(Mostly) ignoring that call, let’s talk box arrivals, the interesting showdown against Villa’s block, the problems with distances in the midfield, Bu-kai-yo, Sterling, Timber, Calafiori, Raya, and more
After just a few months of discovering your stuff, I'm already a huge fan. If there's a more thorough, more thoughtful, better presented blog for high level Arsenal analysis, I haven't found it. The sheer number of hours you must put into these articles blows my mind. Thank you for doing what you do.
Thoughts on Arsenal-Brighton (minus the endless complains on the red card!)
- We could have won it. Speaks a lot about the team.
- Declan needed a break. He has one now!
- Defending for equalizer was shocking.
- Raya’s been immense.
- Timber inverting needs more work. Defensively solid though.
Extra thoughts on Arsenal fans:
Yes, the refereeing standards are beyond despicable for all clubs for the last 3 seasons. Yes, the two points lost may haunt us in our title race.
However, I’m calm. I remember the banter era, the toxic end to Wenger’s reign, the absolute repulsion to watching our football under Unai Emery, the toxicity festering within the stadium during those dark days.
Learn to enjoy what we have, now that we are near our best. Because I sure as hell remember when we were at our worst. Live it. Breath it.
Great read. In my eyes, partey was the weakest link against Brighton and Rice should be back in the 6- while he’s out, what do you think the midfield might look like? I would like to see nwaneri but I don’t think arteta will want him starting against spurs.
Whoa. Thanks for the incredible post, Billy. Brilliant. Learning so much from your analysis, and enjoying the comedy and deeper observations along the way. All in. Subscribed today!
As for the 3 games thus far, something that I don’t think is being spoken of enough is the return of Timber FROM AN ACL. Some (many?) supporters and commentators appear to be have completely overlooked this. I think it could be a few months before he’s fully up to speed. People should give the guy some slack; he’s gong to be a huge player for the team if he stays fit.
After just a few months of discovering your stuff, I'm already a huge fan. If there's a more thorough, more thoughtful, better presented blog for high level Arsenal analysis, I haven't found it. The sheer number of hours you must put into these articles blows my mind. Thank you for doing what you do.
Opening a football blog with Blood Meridian is the hardest thing I’ve ever seen
Thoughts on Arsenal-Brighton (minus the endless complains on the red card!)
- We could have won it. Speaks a lot about the team.
- Declan needed a break. He has one now!
- Defending for equalizer was shocking.
- Raya’s been immense.
- Timber inverting needs more work. Defensively solid though.
Extra thoughts on Arsenal fans:
Yes, the refereeing standards are beyond despicable for all clubs for the last 3 seasons. Yes, the two points lost may haunt us in our title race.
However, I’m calm. I remember the banter era, the toxic end to Wenger’s reign, the absolute repulsion to watching our football under Unai Emery, the toxicity festering within the stadium during those dark days.
Learn to enjoy what we have, now that we are near our best. Because I sure as hell remember when we were at our worst. Live it. Breath it.
Cormac’s best book. This blog has everything.
👊
Great read. In my eyes, partey was the weakest link against Brighton and Rice should be back in the 6- while he’s out, what do you think the midfield might look like? I would like to see nwaneri but I don’t think arteta will want him starting against spurs.
I’d personally probably do Jorginho/Havertz or something goofier, but expect Partey/Havertz
If you're paywalling the Neto scouting report, it better has multiple childhood photos of him wearing Arsenal kits, Billy.
Fair.
Whoa. Thanks for the incredible post, Billy. Brilliant. Learning so much from your analysis, and enjoying the comedy and deeper observations along the way. All in. Subscribed today!
Øverlap 😂
As for the 3 games thus far, something that I don’t think is being spoken of enough is the return of Timber FROM AN ACL. Some (many?) supporters and commentators appear to be have completely overlooked this. I think it could be a few months before he’s fully up to speed. People should give the guy some slack; he’s gong to be a huge player for the team if he stays fit.
Agreed.
Also, he's [inverting into midfield] from [left-back].
ie., doing [a new thing] in [probably his third-best position]
Billy, looking forward to “extra time”. I’m
one of those that wants to move to penalties, seeing an additional 30 minutes as invariably a period of poor play. But definitely not in your case…
Love the reference to Glengarry Glen Ross. Wonderful piece as always Billy.
“Crosses are for closers,” was the first thing that came to mind after reading. Thanks as always, Billy!
Hai Caramba. Magnificent piece of writing that!
Thank you, great read!
Really appreciate this Substack. Great stuff, Billy.
Thanks Billy, great write up 👌🏾