‘One Battle after another’
An Arsenal blog from a coaches perspective
I’ve been told the movie is really good. We have 10 inches of snow right now, which is extremely rare. I think I’ll watch the movie today.
The headline might be misleading if the movie is a sappy, romantic comedy about an agitated couple that can’t get along.
I saw Anthony Gordon‘s interview last week. He seems like a very dedicated and smart guy. What he really wanted to say was that it is unfortunate that physicality has become the most prominent feature of the Premier League recently. To the point where winning duels are the most talked about feature of each fixture. Being an Arsenal fan I still forget that Mikel has intentionally built a duel winning team. Did he recognize what was happening or is he the trendsetter?
This game started in an unusually extra scrappy and panicky way with one on one battles being the only thing to talk about.
After the first goal, Arsenal started to calm down. The football wasn’t fluid, it was more that Arsenal started to win their duels and dominate that way. We only looked like we were going to score from the ‘almighty battle’… An Arsenal corner. Even though it is organized and each player has their role it looks like a Royal Rumble where the strongest man wins the header.
Fluid and beautiful football is never likely to happen in the backdrop of the most vocal and unnecessarily upset fans in the league on a freezing cold day. It was even less likely to happen when it started absolutely bucketing with rain yet Arsenal grew in physical and mental strength. Even though the game was prime for mistakes, we made as good as none. Everything was physical up until the fourth goal when Leeds gave up the battle.
If Arsenal don’t win anything this season, it won’t be because they can’t contend with one battle after another.
In fact, it is more likely to be the reason why we do.
POSITIVES:
Odegaard:
A strange place to start perhaps as he absolutely wasn’t the talking point. After the analysis recently being quite suffocating, including my own, I wanted to recognize that there were a couple of positive changes. He played with more physical bravery and I saw a similar two touch turn and forward pass that Kai used on Wednesday, to set up Jesus’ goal. This is the big complaint about MO and I hope he was encouraged by his more direct play and taking fewer touches.
Madueke:
Not wanting to go over the top as the issue with him isn’t that his end product is bad. It is rather that it is inconsistent. He is a supremely capable player. The kind that you would imagine could be a game winner in the World Cup for England. His consistency lies in his ability to beat his man. To the point where he might be one of the best in Europe at this. I’m always surprised when he doesn’t at least give himself an opportunity to deliver because of how quick he is over 3–5 yards.
It’s fair to notice that his job is one of the most difficult where most of the other players simply pass and move. He’s asked to do something significantly more complicated and often against two players. He needs to be recognized for his ability to even get into situations where he can smash it out for a throw-in like he did against the Almighty Carrot. We just simply expect him to have a more threatening end product more often than not.
Gyokeres:
This might well have been the first game this season where he looked at the level that is needed. As you might know, I was a huge advocate and a massive fan and even claimed that he would end up being the best striker in Europe. He doesn’t have to become a brilliant footballer to do it as the guy who currently holds this title barely touches the ball most games. He just needs to show success in his actions on a consistent basis. His goal was one of my favourite this season. His movement in the box was perfect and the fact that like most of his goals it happened in the 6 yard box, then it becomes the problem solver that Arsenal have been crying out for. Added to that the fact that he used his super power in his strength makes you wonder if any other striker would’ve scored that particular goal as they would’ve been out muscled and second to the ball.
Timber:
Here is an interesting comparison for you.
Jurrien Timber is the defensive version of Bukayo Saka.
The exact same strength. Absolute masters his one-on-one duels and his best asset is his decision-making. Maybe they were created in the same lab?
VG and Kai…
My friend, Kevin Howell, who writes a great match report on Highbury House, was telling me that he is impressed with their understanding. I won’t admit to seeing it as much in this game, but I’m sure I’ll see it on the rewatch. I think I was blinded by the swords and shields on the battlefield to see the intentionality today. Not only is this particularly impressive because they’ve just started playing together, but with MO struggling to be the positive that he is capable of being, it will be really important that his replacement can connect with our main goal threat.
Zubimendi:
Here is another epiphany… Is there a race between Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi to be the best all round midfielder in the world?
I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t know that MZ was as dominant in the air as he is. I also didn’t realize how physically able he was either. To add to my shame, I will also admit that I didn’t see him as a goal threat. Maybe he has never been a goal threat and the coaching staff picked up on a hidden talent? I do believe that the near post run and intentional near post flat cross has been used many times this season and MZ seems to know exactly how to execute the header by taking some of the power off the ball rather than adding to it and sending it over the bar.
Arteta:
Surely Mikel’s biggest strength is related to his communication ability.
One of the reasons that I never panic before games this season is because the coach is gifted at saying the right thing at the right time and in the right way.
It sounds like the players were given the floor and the opportunity to talk, which is never a bad idea, even if it leads to confrontation. As a member of the male species, I can attest to how guys can flourish after conflict because they forgive quicker. There is a safety in that that protects from feeling like truth can’t be spoken.
I also enjoyed his tactical switch today. Moving Declan Rice out of the pockets and in more of a double pivot is always going to get more out of him.
Playing in the pockets with his back to goal is not his game. It’s the game of a player whose strength is cuteness in small spaces and even though Rice can do whatever he’s asked to do he has areas in his game that are stronger than others.
Jesus:
Much like Madueke, Jesus is scattered in his output, which is why he hasn’t been trusted in the latter part of his Arsenal career. When he is hot, he is fire hot as his ability has never not been elite. I suppose you just never know what you’re going to get with him. His goal was typical of him. A first touch that most players couldn’t execute and then a piece of deceptive footwork to gain half a yard and a glorious finish.
Solidity:
Almost as much as the points, Arsenal needed to return to solidity. I remember David Raya making one save that my Auntie Marion could’ve saved. Again, I wasn’t worried as the standards at our club are so incredibly high so anything that is effort related will never be a long-term issue.
NEEDS:
Injuries:
Apparently Merino has an injury that will see him out for a couple of weeks. We need to take time bringing Saka back, especially if Noni can continue that form. That’s the joy in having such a deep and balanced squad. In the past, we felt the need to rush players back as the drop off was obvious.
Funny/Frustrating:
If you have a chance to watch the stoppage time in the Chelsea game, I would advise it for two reasons. Cole Palmer just hit the highest shot in the history of football over the cross bar from 7 yards. If you were challenged to hit a football out of the stadium from 7 yards you couldn’t do it. Not like Cole.
Then there was as close to a fight as you will get. The point I wanted to make is how frustrating it is that when a player falls over after being tickled on the chin or chest bumped then it is almost always a straight red card. If the authorities want players to stop cheating or exaggerating, then they have to recognize the offense when there is no acting involved. Video replay was not supposed to be for a situation where a player accelerates towards another and grabs him around the neck. Again, Auntie Marion.
Todibo finally got a red card, but there were at least five minutes wasted trying to make a decision that was bleeding obvious.
HOPES:
Because I’m in the middle of multiple snow days and I don’t have to work, it doesn’t really matter what the date is. I just looked at my phone and it’s January 31st. I suppose today or tomorrow is the last day of the transfer window. It’s just such a credit to our owners and leadership that for the first time ever, we aren’t asking for anything and there are zero rumors.
Semi-Final:
Do I care if we get to the final? Yes, but I’m not going to get down if we don’t. I’d imagine we will anyway as we are a goal up, but I’m far more concerned about injuries against Chelsea. I get particularly concerned when we have to play against Moises Caicedo. He’s one of those players that the referee should just book before kickoff because he might as well.
I’d love to see a big game from Eze.
TWEETS and THOUGHTS:
When Arsenal win the quadruple someone has to surely ruffle his lego. Then before it naturally restores itself back to perfection, someone has to take a picture.
Becoming a common thought.
Stealing a gem from Liverpool. Yes, please.
I keep seeing these. This should be the actual narrative.
FINAL THOUGHT:
Maybe Arsenal will lean into this powerful central spine for tough away games now. We had Saliba, Gabriel, Rice, Zubermendi, Kai and VG.
Regardless of our desire for Arsenal aesthetics, this is leaning into one of the greatest strengths in our team.
Fight for the game in the first half and earn the right to play your football in the second half. Seems perfect for tricky away games to me.
Former Highbury regular. Moved to TN, USA in ’99. Married with 3 kids. Coached in UK and US for 27 years.
Mike McDonald Soccer Academy in Morristown TN, Olympic Development coach, Regional Premier League Champion.
Nice write up Mike, I disagree a little because I think the Chelsea game is crucial and ultimately the final vs Man City because of what it’ll mean to the players and how it could influence the rest of the season. I’m minded of how we stumbled a year ago after getting eliminated at the same stage by Newcastle.
Great point regarding the transfer window and credit to the club and owners for backing the manager.
Mike. Thank you for your post!
That was a proper duel at Elland road. From the whistle, our boys fought for every inch of the field, not letting Leeds enter our territory, no nonsense recycle pass; if they sniff danger, they just kick it as far as they can. Nobody keeps the ball or dribbling without purpose. Everyone moves as a unit, pressing and defending together. Very proud of our boys!
I really like the fact that we utilize every inch of the field to attack. We did everything: through pass, cut back, crossing, and of course: set pieces.
I appreciate that Arteta has an open mind to go with direct attack instead of his strict possession based football. I think this verticality suits more in the long run. In case that our opponent cut the pass, our DM and backline still not far ahead, our AM and winger can still counter press in the chaotic situation. Although it looks like a basketball game in football field, but it less lung-burning for our defender who has to run behind from far ahead when our usual possession get taken over.
I like the fact that we admit that we are excel at set pieces. So why not aim for more set pieces? The vertical movement can be detrimental sometimes; maybe we are surrounded by opponent, we can’t find target upfront… Let just kick the ball to the near or far post so that they have no choice but to clear the ball for corner. Let’s do the corner, rinse and repeat.
I think our reputation on set pieces has made our opponent anxious, they made error again and again that own goal start to become our income, without tax. Either we score form setpiece, or them; we accept it.
Despite the scoreline, I have deep respect for Leeds. They truly test us to the limit, physically and tactically. They keep trying to penetrate, left, right, middle, everywhere, with high intensity. Even at 20 minutes before final whistle, I still don’t feel safe yet. It always feel that Leeds could make goal at anytime. And first goal would lead to another. And I like our boys responded with keep pushing the gas pedal. They knew there is no safe margin against team like Leeds. We are not secure yet until the final whistle.
I think Odegaard is actually capable of through ball and forward passes; maybe he was instructed all this time to prioritizing ball recycle and possession. Now that we urge him to be direct, he showed that he is more than capable. Real sociedad time, eh?
Overall, we have shown a lot of fun and fresh ideas of how to penetrate the opponents. We are capable handling a high intensity team like Leeds. And this is a proper rehearsal before Chelsea’s game. Chelsea will also offers intensity, with their mind games, and try to disrupt our player’s emotion. I feel sad for west ham, they should have won the game. Not only they fail to keep the scoreline, they have to receive a red card. Against Chelsea, it is always more than football at the table, there is more behind it.
I think, this win against Leeds not only a win that we need after united. It also marks a rejuvenation of our approach to football. We can leave our obsession of possession and open a path for fresh idea, it will be better with more games. This will give our opponent a new riddle to think about of how to stop us. Hope they still can’t figure us out until our season ends.
For now, we are losing our Starboy (I hope not for long), but we already load Ethan to Marseille, and Dowman is still injured (luckily his hand is okay for signing new contract). Jesus can cover the wing, but then we don’t have cover striker because Merino is also still injured. Well, I hope they all get recover soon, especially since the more and more important game is approaching.
Coyg.
Mike –
Zubimendi/Rice, Havertz, Eze in midfield for the rest of the season, Odegaard in reserve. Both Rice and Zubimendi would be nice but we need to give them rest as they’ve both logged a lot of miles already. We’ll have to agree to disagree on Odegaard, especially when Nwaneri comes back.
I think the major reason you (and the rest of us) don’t panic before games is that Arteta can put out a B team that’s within a whisker of being our A team. It sure makes the job easier and the fans more confident when you can put great players on the field regardless of injuries. Madueke/Saka gives us a one-two punch of differing styles on the right that Martinelli/Trossard have given us on the left.
It’s great to see Gyokeres and Jesus fighting for top billing at the front. To your point, Havertz should be on the field because he can unlock both but Gyokeres has the higher upside and longevity. At some point (I hope) the refs will pay attention and Gyokeres won’t have to haul an extra 190lbs of defender every time he’s in the box – or our midfielders can more reliably punish the opposition by finding the open man that Gyokeres’ double-teaming creates, thus freeing him up.
Ultimately Arteta has to find a way to defeat the low block. Opponents are collapsing quickly and get two men on our wingers, which even Saka and Trossard find difficult to overcome. With so many men back the box resembles a pinball table with no clear sight lines and uncertain caroms from the bumpers. That clogs the lanes for Jesus on the ground and forces us to go in the air for a Merino or Gyokeres header. No wonder we rely on set pieces.
What are your thoughts on beating the block? Can we transition faster and take earlier but lower-percentage shots before the opponent gets set up? Open up the ground game or take to the air?
Some sharp observations, as ever, and you’re spot on about Madueke’s crossing, not bad, just inconsistent. One exception, his corner taking. That has got better and better with every one he takes, and probably reflects hard work on the training ground. He has now deservedly been credited with the second goal.
Arteta has created a Swiss-army knife of a squad. Every tool you could need at some point or another. I wonder if Arteta knew all along, even if we didn’t realise it, that the Gyökeres blade doesn’t fully open unless the Havertz one is, too.
We discussed early in the season how high Zubimendi can jump. He has real spring in his legs.
Hey Mike. Great post, as always.
Noticed your observations regarding Gyokeres. Wanted to share a theory that’s been on my mind for many months. Could be really wild, like a right-wing conspiracy thing.
Was Gyok’s improved showing related to Saka not playing and Noni playing like a true winger. Saka probably doesn’t provide service to the strikers as much as they would want. He prefers to cut in on to his left, at the top of the box and shoot. Probably trying, more often than not, to score rather than assist.
Saka’s success at cutting-in-and shooting-for-goal appears to have had an effect on the other wing as well, Trossard and Gaby M. Gyok’s and the team’s performance is now a victim of Saka’s success. Especially Martinelli who, till some time back, usually used to run with the ball and cross or cutback into the box for whoever is available. Nowadays, he’s been also copying Saka’s tactics and cutting in and shooting from improbable angles. It may come off for Saka/GM/Tros and look spectacular but whether it’s the correct and effective option at that point of time in play is debatable. With the left wing place up for grabs, i think both GM and LT are under some pressure to score more goals and nail down their spot in the starting eleven. Probably Noni as well, now.
The consequence is that poor Gyok continues to remain poor and starved (of service). Since van Persie, we’ve never really had a lethal forward. Sorry Giroud. And with wingers wanting their own stardom, looks like we, Berta, MA and Gyok will still be searching for answers.
Mad’s cross for Zubi was delectable and something Ode should be doing more often. Can Ode switch sides with Rice and play on the left inside channel ? Everyone thinks Ode can do more and expects him to do more. I want him to do more Ozil things. How can he increase the ‘bandwidth’ of his radar and see more people on the pitch, beyond Saka ?
Really admire our set piece efficiency. Mad’s kick for the second goal and the opposition response to it. Astonishingly, none of our players was near it. Arsenal are inside other folks’ minds and have messed it up.