With the apparent re-integration of the German World Cup Winners in Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil and vice-captain Per Mertesacker, Arsenal have more options than it had in the games against Crystal Palace and Besiktas. The lowest point of the last season league campaign was inclusive of 3-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park, a game where everything went wrong for the gunners; it was a bad off day at work. This fixture though coming early in the season gives Arsenal and Arsene Wenger the chance to measure up in away games against the top-6 in the Premiership, particularly with the sore points of losing dramatically to Chelsea, Manchester City, Everton and Liverpool in lump amount of goals
The depth of the squad particularly in the two games is not in question particularly with the raising injury situation. How the coach manages tactics and personnel is more important at this early period. Arsene is renowned for running players aground particularly as the tries to build a strong 1st team from an early stage, which informs of how the injuries run up by January to March.
With the club's foot dragging on potential recruits, it is imperative Arsenal plays to its utmost strength against Everton to get at worst a draw. The playing strategy has changed from last season 4-2-3-1 to 4-1-4-1, maybe due to the absence of Ozil, who plays more in the hole in the former system; whereas the combination of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey are more of runners in the midfield. Notably, the new system has seen Santi Cazorla drifting into the hole from the left, whilst Alexis Sanchez joins up with the striker in a clear case of 4-4-2, forming a diamond midfield formation. The system gives the ability to press more in the central area, but the performance of the last two games has not shown more of the intention.
Everton's game plan will be to press in the central midfield and have their wing-backs in Coleman and Baines linking up the Lukaku. Arsenal must counter Everton's strength by reinforcing its own strength. Presence of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain after coming in as a substitute is noteworthy, he adds width to the forward play taking pressure off Alexis. Particularly against Besiktas where his impart on the game was so obvious in the closing moments of the game, Alexis will blossom if the pressure is taken off him.
The Speed of the OX and Alexis is Key to getting a result against a very compact Everton side
Chance for Chambers as DM
Despite the obvious lack of shield for the defense, Arsene is still stubbornly foot-dragging on recruits for the defensive midfield. The captaincy of Mikel Arteta and trust that Wenger has in him has made the situation more complicated irrespective of his age and injury. Matthieu Flamini is tipped to replace him as Mertesacker will take over the defense ahead of Chambers. Even with the need to be careful with his development, this game is one that needs the stability and calmness that comes with his game, Chambers will learn quicker with the experience of Kosielny and Mertesacker behind him particularly in this super game.
Possibles: Szczesny - Debuchy, Monreal, Mertesacker, Kosielny - Chambers - Ramsey, Wilshere, Sanchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain - Giroud
Friday, August 22, 2014
Monday, August 18, 2014
HOW WILL ARSENAL PLAY THIS SEASON?
(AN IN-DEPTH TACTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE NEW LOOK GUNNERS SQUAD)
As an astute reader of the game and fervent believer in a foundational philosophy that is reflected in the style of play of his teams, Arsene Wenger is always associated with beautiful, free flowing, attacking football. His teams of years past have scored some exquisite goals, with intricate passing and blinding pace often bamboozling opponents and delighting viewers.
This season, having added the talents of Alexis Sanchez to the squad and replaced the rock solid Bacary Sagna with the similarly rugged Mathieu Debuchy, Wenger will look to build on the team that did so well to stay top of a highly competitive table for most of the season.
To the casual eye, Arsenal appear to be playing a 4-3-3 with a holding midfielder in Mikel Arteta and wide forwards in Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez but seasoned Arsenal fans will tell you that the formation is closer to something in between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, offering the structural structural of the former and the fluidity of the latter. Well, in theory at least.
In a perfect injury free world, Arsenal would typically line up a double pivot of sorts comprising anchorman Arteta with Aaron Ramsey next to him. Ahead of them would play Mesut Ozil in a free role, often switching with Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott on the wings, Up top, Olivier Giroud would offer strength and a springboard to bounce passes off as a team tries to break down tough and well disciplined sides.
In a 4-2-3-1, the central core of two midfielders is typically a combination of an interceptor and tough tackler, retrieving possession or hounding opponents into mistake through man marking. Notable examples of this are the pairings of Nemanja Matic and John Mikel Obi at Chelsea or the unconventional Steven Gerard and Jordan Henderson of Liverpool. Arsenal follows a slight variation of this system with Mikel Arteta acting as the team's metronome, keeping play moving as he feeds the play-maker or wingers. In this sense, Arsenal are not a purely tackling side, but like Barcelona, aim to defend via the means of ball retention, without the elaborate midfield play of the Catalans. Quite simply, Arsenal play to keep the ball as much as possible and attack as much that the other team is forced to defend more.
In this setup, Aaron Ramsey combines brains and immense stamina to identify the side of the pitch where play is concentrated and arrive at the best possible time and place to cause an overload on the opponent's defense. A typical example of this would be the game against Norwich last season where a brilliant by him overshadowed Wilshere's "play station-like" effort.
Up ahead, Mesut Ozil seeks to influence the game in his typical fashion, always lurking on the edge of play, looking two to three passes ahead to decide where best to spray the ball. He suffered last season as the lack of pace on the wings through injuries to Walcott and Chamberlain meant teams fearlessly double team him without the danger of a breakaway attack. As the schemer of the squad, Ozil will hope to have more pace this year to work with in the form of Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell along with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain when he is played on the wings.
The two wide forwards Arsenal employ are again unconventional, shifting definition to suit the style of his players. Example, during the invincible's season Robert Pires, despite being a conventional right footed attacking midfielder played on the left wing, often setting up and scoring spectacular goals by unexpectedly moving towards the center of the pitch into the gap between the opposition's first central defender and his respective wing-back. Alexis and Theo will look to do the same, especially the Chilean who brings exceptional dribbling and finishing skills with fearsome pace to the side. Playing in a central role is also an option for the South American as he has done so numerous times for his country.
Oliver Giroud divides opinion among Arsenal fans perhaps more than any other player in the club's history. His critics lambast his lack of pace and killer finishing, but Arsene Wenger and the rest of the supporters back his never say die attitude, aerial prowess and inventive link up play. for a man so criticized it is surprising to note that he has scored a 39 goals in the two seasons he has played at Arsenal with seasonal figures of 17 and 22, an upward graph that is encouraging. The manager is also a fan of the defensive sturdiness and aerial threat that he brings. The most underrated quality to Oliver Giroud is his link up play. In the most beautiful goals scored by Arsenal last season, Wilshere against Norwich, Rosicky against Sunderland, Ramsey against Swansea; Giroud was the one who made it possible with his delicate flicks and one touch play.
The manager has an interesting variety of players to mix and match in order to make his team more unpredictable. The irrepressible Santi Cazorla brings one of the finest first touches and unreal two footedness to the side to make up for his pace. When played as a wide forward, he usually drifts inwards to help set up runners for breakaway goals or help relieve pressure by accurately switching play with his pinpoint 50-60 meter passes to the opposite wing. In Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Wenger pace, power, and technique to introduce as he sees fit to either central midfield or on the wings, replacing like for like or replacing fresh legs into the match especially at the death end of the game. His wonderful performance at the Emirates last year was an example of the talent he possesses.
Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell bring varying strengths to the center forward position with Campbell capable of also playing in either wing. Sanogo is powerfully built and offers physiclity, whilst the Costa Rican brings a variety of pace and unpredictability. however, both have a way to go before becoming first team regulars.
All in all, the potency of his squad to set up an attack that seeks to entertain and perform with all gooners wishing to be transported back to the days of Bergkamp and Pires. Maybe an Henry-esque signing might just complete the dream.
Victoria Concordia Crescit
Oluseyi Owolabi
As an astute reader of the game and fervent believer in a foundational philosophy that is reflected in the style of play of his teams, Arsene Wenger is always associated with beautiful, free flowing, attacking football. His teams of years past have scored some exquisite goals, with intricate passing and blinding pace often bamboozling opponents and delighting viewers.
This season, having added the talents of Alexis Sanchez to the squad and replaced the rock solid Bacary Sagna with the similarly rugged Mathieu Debuchy, Wenger will look to build on the team that did so well to stay top of a highly competitive table for most of the season.
To the casual eye, Arsenal appear to be playing a 4-3-3 with a holding midfielder in Mikel Arteta and wide forwards in Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez but seasoned Arsenal fans will tell you that the formation is closer to something in between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, offering the structural structural of the former and the fluidity of the latter. Well, in theory at least.
In a perfect injury free world, Arsenal would typically line up a double pivot of sorts comprising anchorman Arteta with Aaron Ramsey next to him. Ahead of them would play Mesut Ozil in a free role, often switching with Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott on the wings, Up top, Olivier Giroud would offer strength and a springboard to bounce passes off as a team tries to break down tough and well disciplined sides.
In a 4-2-3-1, the central core of two midfielders is typically a combination of an interceptor and tough tackler, retrieving possession or hounding opponents into mistake through man marking. Notable examples of this are the pairings of Nemanja Matic and John Mikel Obi at Chelsea or the unconventional Steven Gerard and Jordan Henderson of Liverpool. Arsenal follows a slight variation of this system with Mikel Arteta acting as the team's metronome, keeping play moving as he feeds the play-maker or wingers. In this sense, Arsenal are not a purely tackling side, but like Barcelona, aim to defend via the means of ball retention, without the elaborate midfield play of the Catalans. Quite simply, Arsenal play to keep the ball as much as possible and attack as much that the other team is forced to defend more.
In this setup, Aaron Ramsey combines brains and immense stamina to identify the side of the pitch where play is concentrated and arrive at the best possible time and place to cause an overload on the opponent's defense. A typical example of this would be the game against Norwich last season where a brilliant by him overshadowed Wilshere's "play station-like" effort.
Up ahead, Mesut Ozil seeks to influence the game in his typical fashion, always lurking on the edge of play, looking two to three passes ahead to decide where best to spray the ball. He suffered last season as the lack of pace on the wings through injuries to Walcott and Chamberlain meant teams fearlessly double team him without the danger of a breakaway attack. As the schemer of the squad, Ozil will hope to have more pace this year to work with in the form of Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell along with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain when he is played on the wings.
The two wide forwards Arsenal employ are again unconventional, shifting definition to suit the style of his players. Example, during the invincible's season Robert Pires, despite being a conventional right footed attacking midfielder played on the left wing, often setting up and scoring spectacular goals by unexpectedly moving towards the center of the pitch into the gap between the opposition's first central defender and his respective wing-back. Alexis and Theo will look to do the same, especially the Chilean who brings exceptional dribbling and finishing skills with fearsome pace to the side. Playing in a central role is also an option for the South American as he has done so numerous times for his country.
Oliver Giroud divides opinion among Arsenal fans perhaps more than any other player in the club's history. His critics lambast his lack of pace and killer finishing, but Arsene Wenger and the rest of the supporters back his never say die attitude, aerial prowess and inventive link up play. for a man so criticized it is surprising to note that he has scored a 39 goals in the two seasons he has played at Arsenal with seasonal figures of 17 and 22, an upward graph that is encouraging. The manager is also a fan of the defensive sturdiness and aerial threat that he brings. The most underrated quality to Oliver Giroud is his link up play. In the most beautiful goals scored by Arsenal last season, Wilshere against Norwich, Rosicky against Sunderland, Ramsey against Swansea; Giroud was the one who made it possible with his delicate flicks and one touch play.
The manager has an interesting variety of players to mix and match in order to make his team more unpredictable. The irrepressible Santi Cazorla brings one of the finest first touches and unreal two footedness to the side to make up for his pace. When played as a wide forward, he usually drifts inwards to help set up runners for breakaway goals or help relieve pressure by accurately switching play with his pinpoint 50-60 meter passes to the opposite wing. In Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Wenger pace, power, and technique to introduce as he sees fit to either central midfield or on the wings, replacing like for like or replacing fresh legs into the match especially at the death end of the game. His wonderful performance at the Emirates last year was an example of the talent he possesses.
Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell bring varying strengths to the center forward position with Campbell capable of also playing in either wing. Sanogo is powerfully built and offers physiclity, whilst the Costa Rican brings a variety of pace and unpredictability. however, both have a way to go before becoming first team regulars.
All in all, the potency of his squad to set up an attack that seeks to entertain and perform with all gooners wishing to be transported back to the days of Bergkamp and Pires. Maybe an Henry-esque signing might just complete the dream.
Victoria Concordia Crescit
Oluseyi Owolabi
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Aligning Stars for ... Arsenal?! (1)
Since relocating from the Olympian heights of Highbury Stadium to the Emirates, Arsenal never had a pre-season so "enthusiastically exhausting". No better way to start a new season with two trophies on the shelf after a long wait of nine years. This much confidence has not been seen in a long time at the Arsenal.
The F.A. cup victory has radiated a new found belief and confidence in Arsene Wenger and the entire club, particularly with the signings of four players within a month, a gesture so unprecedented in the annuals of preparing for a season by Wenger and the club. Alexis Sanchez's prospect brings more unpredictability to the attack than pace and strength everyone notes of him. Nothing else in world football salivates more than the prospect of watching Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott linking up with Sanchez in a most amazing fluid attack line-up. If Jack Wilshere's goal was the best of last season, let us wait on what would become of these bunch together...do not get into the thought, just hold on.
The acquisition of Mathieu Debuchy to replace Bakari Sagna is more like for like and a bit more. The French man's defensive positioning and running was more alert in the friendlies and the community shield matches, he's continental and Premiership experience will come in handy. Sure, Debuchy will provide more attaching width than Sagna.
Calum Chambers attracts more than any signing, he's shown more in two matches to hope for a brighter future. Calum's versatility in central midfield, center back and right back is a bonus for $25 million, but a new central defender is needed or as much another versatile central midfielder who could slot in the defense. It will be suicidal for Wenger to depend on Per Mertesacker and Laurent Kosielny for the entire marathon of matches. The summer rumors had been of Sami Khedira coming to Arsenal, but William Carvalho will be more astute to the needs of the team more when Arsenal can not solely depend on Mikel Arteta.
Drive, pace, tenacity, vision and energy will be provided by Aaron Ramsey. He is the heart and soul of this team. Wenger must not burn him out by finding the best situation of matches for him to play, even as much will depend more the type of tactic. Ozil and Wilshere are expected to step up this season, and they must.
World Class strikers are of rare value this days, hardly would you find a Lewandolski in the rough. In Giroud and Sanogo, Wenger has two contrasting unpredictable talents. In games against the lesser clubs, Giroud link up play will be of advantage; but facing the big teams the unpredictability and forcefulness of Sanogo is valid even as he will be limited by his inexperience.
Keeping the squad fit will be the greatest challenge for success, the signing of Shad Forsyte not withstanding, Wenger is known for running his first eleven aground before December, he must take a clue for Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho by rotating up to January and then use the first eleven for the last leg of the season.
The depth of the squad is the impetus for a great season, how Arsene manages to rotate will be of greater value to the aspirations of the club. Stubborn as he is, time is ripe for him to prove he is the Moses and the subsequent Joshua to take the team forward. A clearly defined game play according to each opponent is needed this season and not the usual predictable match set up. Arsene, though seem to have his mojo for success back. Whatever he had in Brazil is still up for discussion, but he has to want it all again. The "stars are aligning" for the team, but he has to take advantage of it.
'Bayo
The F.A. cup victory has radiated a new found belief and confidence in Arsene Wenger and the entire club, particularly with the signings of four players within a month, a gesture so unprecedented in the annuals of preparing for a season by Wenger and the club. Alexis Sanchez's prospect brings more unpredictability to the attack than pace and strength everyone notes of him. Nothing else in world football salivates more than the prospect of watching Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott linking up with Sanchez in a most amazing fluid attack line-up. If Jack Wilshere's goal was the best of last season, let us wait on what would become of these bunch together...do not get into the thought, just hold on.
The acquisition of Mathieu Debuchy to replace Bakari Sagna is more like for like and a bit more. The French man's defensive positioning and running was more alert in the friendlies and the community shield matches, he's continental and Premiership experience will come in handy. Sure, Debuchy will provide more attaching width than Sagna.
Calum Chambers attracts more than any signing, he's shown more in two matches to hope for a brighter future. Calum's versatility in central midfield, center back and right back is a bonus for $25 million, but a new central defender is needed or as much another versatile central midfielder who could slot in the defense. It will be suicidal for Wenger to depend on Per Mertesacker and Laurent Kosielny for the entire marathon of matches. The summer rumors had been of Sami Khedira coming to Arsenal, but William Carvalho will be more astute to the needs of the team more when Arsenal can not solely depend on Mikel Arteta.
Drive, pace, tenacity, vision and energy will be provided by Aaron Ramsey. He is the heart and soul of this team. Wenger must not burn him out by finding the best situation of matches for him to play, even as much will depend more the type of tactic. Ozil and Wilshere are expected to step up this season, and they must.
World Class strikers are of rare value this days, hardly would you find a Lewandolski in the rough. In Giroud and Sanogo, Wenger has two contrasting unpredictable talents. In games against the lesser clubs, Giroud link up play will be of advantage; but facing the big teams the unpredictability and forcefulness of Sanogo is valid even as he will be limited by his inexperience.
Keeping the squad fit will be the greatest challenge for success, the signing of Shad Forsyte not withstanding, Wenger is known for running his first eleven aground before December, he must take a clue for Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho by rotating up to January and then use the first eleven for the last leg of the season.
The depth of the squad is the impetus for a great season, how Arsene manages to rotate will be of greater value to the aspirations of the club. Stubborn as he is, time is ripe for him to prove he is the Moses and the subsequent Joshua to take the team forward. A clearly defined game play according to each opponent is needed this season and not the usual predictable match set up. Arsene, though seem to have his mojo for success back. Whatever he had in Brazil is still up for discussion, but he has to want it all again. The "stars are aligning" for the team, but he has to take advantage of it.
'Bayo
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