Arsenal finished 5th in the last premier league season. From an emotional point of view, it was very disappointing especially when at one point of the season Arsenal were so close to securing the Champions League qualification. However, Arsenal being in the Europa League does not necessarily have to be all doom and gloom. As […]
They say that you can never make the same mistake twice because the second time you make it, it’s not a mistake, it’s a choice. If that’s anything to go by, then it appears the Arsenal hierarchy made their choice a while ago to take a back seat, and allow the club to slowly regress. […]
Having scraped a last-minute draw at home to lowly Fulham, Arsenal face Everton this Friday with a won now essential to stay in the race for Europa League qualification next season. Arteta will need to block out the European Super League news, which is everywhere and try to focus his squad on the games ahead. […]
For years Arsenal’s Hale End Academy was regarded one of the most fruitful in England, the likes of Ashley Cole, Steve Sidwell, David Bentley and Jack Wilshere being amongst the swathes of talent it nourished in the late-90s and noughties. With the exception of Alex Iwobi, academy graduates leaving their mark on the first team […]
Formations/tactics (4-2-3-1/4-1-2-3) Mikel Arteta retained the 4-2-3-1 that has proved to be successful for the Gunners in their last three games, although an evident trend was Willock pushing forward regularly, with Elneny operating in a single pivot. Pressing & Defensive shape Arsenal utilised a 4-4-2 press when Newcastle were deep in their own half, with […]
January 2 December 0 POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES I kid you not, I wrote that headline on my notepad before the game. I looked at the line up and wasn’t entirely disappointed as the key players needed to be rested, but I saw Willian and some of his buddies and predicted that the ‘December crew’ […]
Below is my full submission to Sun Digital in which I spoke about the enthusiasm and exuberance of youth rubbing off on Arsenal’s more senior players in the Chelsea match. I was delighted therefore Arteta dis stick with the Young Guns last night…. It’s Tuesday 29th December and we Arsenal fans are genuinely excited about […]
Football without Flair POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES I go through a check list before every game that I coach. I have to because I have a tendency to be an over thinker. Certainly when it comes to football and my team. I used to try to be clever and when I was a new coach […]
A sliding doors moment POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES The headlines were being written. Two big hammers were about to be swung. ‘Arsenal with worst record in the history of the club.’ ‘Arteta has to go!’ As most of us react out of anger, that could’ve been enough. Done. Rip everything up and change it. We […]
Saving the seniors to lose the youngsters POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES I have a reoccurring nightmare. It’s not what most are talking about during this baffling spell we are in. Let’s go there…. I think that most would agree that within the next 8 months we will likely sell Xhaka, Lacazette, Mustafi, Kolasinac, possibly Bellerin, […]
