Yeah, its very hard to know at this point. In those first three matches we started only 4, 4, and 5 of what currently looks like the team's best starting XI. In particular, with the exception of Kieran Tierney almost the entire back half of the team (defense, GK, DM) was different and our backups in many of those roles are simply way, way below an acceptable level.
I think they've put together a pretty good first team, not a league winning contender, but one capable of finishing 4-6th. And they're better suited for the shape/style Arteta wants than the teams he's had to use up until now. I think starting Smith Rowe and Odegaard in a midfield three will work against the teams up to mid table, but I don't see him winning with that team against the best EPL teams. But the depth is just not there yet. If Partey gets injured, they're f'ed. Same with Tierney.
I love Odegaard's game but I thought Partey was the one stirring the drink yesterday. He seemed to pop up all over, was highly technical, and helped out in defense as needed (not much in the first 45). Helluva player.
Arsenal’s passing was very good. Their counterattack worked really well. With that said Spurs marking was very poor on both of the first two goals.. arsenal players ran completely free in the box.
I think it's fair to say a bit of both?
Bit of both, as mike says.
I agree on AMN, at least that is what I would do if I were Arteta. If I recall he moved over to RB in the Norwich game when Tomiyasu came out.
Last year Arsenal finished in 8th place with 58 points overall. After 19 matches they were in 11th places with 24 points last year, so that's 24 vs 34 points for the first half vs second half of the year. 68 points would have put them 3rd overall in the league just ahead of Manchester United and way behind Liverpool and City.
Should Everton be the least bit interested, even to have Ramsey as a squad player?
I haven't watched him much at Juve but he makes a ridiculous wage, is very injury prone (which can't be getting better at age 30), and even when healthy has a freelancing game that can be very impactful offensively from central midfield but might be a poor fit for a regimented tactical side like Benitez generally prefers.
Aging, injury-prone, overpaid attacking midfielder who ignores defensive responsibilities? Sounds tailor-made for Everton!
thanks. We actually have got rid of two such: James and Gylfi,* who has been persona non grata since his arrest on sexual misconduct charges involving a minor. British laws are super strict on discussing this in the media so there has been almost nothing to read but it’s 99% certain that he won’t be back, which is addition by subtraction.
I guess we're gonna find out if Tomiyasu can do it on a cold and rainy night in
Pickford should have lost the shirt ages ago. He has something incriminating on Southgate.
I thought two of their first three games were going to be rough given the competition and how sick the team was.
You also predicted they'd be 0-9 with 0 goals so you're not usually a glass 1/4 full type of guy.
there were a couple of Leicester shots that were juuuuust wide, and there was an extended spell where Arsenal were really besieged
from probably minute 30 til 70-75 it was a real bombardment that Arsenal had to withstand. To their credit they did it, largely thanks to Ramsdale and Gabriel.
Looking at the match stats watford had 19 fouls, 2 yellows and a red.. arsenal with 6 fouls, 4 yellows.. I didn’t see the match, but does that seem odd? Or indicative of what was happening on the field? Was mike dean the referee?
