Football strangulation (Positives Needs & Hopes) [ARS 1-0 IPS]

So, the Ipswich game wasn’t necessarily ’fun’ but it was certainly interesting. At least for a footballing nerd like me.

And hopefully for your pleasure too.

Did you notice how congested the game was? Especially in the second half. Almost like watching your 5 year old playing. Considering that Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe and even though Ipswich aren’t very good, they still made it significantly further in football than probably everybody reading this.

So what was Arteta doing?

Do you remember that he has been interviewed at least a couple of times recently in regards to what he is trying to do at Arsenal? One journalist asked him the question and used the word ‘control.’ He was quick to correct them and adamant that it wasn’t ‘control’ but it was ‘dominance.’ At the time, I wasn’t sure if he was reacting sternly because he was being accused of being a controlling coach. Either way, to the journalist, I think the two words essentially meant the same thing.

In order to be dominant, there are a few things that you need in modern football…

1. Technical superiority
2. Highly secure defensive team
3. Out of possession masters
4. Second ball duel monsters

and…

5. Play in a compact block both defensively and offensively

For those watching on TV, you may have noticed that Ipswich had 47% possession at one point during the game. It stood out to me because I’ve never seen such a low number. What also seemed odd to me was that Ipswich are one of the better teams in the lower half of the table at keeping possession. They were known as the best possession team in the championship last season.

I believe that Arteta decided to roll the dice knowing that we could’ve played a more open game and had more chances, but given them more opportunity also. There has been much chat about how the Saka-less version of Arsenal would fare. Arteta mentioned that there would be a different way of playing. It seemed like he used this easier game to try out a new method. Not a method that he would normally use against a lower table team but trusting that we could still win. The new method was keeping our offensive block as compact as our defensive block. So compact that it gave the team with less technique and less ball winning ability, far less possession. 

You may have noticed in the first half that Odegaard was on the left when the ball was on the left. That doesn’t normally happen. He was over there crowding that area and trying to play in a more intricate way, but also there to suffocate if needed. When Merino came on, he did the same but on the other side. At first, I thought that the strategy was to crowd one side and empty the other so Louis Skelly and Timber would utilize that space. What actually happened was that they were pinching in with the group making it even more compact.

This way of playing is almost the ultimate and extreme version of ‘Juego de Posicion’ football that Arsenal have been schooled in. The art of playing offensively, but considering defensive transition at the same time. So, the game was a huge success in this regard. It certainly gives us an idea that can be utilized in the future. You may think it foolish for a Arteta to do this in a game that he didn’t need to do it in, but would you rather practice something against Ipswich at home or Brentford away? You can’t just do it on the training field and know that it’s going to work.

This is Arsenal leaning into one of their strengths. Tactical superiority due to higher level coaching. Arteta is not gonna say this, but him and his crew are better than most in Europe. I can say it though, and you have seen it over the years. This did make the game somewhat boring, frustrating and unnecessarily close, but if we use this strategy when it is really needed, we will look back on this game and appreciate it.

The statistic below is still not going to make you believe that the game was fun to watch but will prove that the strangulation method worked. Our XG was over 2.0 and so gave plenty enough opportunities to score 4 or 5 goals based on the fact that the average XG for a goal scored is somewhere between 0.4 and 0.5.

Expect to feel strangled again.

POSITIVES:

MLS:

I don’t normally care about what order I do these in but today I have to mention Miles Lewis-Skelly first.

His elevation to being a regular pick over the last month has not been talked about enough. His talent has but not his selection. As you know, there were a whole team of left backs on the bench and all who played rather well the last time they saw the pitch. Not only am I glad for MLS but I’m also glad that Arteta has learned to lean into the future. No point making MLS potentially disillusioned when KT and OZ are both gone by summer. Don’t want to lose 3 potential left backs. That would only leave us with about 18 remaining. Clearly not enough. He is regularly getting above 95% pass completion and that is as an inverted left back who is frequently under pressure. That doesn’t even take into account how we squeezed the block and gave him even less room, too. Again the club have been intelligent in future planning with him as the left back idea started about 18 months ago in the Academy. Trying to find a pathway for a player who is good enough that may not be the one he has always played in, well done. If you watch him when he dribbles, he has a much lower  centre of gravity and is able therefore to change direction quicker than most. Low ‘knees bent’ posture and I’ll be bold enough to say that if he ever takes that jersey off, that his abs are billboard worthy. A strong core can often be more important in your pursuit of footballing strength than chest and shoulders. Another thought to ponder on… Arsenal are currently looking for a ball carrier. We saw Timber, Rice and Odegaard do it against Ipswich. If you want to maximize the ball carrying you want the ball carrier to get the ball 5 or 10 yards outside the penalty area. This way he will frequently get into the box, and as nearly happened when Rice went on a dribble, there is a big risk for the opponent of a penalty kick. MLS wouldn’t need to adjust to playing left eight as midfield is more natural to him anyway. A new contract will be given to him shortly I’m sure, as it was with Nwaneri. Finally, you will remember that Ashley Cole had a world class career and is considered by many to be the best left back ever to play for Arsenal Football Club. He also got into the starting 11 due to circumstance.

RICE:

When a game is either boring or frustrating it is very easy to miss individual improvements. Rice has been improving recently. I’m sure some of that has got to do with fitness and his toe healing. He is starting to play quicker, open his hips and turn more. Switch the field with the long ball and as I just mentioned, driving with the ball into the penalty area. Because he is so well known as being arguably the best defensive DM in Europe alongside Rodri, his technique is overlooked. Joining Arsenal won’t always help you because we are low risk possession team. He has now started to spread his wings so we will see this elite technique. There was a big clue in the fact that he was the one chosen to hit that first time volley from the corner which was about to break the net.

PARTEY:

Whilst we’re talking about defensive midfielders, I’m glad that Thomas Partey has had a rest over the last few games. As much as we may have over played Saka, the club are at least trying to make Partey last a full season as he has never done this. At least not at Arsenal.

SALIBA:

I love this comment from Liam Delap….

I always take these comments seriously because footballers rarely saying anything interesting and secondly a player like Delap will have a far better idea having personally experienced the competition.

MARTINELLI:

I was a little baffled as to why Martinelli was largely ignored in the second half. He seemed to be playing infield and allowing Timber to be on the wing. I did want to mention that his first two crosses were excellent. It occurs to me every once in a while that if we had a monster in the air, in and around the 6 yard box, then everybody would think that Martinelli is excellent crossing the ball.

STAFF:

Well done to the coaching staff for moving Havertz to striker. I think it had as much to do with Kai living very dangerously on a yellow card and still flying around making risky tackles than Jesus’ quiet game

ODEGAARD:

I know Odegaard iisn’t in top form right now, but how good is a player that is playing at 60% capacity and still conductor of the team and still able to be the centre of attention

TECHNICAL:

Small detail… Gabriel missed his head because he chose to head the ball down. As you will know, this is always ideally the best way to score with your head as most headers go over the crossbar. The technical risk is that to head the ball down you have to head it with the very bottom of your forehead/top of your nose and the human reaction to having to do that is to close your eyes.

TIMBER:

Has it occurred to you that Ben White is going to have to muscle Jurrien Timber out of this team? That ain’t gonna be easy. Does Timber have any weaknesses? I mentioned a few weeks ago that Arsenal have seven players in their current squad that would be in the list of the top players in their position in Europe. Those players were Raya, Saliba, Gabriel, Partey, Rice, Odegaard and Saka. I’d say that half of that group could be the actual best player in their position in Europe. I say this to say that as long as Timber keeps playing to this level he will be a part of this group, if he isn’t already. If you offered me the chance to swap him for any other right back then I’d swiftly refuse. I think that means that he is already in this group then.

RESULTS:

It is rare that most of the other results go our way. I thought for most of the season that City would struggle to keep the players motivated as I think that they are getting relegated. Like you I’m sure, I didn’t think that they would capitulate though. It’s amazing how players can look invincible and also look mediocre. I think we need Tottenham to pick up a win in the next few games so Ange stays on a little longer. Amorin might be the best coach that United have picked since Ferguson left which shows you what a complete mess that club is. What I think is escaping others though is United’s recruitment hasn’t been any better than a team like West Ham’s, and I suppose that considering the table doesn’t lie that would be why they are one point apart. Not only are teams like Villa and Brighton greatly improved and have had significantly better recruitment, but they have surpassed Manchester United in quality. Look at United’s squad and imagine thinking that there is not a single player in that squad that you would want at Arsenal and then remember that we are talking about Manchester United, who are supposed to be the biggest club in world football alongside Real Madrid. There are multiple players at clubs like Villa, Brighton, Newcastle and others that I would be interested in for Arsenal not just the odd one as there has always been. I’m not sure how United are going to turn this around because they are becoming known as a club that ruins players. I suppose as long as they have a lot of money then they will always have a chance of getting the top players. What they really need is a player at the club the others want to play with. Those are very rare because they are normally the top three players in world football or maybe even the top one. Villa and Newcastle cannot decide if they are good or bad this season and I don’t think Chelsea are mature enough at the back to sustain this challenge.

KAZU:

2024 as a calendar year was a good year for Arsenal. Could’ve been great, but was still good. @kazu_designs reminds us here…

NEEDS:

LIVERPOOL:

I’m sitting here watching the West Ham and Liverpool game. What is evident and has been for many years, is when Liverpool win the ball back  that they try to find a quick vertical pass. I know West Ham are not great, but Liverpool must have at least 1.5 XG already and the game is only 24 minutes in. This is something I would really like Arsenal to add to their game. Our priority when we win the ball back seems to be to get everybody in their five advanced attacking lanes and control the game by pushing the opponent back backwards en masse. Both have value but there are certainly times when Arsenal could take advantage of acres of space and limited defenders.

I’ve just scrolled back to this point after finishing watching the first half of the Liverpool game. Their first two goals were incredibly fortunate, but their third goal is exactly what I’m talking about. They counter pressed in midfield, won the ball back and instantly passed the ball forward twice scoring what looked like such a very easy goal.

NWANERI:

I wanted Ethan Nwaneri to play in this game. I thought they’d play deep (they played a mid-block), but were very organized. I knew we would need a dribbler to unlock them and so it proved. Havertz played well and was obviously pivotal but I really feel that there is minimal risk in playing two natural attacking midfielders as ‘8’s’ against Ipswich at home.

TOUCH or NOT:

Time to tell the truth… I would say, and certainly Max says, that during every single Arsenal game there is one thing that bugs me and I can’t leave it alone. During this game I was really ticked that as we were circulating the ball around the top of the box we were passing it with too much speed. There were so many opportunities throughout the entire game where if we would’ve passed at half of the speed, then the receiving player could hit it with their first touch. We all think that passing the ball with speed is important in the modern game and that’s true to a certain extent. If you watch teams that have perfected one touch, you will notice that the ball travels a little slower so that the receiving player has the option to accurately hit it with their first touch. Partey and Jesus have recently hit one touch balls in the top corner and in recent games where we are struggling to create opportunities, these moments could be golden.

WEIGHT:

Here is another gripe from a previous game… perhaps the number one thing that drives fans nuts during the game is players unnecessarily passing the ball backwards. Alongside that is the unnecessary first touch. After the ball going sideways, sideways, backwards, backwards, sideways, etc., a ball is played forwards to a player who has found themselves on an island of space. The ball has not been fizzed at them and has the perfect pace for them just to simply run alongside. If they take a touch then that simple decision gives a couple of opponents time to get back behind the ball. My teams had one word communications that we would use that were delivered by the player passing the ball. We all know about the term ‘fine margins’, and this is one of them. The whole obsession with passing the ball started in the new millennium and the theory was that possession was king and at Arsenal high percentage passing sat on the throne. A ball moving faster than a player was part of the theory and all those things are true. The best teams blend possession with individuality and I know that at Arsenal Football Club they are taught to eat up what space they have before they pass so that they commit a defender. This tiny point happens two or three times in every game and can give you a numerical attacking advantage. Or not.

NUNO and FABIO:

There are a few crazy things that I’m gonna say during this piece. One is in regards to Nuno Tavares and the other is this one.

Before I embarrass myself, I’ll tell you that this is not just a new thought. It’s well practiced. Even though I have not coached at the professional level, I think that this translates. Considering that Gabriel is so heavily dominant, I would like to see him used as an attacker in the box if we need a goal in the last 10 or 15 minutes of games. He would make defenders panic. Imagine how you would react if you had to combat Kai and Jesus or Kai and Gabriel? Our first goal against Palace at Selhurst Park largely happened because Gabriel was still in the box after a set play. He has a really good instinct as well as huge fire in his belly, and he stopped the Palace defender from blocking Jesus‘s shot. I’ve always been of the mentality that football is simpler than most people make it. When you are coaching one of the most important parts of the game that you have to keep at the very top of your mind is ‘what do our opponents NOT want us to do?’ We send up all of the tall trees at set pieces because they are clearly significantly better in the air and we are ok with the halfway line being defended by players like MLS, Trossard, etc.…, So why are we so reticent to think that it’s a good idea to play Centre Backs upfront when it’s time for the patience to take a backseat and more balls thrown into the box? Would love to hear your thoughts on this one?

DETAIL:

Twice in this game, there was a miscommunication between Timber and Saliba. I suppose it seems crazy to pick on these two when they are building arguably the best right side in Europe, but Ipswich didn’t really create anything for themselves, only from our mistakes.

CORNERS:

Was a little surprised that Martinelli, in particular, didn’t play for more corners.

MANDANDA:

I love me a parfait. Back up keeper for next season I say.

HOPES:

SPECIFICS:

Before I mention a handful of players that Arsenal are potentially pursuing, or could pursue, it would be helpful to understand what exactly we are looking for.

The first thing that comes to mind was seen when City started to dominate. Their midfielders would get the ball about 25 yards out and you would see at least two City players dart behind the defence. Because City’s midfielders are top quality they could hit what needed to be a perfect dink over the top. This was a frequent tactic that others have not successfully replicated. I saw Mikel Merino do it against Ipswich though. He dinked the ball to the far post to Trossad, who very intelligently cushion headed to Kai, who should have scored.

So I think it’s fair to say that the first need in creating more goalscoring opportunities is simply encouragement to our current players to make this pass. I often think that in this modern game our coach does not want their goalkeeper catching crosses because that is the easiest way to transition. Throwing a ball is far more accurate than kicking it as the ball is secure in the goalkeepers hands where a defender normally has to clear and hope. This might be why we do not play this ball as it will often be picked off by the goalkeeper. If you play the ball like Merino did from central areas diagonally then the goalkeeper will be far less likely to even try to come and collect it than if you dink it from wide areas right in front of the keeper.

CUNHA:

I apologize. For I have sinned. In all of my many many recommendations, I have skipped over the player who is likely the number one best option. Matheus Cunha at Wolves is a player I’ve been aware of for many years, but for some reason never paid much attention to. What an incredible footballer! Can play everywhere across the front line and as an 8 or a 10. The separation in Cunha and other potential targets isn’t just in his versatility though. To play for one of the elite clubs you have to have elite quality. When I watch Cunha this is undoubtedly the vibe that I get. He just sees things and does things that other players only wish that they saw and did. As well as having incredible ability and decision-making he is mighty quick and very strong for a player with a small frame.

So I’m going to adjust my wishes and say that the two attacking players that I would go after are Viktor Gyokeres and Matheus Cunha. I think that we could get both of these players for the price of the next chap I’m going to talk about.

ISAK:

Rather than me ramble on regarding this complicated situation read this;

https://x.com/themagic_tophat/status/1873362214440116643?s=46&t=lhTTiPnJUApC1JGqGfQFiw

So, he might be available in January. I wouldn’t go as high as 150M though. I’d say 120M is fair. I’ve always said that Newcastle would not sell him because he is their best player and they are trying to grow and attract. This would hurt them. I could see Newcastle doing this if they went to go get Osimhen beforehand for half. the price and the Geordies would probably accept that. What I think is far more likely is that Gyokeres goes to Newcastle and Isak comes to Arsenal. Gyokeres seems like the #9 that their fanbase would absolutely love.

PELLEGRINI:

Rumours coming from Italy are normally worth very little, but I’ve seen this a couple of times now. Lorenzo Pellegrini is a player with top quality. Reminds me of Fabio Vieira, who has top quality, but his moments were too far apart.

KINGSLEY COMAN:

The latest rumour. If what Arsenal are wanting is ‘a spark’ then they don’t come more sparky than the electric Coman. Both he and Sane are hard to live with. If true, then it would likely be a loan as he is going to be 29 in June. Not sure Arteta wants someone right now who has been injury prone his whole career, to solve an injury crisis.

KUDUS:

There are still rumours and so there should be. When I watch him play I feel sorry for him. He looks like a player that got off the plane from Holland and fell asleep on the tube ride from Heathrow. He was supposed to get off in North London but ended up getting off at the athletic stadium that West Ham play in. He was then hypnotized into signing for a team that he was far too good for. I’ve also thought that he may even be at Saka’s level. Few are but he might be. Don’t argue with West Ham stats because if Leo Messi played for West Ham, he’d have 8 goals and 6 assists too. When thinking whether an Mbeumo, Kudus or Cunha can hack it at an elite club we have to remember that Saka gets to touch the ball in the final third three times more than these three do. Perhaps their stats would be competition for our StarBoy, if they were given the chance. All three of these players spend more time defending than attacking most match days and I also often think how these flair players would love the opportunity to attack more than defend.

SANTI CAZORLA:

I’d say that he will be coming back to Arsenal next season. Coaching staff, obviously. Maybe he could do a job from January until May this season? Am I kidding? Not sure actually. I don’t know why the club would’ve made such a big deal to get fans into the stadium 15 minutes early if he wasn’t coming back or if they felt that they wasn’t a really good chance of persuading him to.

Santi makes me happy and I know I’m not alone.

NUNO and FABIO:

By the time you read this, they may have completely quashed the returning Fabio Vieira link. My two cents are that it would be a very intelligent thing to do. If we weren’t so desperate for numbers, then it would likely be foolish as he is probably raising his profile and price at Porto right now. Now that we have only four attackers fit during the busiest period in the history of British football, whether you like Vieira or not is irrelevant until there are enough players to even field the bench that doesn’t consist entirely of left backs. If you’re still unsure then ask yourself whether you would’ve preferred Vieira on the bench against Ipswich rather than one of those left backs?

The same goes for Nuno Tavares. I’ve been told that he does not have a return clause, but these things can be negotiated with a little of that money stuff. Nuno is actually more interesting to me. I’d keep him well away from playing left back, but would be very interested in him being a bench option as a left-winger. Tavares is currently in the top three players in Europe for assists and so again, I’d rather he sat on the bench than Kieran Tierney, who is probably in the top three least minutes played in the past two years in European football.

Tavares is somewhat of a runaway train when he goes.

TWEETS and THOUGHTS:

What to say about the PGMOL that hasn’t already. The foul on Gabriel was a penalty 8 times out of 10. Outside the box it is a yellow/red card and the easiest free kick that the ref will give all season, yet the penalty area has turned into mud wrestling festival in the last 5 years.

This one can’t have been seen. This is the worst decision against Arsenal this season.

Worse than the red cards because there was at least an argument against the red cards. This was an extended arm push that knocked two Arsenal players off the field. Shocking. This wasn’t even the mud wrestling that I think might be a sport in some remote country. It was more similar to what happens on Black Friday if you start lining up at 3am to get the 3 slot toaster.

How do you judge who is the best defensive team in Europe?

Good news? Hope so.

SCOUT MAX:

RODRIGO MORA:

Not important right now, but will likely become one of the names in European football in the next few years. I’m sure Chelsea are looking at him as a squad of 41 players clearly isn’t enough.

You might want to check him out.

AYYOUB BOUADDI:

Max has been talking about this 17 year old all season. He is an elegant central midfielder that reminds me of the player that Miguel Azeez threatened to be.

Regardless of whether we invest in Bouaddi, I think Arsenal will sign a young starlet in January.

ANGE YOAN BONNY:

One you may not have heard of. I’m sure that you aren’t too pumped to hear that there is a potentially top player with that first name but he is at Parma in Italy and looks like he could end up being an all round centre forward. Reminds me of Victor Boniface at Leverkusen but with more skill and pace.

FINAL THOUGHT:

There is another solution to our need for another attacker. This would also solve the need for unpredictability and a little razzle dazzle of magic.

Introducing Kevin Mier, the new and improved Rene Higuita.

Let’s give David Raya a break once in a while and sign the Cruz Azul keeper. If you don’t want to watch the video then just think Rene Higuita with actual football skills. Kevin is bringing back the playground ‘rush goalie’ concept that us Brits grew up with.

Hope that you have a lovely New Year! If you are feeling a little fatigued and not quite as fresh and dandy as you used to then instead of getting a gym membership on January 1st, just print out this picture to remind yourself that at least you didn’t look like Terry when you were 29.