It’s unfortunate Vieira and Emile struggled physically here because it became clear that Arteta wanted to exploit using two creative midfielders in certain scenarios. Even Trossard was tried in that role but it just didn’t work out well.
I was hoping Nwaneri could have helped with that but I haven’t really seen that level of creativity from him.
Still pissed Zinchenko wasn’t given a proper go in midfield because I think he would’ve proved really useful there (@Starboy I know you’ll agree with that).
No one’s place in the team is guaranteed (well perhaps Saka and Gyokeres until Noni and Kai return) but that’s how we should want it. Different tools for different jobs.
Would Odegaard have been as effective if he’d started? Probably not, but that’s not to say he shouldn’t start midweek or against West Ham.
He did alright, with one great pass for Myles that maybe only Eze can pull off on our team. What he does offer is mobility and williningness to drop deep to pick up the ball. Eze doesn’t do that, so these two can complement each other very well.
But will Mikel really start them both in midfield? I can see us do that when we are chasing games for sure.
I like the idea of Eze/Ode/Rice in midfield sometimes against weaker teams, both due to the creativity in breaking down deep defending sides but also as a way to rest Zubimendi that doesn’t require playing Norgaard.
What a dilemma to have in the middle.
Odegaard the tight space, ball at feet, comes deep, creates chances that bamboozle defenders.
Eze, a brave runner who creates chaos in defence and will score a few from nothing.
Merino, a more conservative keeper of the ball but with a great reading of the game and aerial presence.
Rice, a midfield engine, running everywhere trying to set up the next phase of attack but also has a great defensive mind.
Zubimendi, the intelligent calm at the heart of midfield, amazing passer of the ball and strong in the tackle.
Norgaard, someone to close out tight games and get some tackles in.
Not sure of that. He was a frustrating watch tonight at times. Needs to do the simple stuff better and have a shot on goal FFS! That said seems to be getting back to his 2023-24 form.