Topic: Arsenal

[Something Worse]

Sokratis is on near £90k/wk. Not in their PL squad

What a club

[elsewhere]

Ozil was totally right about China's disgraceful treatment against Uighur Turks but the hypocrite creep won't say a word about Erdogan.

[OOS]

I'm sure they'll end up winning but the slow realization that Arsenal are boring as fuck sweeping across twitter is wonderful to see

A step up from being Banter FC....

Cant wait to see Ozil streaming a Arsenal FC match day show from his bedroom this season.

[ScottishGoon]

I'm sure they'll end up winning but the slow realization that Arsenal are boring as fuck sweeping across twitter is wonderful to see

He needs to start to get some attacking combinations going now. Have the full backs be more aggressive as well. We've strengthened the defensive spine with Gabriel & Partey now, so lack of personnel in that area is no longer an excuse. He needs to find something that becomes more smooth going forward.

[farawayred]

Ozil was totally right about China's disgraceful treatment against Uighur Turks but the hypocrite creep won't say a word about Erdogan.

Choose your words carefully, that's his president you are talking about...

[Dave McCoy]

He needs to start to get some attacking combinations going now. Have the full backs be more aggressive as well. We've strengthened the defensive spine with Gabriel & Partey now, he needs to find something that becomes more smooth going forward.

Well since Arteta has never managed before you have no idea if he can even do that.  It's more likely that boring, stale possession is his ideal based on the actual games you've played.

[ScottishGoon]

Well since Arteta has never managed before you have no idea if he can even do that.  It's more likely that boring, stale possession is his ideal based on the actual games you've played.

That's very true. However, I don't think lack of creativity is anyone's ideal. The problem he faced is that structurally we were all over the place, so it's no surprise he went to sort that. Problem is we now look a bit too set we've lost a bit creative freedom. It's a balance that the like of Chelsea need to try & find as well.

[Chris~]

Aubameyang playing on the left to accomdate worse players is still odd. Just having him closer to goal covers for the lack of creativity sometimes

[ScottishGoon]

Aubameyang playing on the left to accomdate worse players is still odd. Just having him closer to goal covers for the lack of creativity sometimes

I'd certainly want to see him through the middle a bit more. You'd say he's more a finisher than a creator, you'd say the same for Lacazette, & I'm not actually sure what Pepe is to be honest with you, so the balance is still not right up front.

[Chris~]

I'd certainly want to see him through the middle a bit more. You'd say he's more a finisher than a creator, you'd say the same for Lacazette, & I'm not actually sure what Pepe is to be honest with you, so the balance is still not right up front.

Does Arteta not think Saka is enough of a goal threat to play in the front 3? Him left and then Willian/Pepe on the right of Aubameyang would seem the best use of what you've got at the moment.

[The North Bank]

Lacking creativity, but plenty of encouraging signs. Im sure we ll try to go for Aouar again once Ozil is off the books.

[El Lobo]

Maybe see if there’s any other staff you can lay off first, Ozil looks pretty steadfast that he won’t leave before his contracts up.

[ScottishGoon]

Does Arteta not think Saka is enough of a goal threat to play in the front 3? Him left and then Willian/Pepe on the right of Aubameyang would seem the best use of what you've got at the moment.

Im not sure his thinking, perhaps? I wouldn't even mind Saka having a spell on the right of the front 3 if Pepe continues to struggle, having him come inside on his left would perhaps give him  more goal threat.

Im not sure Laca is good enough either to be honest, it's certainly an area of the pitch that needs improved upon.

[Bullet500]

https://www.eurosport.com/football/premier-league/2020-2021/mesut-ozil-s-agent-accuses-mikel-arteta-of-lying-about-arsenal-freeze-out_sto7964259/story.shtml

[Something Worse]

I'm sure they'll end up winning but the slow realization that Arsenal are boring as fuck sweeping across twitter is wonderful to see

Whispers becoming rumbles

[elsewhere]

They are a flat and dull defensive team that can't defend. Arteta is far from being "the next Pep" and I don't rate Pep that highly. He is more like a younger Spanish Sam Allardyce.

[Kopenhagen]

Pedestrian. Partey offers nothing.

[ScottishGoon]

Well we played 433, controlled most of the game, had a goal disallowed that was a bit harsh, had much more possession, had double Leicesters total shots & shots on target. RAWK has be telling me we should be very happy with that. Me, I'd much prefer the 3 points.

They are a flat and dull defensive team that can't defend. Arteta is far from being "the next Pep" and I don't rate Pep that highly. He is more like a younger Spanish Sam Allardyce.

We have the 2nd least goal conceded in the league & been to Anfield & the Etihad. If we can't defend the rest of the league must be really sh!t at it. I can give you attacking though, no worries.

[elsewhere]

Well we played 433, controlled most of the game, had a goal disallowed that was a bit harsh, had much more possession, had double Leicesters total shots & shots on target. RAWK has be telling me we should be very happy with that. Me, I'd much prefer the 3 points.

We have the 2nd least goal conceded in the league & been to Anfield & the Etihad. If we can't defend the rest of the league must be really sh!t at it. I can give you attacking though, no worries.

Aston Villa conceded 3 goals less than you did, that doesn't make them a great defensive team, does it? You give a lot of space to the opponent despite playing defensive. Think about a team concerned about losing David Luiz to injury. Mark my words, that thrash Utd team will score 2 or 3 goals against Arsenal.

[The North Bank]

Aston Villa conceded 3 goals less than you did, that doesn't make them a great defensive team, does it? You give a lot of space to the opponent despite playing defensive. Think about a team concerned about losing David Luiz to injury. Mark my words, that thrash Utd team will score 2 or 3 goals against Arsenal.

They wont, but theyll only need 1 if we keep setting up this negatively. 4-3-3 doesnt work for us, we shouldve stuck with 3 at the back, we were getting better at it every week, if we wanted to change it go 4-4-2. Any other formation we dont have the players for. And Partey should be replacing Xhaka not playing alongside him. Line up far too defensive yesterday against a team with 11 behind the ball, goal once again came from Xhaka and Mustafi getting outpaced. We need to be moving away from relying on them, even at this stage. 
Shouldve played another attacker and had Ceballos and Partey in the middle, we had 3 players in there doing the same thing and it was very predictable and pedestrian.

[ScottishGoon]

Aston Villa conceded 3 goals less than you did, that doesn't make them a great defensive team, does it? You give a lot of space to the opponent despite playing defensive. Think about a team concerned about losing David Luiz to injury. Mark my words, that thrash Utd team will score 2 or 3 goals against Arsenal.

Not after 5 games or so I'll give you, but goals conceded is as good a barometer as any long-term, as ultimately, thats what really counts. I'll happily 'give a lot of space to the opponent' if it means at the end of the season we are in the top couple of teams for goals conceded in the league. It's the attack I'm most worried about now.
As for Luiz, it's not just him though, it's the fact Mustafi hasn't played for months, it's Holding, it's Chambers, it's Mari who are also injured. Saliba will be the future but he's not deemed ready, which I think is a bit strange I must admit.

They wont, but theyll only need 1 if we keep setting up this negatively. 4-3-3 doesnt work for us, we shouldve stuck with 3 at the back, we were getting better at it every week, if we wanted to change it go 4-4-2. Any other formation we dont have the players for. And Partey should be replacing Xhaka not playing alongside him. Line up far too defensive yesterday against a team with 11 behind the ball, goal once again came from Xhaka and Mustafi getting outpaced. We need to be moving away from relying on them, even at this stage. 
Shouldve played another attacker and had Ceballos and Partey in the middle, we had 3 players in there doing the same thing and it was very predictable and pedestrian.

Disagree formation wise mate, I think long term we need to stick to a 433 or a version of it at least. We now just need to work on how to get the best out that system. Thought we looked fairly good first half, Tierney & Bellerin were getting forward to better effect, we controlled the midfield, we just lack that 1 or 2 players now with that bit of magic in the final 3rd. Perhaps we need to adjust it to more like a 4231 to introduce that other attacker be it Willian or the like, however I think long term it will require further recruitment to solve.

[elsewhere]

It's been almost a year since with Arteta yet their team doesn't even look much better than Unai Emery's side. Arteta won Arsenal fans on the cup matches but i think that sideways passing and hoofing to Aubameyang tactics, being against taking risks, playing dire and ultra defensive will turn the fans off if they keep dropping points this easily and it starts this weekend imo. We keep joking about how bad Ole is as a manager (and he is) but come to think of it, Arteta has not really shown anything to say he is a clear cut better manager.

I actually now realize how big a job Wenger has done, playing attacking football and being in Top 4 every season despite not having much budget, i guess we neutral fans were all underrated him and didn't give him the respect he deserved.

[ScottishGoon]

It's been almost a year since with Arteta yet their team doesn't even look much better than Unai Emery's side. Arteta won Arsenal fans on the cup matches but i think that sideways passing and hoofing to Aubameyang tactics, being against taking risks, playing dire and ultra defensive will turn the fans off if they keep dropping points this easily and it starts this weekend imo. We keep joking about how bad Ole is as a manager (and he is) but come to think of it, Arteta has not really shown anything to say he is a clear cut better manager.

I actually now realize how big a job Wenger has done, playing attacking football and being in Top 4 every season despite not having much budget, i guess we neutral fans were all underrated him and didn't give him the respect he deserved.

Hes certainly got a lot to prove, I don't think anyone is saying anything otherwise. I don't think there's anyone else suggesting we are anywhere close to the finished article. He's done his first objective & made us more solid & playing to a structure, his cup win along the way was a nice bonus. He now has perhaps the harder job of keeping us organised at the back while trying to be more creative. I think long term we need better personnel to do that as well, but he has to get better out of what he has, otherwise like any other manager he'll be judged accordingly like he should be.

[DangerScouse]

Pedestrian. Partey offers nothing.

Is this a joke?

[newterp]

It's been almost a year since with Arteta yet their team doesn't even look much better than Unai Emery's side. Arteta won Arsenal fans on the cup matches but i think that sideways passing and hoofing to Aubameyang tactics, being against taking risks, playing dire and ultra defensive will turn the fans off if they keep dropping points this easily and it starts this weekend imo. We keep joking about how bad Ole is as a manager (and he is) but come to think of it, Arteta has not really shown anything to say he is a clear cut better manager.

I actually now realize how big a job Wenger has done, playing attacking football and being in Top 4 every season despite not having much budget, i guess we neutral fans were all underrated him and didn't give him the respect he deserved.

I read your post earlier - to me they seem better defensively and they still have that moment of magic capability (and should be doing more with Lacazette and Saka. Pepe is just comical - how did he con them into spending 70m?).

They are just too inconsistent overall - but I still expect them to grab at least 4th.

[Gerry Attrick]

He’s doing a grand job making Aubameyang totally ineffective. Suppose it’s hard for a striker to score when you have 1 shot in the second half of a tied game at home.

[JackWard33]

Think Arteta might be the most over rated managerial appointment I've ever seen - certainly in recent years.
Annointed by the press without question .. cup run aside which helps a lot I guess - he's made them worse. Their underlying numbers have been consistently mid table or worse since he's been in charge
Aubameyang has recorded less xG than Van Dijk ...

[Dim Glas]

No Auba No Partey, or something...

This has to be Aubameyang’s longest goal-less streak since he made the switch from the wing to a striker a permanent one.

Oh wait, it’s no longer permanent is it, as he now seems to be back to being a winger, which doesn’t make much sense for one of the best goal scorers in the league.

[mickeydocs]

Pedestrian. Partey offers nothing.

Surely he deserves time to settle in a new country and league.

[Chris~]

No Auba No Partey, or something...

This has to be Aubameyang’s longest goal-less streak since he made the switch from the wing to a striker a permanent one.

Oh wait, it’s no longer permanent is it, as he now seems to be back to being a winger, which doesn’t make much sense for one of the best goal scorers in the league.

It's baffling. He's not being shoved wide for better players and they just signed him to a new contract, so it's not like they were planning on phasing him out and this is part of it. It'd be really interesting to find out why he's done this as it clearly isn't getting the best out of their only really good goalscorer.

I only caught the first half but Saka looked good in the front 3 and they at least dominated that half of the game so it's something to build on I guess.

[DelTrotter]

Big few weeks for them, think they'll turn if they get a couple more bad results. Read earlier he's averaging 1.61 points per game so far, all while playing the dullest football in the league. Not great is it? Feels like they've had quite a lot of lucky wins in there too.

[gazzalfc]

I dont think Arteta is overrated as a manager. You have to be rated first before you become over or under rated. He's not been at that level nearly long enough to be considered.

What should be more worrying is that performance last night. You look at both those team sheets, Leicester without Vardy starting, Aubameyang, Lacazette and Partey all starting. Arsenal fans should have optimistic of a decent result.

But 12 shots and only 4 on target at home is very poor even with Leicester going with a low block defence.

This season will be very strange and their season is by no means a write off yet. Man U next though... certainly no David Luiz which means more Mustafi

[El Lobo]

The Spanish Di Matteo

[elsewhere]

Also, his haircut just doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

[ScottishGoon]

It's baffling. He's not being shoved wide for better players and they just signed him to a new contract, so it's not like they were planning on phasing him out and this is part of it. It'd be really interesting to find out why he's done this as it clearly isn't getting the best out of their only really good goalscorer.

I only caught the first half but Saka looked good in the front 3 and they at least dominated that half of the game so it's something to build on I guess.

My only thinking is that perhaps Arteta is thinking that he scored 22 goals in each of the last 2 seasons mainly playing from wide left, so no need to change that & just hope for more from the number 9 & wide right. It's not currently working though.

Laca I don't think is good enough to play the Frimino role, & Pepe has been the major disappointment, especially for that outlay. Unfortunately we were never going to be able to fix all our issues in 1 window. My hope is we see more of Auba down the middle, & it might just be a case of trial & error seeing who plays well around him, be it Saka, Willian, Nelson or Martinelli when he is back fit.

[Zee_26]

My only thinking is that perhaps Arteta is thinking that he scored 22 goals in each of the last 2 seasons mainly playing from wide left, so no need to change that & just hope for more from the number 9 & wide right. It's not currently working though.

Laca I don't think is good enough to play the Frimino role, & Pepe has been the major disappointment, especially for that outlay. Unfortunately we were never going to be able to fix all our issues in 1 window. My hope is we see more of Auba down the middle, & it might just be a case of trial & error seeing who plays well around him, be it Saka, Willian, Nelson or Martinelli when he is back fit.

Something must have changed tactically though. Arsenal are obviously trying to be solid in their defensive structures so perhaps Auba is being asked to do more? It would be interesting to see his average position from last season to now. He could be around 10 to 20 yards deeper which could make a big difference to his output.

[The North Bank]

Something must have changed tactically though. Arsenal are obviously trying to be solid in their defensive structures so perhaps Auba is being asked to do more? It would be interesting to see his average position from last season to now. He could be around 10 to 20 yards deeper which could make a big difference to his output.

Its playing 4 at the back and 3 in the middle, thats the problem, the full backs are not as pushed forward as in a back 3 so Auba is having to stay out wide more. When we played with a back 3 we had the 3rd centre back going wide and the wing backs pushing high up, allowing Auba to go centrally more. 4-3-3 doesnt work for this team.

[PeterTheRed ...]

The great Johan Cruyff once said: "Winning is not enough. There also have to be beautiful football." At the moment, Arsenal have neither.

[Kopenhagen]

Pepe for £72m still blows my mind. He was worth about half at the time. Staggering overpay.

[Zee_26]

Its playing 4 at the back and 3 in the middle, thats the problem, the full backs are not as pushed forward as in a back 3 so Auba is having to stay out wide more. When we played with a back 3 we had the 3rd centre back going wide and the wing backs pushing high up, allowing Auba to go centrally more. 4-3-3 doesnt work for this team.

Thanks for that. So instead of being deeper, he's actually wider. Is Arteta's intention to setup Arsenal's 433 similar to Liverpool's or dare I say it Spurs? Auba should be looking to come in, Laca playing as a hybrid 9/10 with full backs providing width. Is that closer to Arteta's attacking ideal or is it something else entirely?