Realising that there is an emphasis on defense first and attacking second, isn’t really a bad thing and it’s a trait in Arteta’s style that I really like since it’s not something that Arsenal have been established with for well over a decade.
The creative utility of the forward players is where we lack in with the numbers of players we have in those positions.
Of the forwards we have in 2023/2024; Saka is Saka (20g/14a), Trossard (17g/2a), Jesus (8g/8a), Martinelli (8g/5a), Havertz (12g/3a) and Ødegaard (11g/11a).
I think we just need more numbers (forwards) to choose from. We are in a position now where we are challenging on all fronts and the need for rotation is such a big consideration now. Adding numbers like we have to our defence says as much. Adding two quality attackers (left-wing & right-wing), another striker/AM is where we need to be headed imo.
I reckon Gabby J is definitely gone this summer too. He is on high wages and doesn’t offer much and doesn’t seem that he is really pushing to do much of anything either.
Merino was 30m, that’s pretty much the price you pay now for someone to start a little under half the games.
Cala has obviously had injury issues which may bite us further down the track, but you can’t say he is a bad signing from an ability standpoint. Plus he played Euros and probably starts more games if not injured.
Neto is pointless to talk about since hes a backup keeper and expected to barely play, if ever.
Sure, you can have a discussion about whether Merino is actually any good but purely using amount of games started is fucking stupid and nothing less than what you’d expect from twitter nerds. Football twitter needs to die in the ass.
Bruv read the entire post. My point was that using “games started” to make that point is stupid, particularly when 1/4 of the players is a backup keeper and another 1/4 is a guy who cost 30m which is pretty much backup mid money these days.
If these guys are such football geniuses then make the point with better material.
Nah, it’s shit. Even in your own post you are adding context and thus proving what I’m saying.
You have your viewpoint already, so of course you’ll agree with a method that results in a conclusion that you already believe. But it’s shit and basic as fuck.
Imagine being a football guy on twitter acting like you know shit and then using that basic reasoning.
Just feels like you tend to hate anything from twitter and the like
He’s stating that the window was a disaster because the players signed barely play
What is so contentious about that? Yes, it’s basic but is it untrue?
Also you talk of backups but was Merino really brought in to be a backup? I think that’s bullshit tbh, did Arteta really think Partey would be fit for all these games? He bought him to play more than he has.
Merino and Calafiori are both good players and we are stronger with them. Let’s not lose sight of that on the basis that we didn’t sign an attacking player.
I think that’s harsh. His stats are good. He’s an experienced midfielder that has given us some goals and assists. The team hasn’t clicked this season due to injuries and form, so I think it’s harsh to judge a player so early in his Arsenal career.
Duels and interceptions. When we have started Odegaard, Merino and Rice as our midfield 3, we have looked better and more balanced. I can see the logic in what Mikel is trying to do.
