Plucking the fruit

An Arsenal blog from a coach’s perspective

Some people say that the verse in the Bible, “you will reap what you sow” is more of a threat. I’ve always seen it as an encouragement. It warns me about my behavior, but when we think of the word behavior because we were trained as a child by hearing that word so much, we think of bad behavior.

I also like the fact that it isn’t specific to just one area of life. I love that it is generic and applies to every area of life.

Does that mean that it applies to football? Just my opinion, but in some ways, I think that it applies to sport more so than other areas simply because we are emotionally challenged in sports far more than in normal life due to the roller coaster of emotions that it provides.

 + It is such a shame that Zinchenko will be remembered for his defensive errors. He represents the team in a way. We do so many things so well in every game that we, as fans, don’t recognize most of it. We are used to it. Zinchenko was a difference maker going forward. At his best. Elusive, unpredictable and lively. I would imagine his days at left back are soon to be numbered or very limited. I think we are all waiting for him to get to the front of the ‘I’ll play left eight’ queue and get his turn.

+ Much like Zinchenko, Jesus was on the top of his game. The Jesus that we can’t do without. He was pining defenders, combining, bamboozling. Referees need to understand that it takes such little contact to put a player off balance, from scoring. This is where being a former player would help. When the cross came in for his headed opportunity it only took a small tug to stop[ a player who is in mid air from missing completely. The lame pundits always say, “that’s not enough for a penalty kick” when it is illegal to pull a players arm regardless. I suppose the fact that defenders are routinely doing this as their first method of slowing a player down, that it might now be seen as ok.

+ I love how we have been disciplined to not lunge and take risks when tackling. I was reminded of this when I think it was Zinchenko, did it. It stood out like a sore thumb, because nobody does this.  It’s like we have a  ‘beat me’ attitude. A challenge that we know we are athletic enough to take on.

+ After Saka telling us that he has been trying to find ways to deal with two defenders, it was interesting that they both tried repeatedly to go between the two. They tried it with a dribble and a pass. Martnelli did it most effectively both ways by lifting it. If you lift it then it can hit a hand and it’s much harder and very awkward for a defender to stop. They can’t lift their leg in time. If they can do that in the penalty area then there are multiple ways of getting a PK.

+ Have you noticed how we are using a very clever aerial tactic that is new and hard to stop. We are using it when the ball is played long to their centre backs. One of our players jumps, not to win the ball, but to blind the defender from seeing the ball clearly. They miss the header or mis-header it, leading to a great chance to win the second ball in their defensive third. The absolute best way to use this tactic is to use it in and around the six yard box when you have an overload. You might remember when Gabriel went up and just missed a header and Jesus clumsily bundled it over. Gabriel was going for the ball but in that situation if he doesn’t try to head it and simply ensures that the defender doesn’t get it then Jesus is alone. If he’s alert then he should score. Talking of pulling arms, you can use this to make sure the defender’s jump is mistimed.

+ Another tactic we are employing is the two man tackle. When the player defending a one on one situation gets defensive support then he can take a risk and try to tackle. If he misses then the second player can easier get the ball as the dribbler likely makes a longer touch to avoid the tackle. If the first defender is pushing him one way, then the second defender can predict where the dribble is going.

+ Rice is our best at tackling. Actually, he is the best I’ve seen since Winterburn and Vieira. It’s not that he simply has long legs, it’s that he tackles with one step instead of two. Most players a) see, b) shuffle and c) tackle. Rice lunges without step b). Takes less time. A half second faster. Only issue with that is if an attacker comes in hard then that is a Rice leg planted a potential big injury. He is brave to tackle this way.

+ Trossard’s ball recovery powers are improving. He made the most in the first half and this is not his remit. Having said that, if he wants regular minutes then the left eight spot could be his if he improves his defensive game, which he is. His ability to combine and especially his flicks in transition are elite. He is also striking up a good rapport with Martinelli. That could be the key. Martinelli is a staple and so whoever can become his best buddy on the field might just get the job.

+ Last, but should’ve been first, Odegaard the conductor was back. When he is back then the team purrs. I’m reminded of how he could dribble all day in Harry Potter’s bedroom under the stairs and not hit the fast moving Dobby. His ball behind for Eddie was the winner, for me. That is the best of Odegaard that we have yet to see because for some reason we seem to have somewhat of an allergy to running behind.

+ I’m sure Arteta has already talked to Zinchenko and anybody else in his ‘ Club Risk.’ I don’t want to go in two footed, even though he is a multi repeat offender. I certainly don’t want players who just leather it up the field because the coach has put the fear of the Lord in them. I appreciate that they try to play out and transition. If you were to write a list of the things that separate great teams from the rest, then composure in your defensive third would be close to the top.

There are two simple solutions. Better and quicker communication from those around him. Also, the need to send it long unless he has space and 360 vision. If he doesn’t know who is counterpressing him then he needs to get rid of it. Simple.

I also think that Zinchenko is simply too confident. Almost like he is determined to lead the way and show the others ‘what it takes to be elite.’

+ The finishing could’ve been better. Eddie has a habit of going down wrong side of the keeper. When you go past his right foot the ball has to travel diagonally and therefore your target area is tiny. If you hit it past his left foot the ball travels straight which improves your chances dramatically. I don’t normally go two footed on any Arsenal player but I have to say that I don’t understand Eddie Nketiah. You don’t know what you are going to get. As a coach that is an easy sub, at best. Why would you choose a player to start at striker who may or may not do what is the baseline need of the sport which is to work hard. If he had played 90 minutes the last 2 games then maybe, maybe he gets a little pass, but actually, no. He gave 50% when he came on both offensively and defensively.

If I had in mind to start him at Luton then I’d sack that idea and tell him why. If you can’t give a predictable high physical effort then go away. Sorry, but this team is far past that mediocrity. That was the days of Lacazette and Auba. Played if they wanted to.

+ In all my speculation and commentary about new signings there is one thing that caveats the big signing of a striker. If we sign a striker and greatly reduce Jesus’ role then I think this is a mistake. I don’t think the club will do this but I’m a little nervous. Every top club in world football would love Gabby Jesus. He has a far larger toolbox than maybe all the others. His general ball skill is from a different planet than almost every other striker. My hope is that he is tried at left eight as I think that this is actually the area of the field that he flourishes in the most. It would also take the pressure off his weakness which is composure in the box. He may end up being the winger rotation with Saka and Martinelli. That would work well too. Whatever it is, he is in his prime and we would be foolish to push him to the side.

+ I watched Arsenal target, Miguel Gutierrez play for Girona the other day. A player. A real player. An inverted left back who inverted between the lines rather than deeper as a midfield two like Zinchenko.

+ Just going to throw this out there. I have a hunch that we have interest in Joshua Kimmich. Can play right back and DM/CM with nequal levels. He is twenty eight so this is certainly where the doubt lies, but it’s important that we remember that not everybody needs to be 21-25 years old. We have PLENTY of re-sell value and it’s fine that we have players with very little future value. Every team needs experience and Kimmich has won rather a lot. A serious footballer.

+ Congratulations to Charlie Patino for a great last minute equalizer yesterday. He is having another impressive loan. If you ask Blackpool or Swansea fans, you will hear the same compliments….. a huge talent with a dream of a left foot. Charlie alsoi sent Max a signed jersey for Christmas. He always goes out of his way for my son with notes, encouragement and mails everything himself.

+ I think a versatile defender will be our main January purchase. If it is, I wonder if Zinchenko moves to midfield? That’s what i would do. It might eliminate some of the heart attacks that he causes.

Arsenal didn’t need much more last season. A little more rotation and luck with injuries and some extra composure when the sauna got hotter and we would’ve won the league.

I keep having the same thought that pops into my head on a dark night. Will this seasons epitaph be that we would’ve won the big trophies if we would have kept Granit Xhaka? Or will we be celebrating because we recognize that Declan Rice was the difference?