First Half With regards to the shape, Arteta continued with the hybrid 3-4-3 system. Generally, it was a 4-3-3 because the Gunners were predominantly in possession and a 2-3-5 formation was deployed as they approached the final third. The diagram below illustrates how Cedric would partner Pepe in the attacking phase, with Elneny covering the […]
Attacking solution enclosed POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES “Do Rapid Vienna have a goalkeeper? I haven’t seen him yet and this is the 55th minute” “This looks like a massive game of keep away. Again.” “If we are going to score, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be from open play.” “Eddie looks lost. Why […]
So much has been written already about the Mesut Ozil situation, much of it, agenda driven and most of it speculation. I can promise no agenda in my own views other than a footballing one. I will say however that however much I applaud his work for charity, his defence of the oppressed and his […]
In the embryonic stages of my Arsenal related writing pastime, I chose Gunner Be Honest as my blogging pseudonym because I pride myself on my honesty and felt that many supporters allowed their views to be clouded by their love for their club. Those who know me personally will tell you that I love my […]
Arsenal travelled to the Etihad with the belief and optimism that they could turn their fortunes around on the road against the top 6, especially after Arteta confirmed new signing Thomas Partey and key defender Kieran Tierney would be included in the squad, roughly at the same time Guardiola ruled out several key players for […]
The dull internationals are over, and we can all get excited about the return of the Premier League, with the added spice for Arsenal’s fans anticipating the impact Thomas Partey will make on a team already sitting handily placed in fourth. Despite three wins from four, with the only loss being to the champions, it […]
It’s party time at the Emirates – and not the kind that’s been getting the England team into trouble this week. Arsenal finally managed socially distance themselves from the Atletico board they’d spent the summer negotiating with, and secure the signing of Thomas Partey. The heist-like nature of the deal could easily have been cut […]
After a stressful, yet largely satisfying end to the Transfer Window for Arsenal, with the addition of a much-needed top class central midfielder in Thomas Partey, we sadly have an international break. When most fans are desperate to see their new players in action, we will have to satisfy ourselves with watching them on international […]
Desperate for what we don’t want POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES I spend too much time scrolling through Twitter. I admit. I had to get off it on Saturday though. The transfer window turns people who I respect into angry and irrational. I totally understand that you can be angry and greatly disappointed after it’s over. […]
Our 3-1 league defeat at Anfield was an unusual one to analyse and consisted of several ifs, buts and maybes. Had Sadio Mane been sent off following the early incident involving him and Kieran Tierney or had Alexandre Lacazette taken his clear opportunity in the second half for example, we would obviously have been discussing […]
