Preparing for the absent POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES I’m normally not in the camp of folk who say pre-season is just for fitness and rhythm. I’m still not. As a coach it is pivotal, not just for players to get in the groove but to try out the most important tactics/strategies that you want to […]
Tag Archives | Bellerin
An Open Letter to Ainsley Maitland-Niles
We are all very aware of the Arsenal being in the market for a first choice right-back, given the rumored appetite of Héctor Bellerín for a new experience abroad and the doubts surrounding his deputies, Cédric Soares and Calum Chambers.Mikel Arteta and Edu are reportedly looking for an athletic full-back with good defensive skills, comfortable […]
Is the Writing on the Wall for Hector Bellerin?
There was a mixture of emotions for Arsenal fans when news broke last summer of a potential move for Hector Bellerin to PSG, some rejected the prospect out of hand, not entertaining the thought of the Spaniard leaving, but it seemed the majority felt it was a necessary move in order to bring in cash, […]
The Ultimate Review of Unai Emery’s Reign. A Detailed Account of The Spaniard’s Rise and Fall.
Portrayed as a fraud. Painted as a failed genius by others, there is more to Unai Emery’s tenure with Arsenal than meets the eye. Charged with the titanic assignment of returning Arsenal to Champions League ascension, Arsène Wenger’s successor highlighted the arrival of a new era. For the first time in over two decades, Arsenal […]
Arsenal 4-2 Leeds: A quality performance seals the deal, as Auba snatches the Match Ball {Detailed Analysis}
A line-breaking pass from deep, positional rotations and a smart finish; elements that were on display in Arsenal’s first goal against Leeds (described below). In this piece, I provide a review of the game. Formations in and out of possession Arsenal continued to persist with the 4-2-3-1 that has brought greater levels of consistency in […]
Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea – In-depth Review and Analysis [Formations, Tactics, Player Performances]
It’s been a catastrophic season so far. But perhaps yesterdays performance may just be a catalyst for change. In this piece, I provide an in-depth match review, discussing the formations/tactics deployed by Mikel Arteta, a general review of the game followed by highlighting individual performances. Initially, it seemed that the hybrid 3-4-3 would be retained […]
A short message for the post-Liverpool doomsayers and naysayers: The Truth Is Out There
The truth is out there A number of so called Gooners out there have got very despondent with Monday night’s defeat and, bizarrely, some have questioned Mikel’s ability as a coach and his ability to attract big name players. To all of these naysayers I simply say….. Jog On !!! Mikel inherited a broken ship, […]
Winning Away – 4 Into 1 Won’t Go – Coming/Going – (Episode 21)
Episode 21 “Winning Away · 4 Into 1 Won’t Go · Coming/Going” Gabriel’s a Gooner! What does that mean for our defense? Arteta has proved that his Arsenal can win against top teams – but how will we set up to win those tough away games against a deep, low block? Do we have the […]
Don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone: has Ainsley Maitland-Niles blown his chances at Arsenal?
Previously, our Hale End graduate was renowned for lacking consistency when he had opportunities to cement a regular spot in the starting eleven. But under our exciting, young Spanish coach, he is another player who has raised his levels. If we analyse him under Arteta, there haven’t been many games where he has put in below […]
The Merry Month Of August: when Gooners go “Oooh!” – not “Aaargh!” (Episode 18)
Episode 16 “The Merry Month Of August” Chris, Mike, Gav and Woz talk the FA Cup players who stood out, the impact this will have on next season, Willian, as well as redundancies at Arsenal that have just been announced. Another bite-sized chunk of Arsenalness delivered fresh to your cranium. Tune in and see why […]