
Blogs, the 1st and 2nd screenshot, was that around the 24th/25th mins? The video of that sequence is below.
https://x.com/Tactx_/status/20157730149151… Hincapie not great there, later Odegaard gets the ball. He waits, does not advance the ball, tries to dribble and then passes back...
Why are we waiting for waiting for everybody including the opposition to get into position?
Aston Villa are 4 points behind us...
Imagine if Unai Emery ends up winning the league...
Unless I'm watching live,I only ever check the result by using Arses!!(normally anything over 550-just after full time means we've been done!!
Fuck it,from now on I'm going orthodox! Teletext -316!
Well burrowed moley!
Nice blog, again blogs. You're the start to my day and the balanced, level headed messages keep me on track to cope with these tops turvy times.
Being superstitious I never use my...
Unless I'm watching live,I only ever check the result by using Arses!!(normally anything over 550-just after full time means we've been done!!
Fuck it,from now on I'm going orthodox! Teletext -316!
Talking of Wenger, one of the guys who has sat near me since we moved to the new ground was spitting blood about taking off one striker and bringing on another when we needed a goal on Sunday. It remi...
All the forwards
Really good blog today, covers it all. At least with Wenger’s later teams, even when they lost you could say they played the most exciting football. Arteta’s game demands the joy of victory. I think w...
Talking of Wenger, one of the guys who has sat near me since we moved to the new ground was spitting blood about taking off one striker and bringing on another when we needed a goal on Sunday. It reminded me of when Wenger needed a goal he would throw on all the strikers at the same time, what I used to call, with a nod to our North American cousins, the four wide receiver set.
After all the evidence after so many years, there is surely zero hope of Arteta making any significant changes to his colourless, risk averse, autonomous (and probably stifling) influence over his pla...
Yeah I agree. He's not going to greatly change up a set up that has got him this far.
Our best hope is eradicating the silly errors that have crept into our defensive game and getting back to clean sheet fc.
After all the evidence after so many years, there is surely zero hope of Arteta making any significant changes to his colourless, risk averse, autonomous (and probably stifling) influence over his pla...
I saw a video with Henry talking on American TV , (before the utd match , (where it was talking about control and limited the minutes of action in a game. So your team goes in scores a goal or two and then shuts down the action minutes. Reminded me of American football where the winning team in the fourth quarter , runs lots of short running back plays to keep the clock ticking so the other team doesn't get chance to respond
Well in moley.
Good one blogs.
I am still hoping we do something this season.
Arteta has to get the mood right in the dresssing room.
Some magic has to happen. Someone has to play out of their skin to deliver the goals.
I am making plans for visiting london end of May. And maybe celebrate some success.
After all the evidence after so many years, there is surely zero hope of Arteta making any significant changes to his colourless, risk averse, autonomous (and probably stifling) influence over his players. Poor sods.
Really good blog today, covers it all. At least with Wenger’s later teams, even when they lost you could say they played the most exciting football. Arteta’s game demands the joy of victory. I think we can see it won’t be pretty but Arsenal fans will take that all day. But losing again will be hard on everyone.
I’m actually wanting to go off all social media. At least here I can express a bit. I’m finding the world news unbearable at the moment and even less inclined to write about it because I can’t see much that is positive to share. While we’ve been winning football matches it’s helped, but this defeat (and the recent bad results) seems to have coincided in a drop in mood for me.
Gotta keep the faith …
Really great blog today, Blogs
Thanks!
I really do dislike seeing Hincapie at left back. He is a good, but limited CB. He cannot cross the ball, and doesnt have LWB instincts. Its killing Trossard at the moment and kills our entire left hand side. Rather have MLS there until the handsome Italian is back.
Arse. Well in moley.
Morning all.
The ultra cautious approach is grinding everyone down I think. I was listening to the Arsecast Extra yesterday and Blogs and James were talking about tension in the ground. Well around me it's not tension, it's total frustration at all the backwards and sideways passing and taking an age to get ready to do anything. The first example in the blog about Hincapie not just putting the ball in early is great example.
Handbrake off, foot down and hit the nitro button, we need to up our attacking game.
Does Arteta need help with adding an attacking coach to his backroom staff? Sustained attack has never ever been his strong suit even considering the prolific 23/24 season. Probably adding an able deputy to help him (and the team) out won't harm.
Well burrowed moley!
Nice blog, again blogs. You're the start to my day and the balanced, level headed messages keep me on track to cope with these tops turvy times.
Being superstitious I never use my Goodly Morning mug on premiership match days and think I'll stop reading Arseblog Live as the team always falters when I'm online.
Hopefully my small contributions will help the team get over the line!
Arse.
Well blogged.
Can’t remember when it was but I do remember the first time I saw Saliba taking up that position. It’s deliberate, and weird.
I’ve said it before, Arteta is so defensive minded that he basically has to win something big this year. Entertainment is not his thing, watching the Arsenal is a grind more often than not. With this squad and against opponents that aren’t gathering as many points as they should we kind of have to win the league.
If we don’t, it will feel like it was because we didn’t really try.
I understand the need for coaches on the training ground but do we need to have them all on the touchline? I wonder if the old saying of too many cooks spoil the broth might be playing a role.
I understand it is the modern way but it can't help with all those voices giving Arteta and the players their opinions.
Really great blog today, Blogs
My glass is definitely half empty this week. If we keep playing the same way we'll be battling for 4th at the end of the season. Doom. Please turn it around!
well in moley
my way of coping is expecting 2nd place and lose in the SF of the CL. If we do win, it's a wonderful bonus
Eze made a mistake which led to a goal and then appeared to get dropped - when he finally got some time, he seemed to be less involved than we were expecting.
Is it any surprise they play like cautious zombies if they make a mistake and then don't play for 5 games?
I guess Zubi wont get benched though
4th place then, I'll take it
Sad, heh
3rd place - like a trophy arse
4th place then, I'll take it
3rd place - like a trophy arse