An exploration of the build-up structure used to hammer West Ham, what the risks and trade-offs are, how it contributed to more vibrant attacking play, and what it all means for the rest of the season
Thanks Billy, been looking forward to this all week.
I think we were all looking to how Arsenal would assert themselves after the Liverpool win. Well, what a response and more to come I think. Onwards to Burnley.
Amazing job, Billy. Unrelated to Arsenal (or maybe related hmmm), yours is the one piece I look forward to every single weekend. I recently did a writing workshop at my university and cited your writing style which got me new Arsenal connections and near unanimous approval. All this to say, so grateful to read your piece week in week out. Cheers!
Great piece, we’re really spoilt. So glad to see Odegaard back to his best. Hate to say it but Madison has been so influential this season. Any thoughts on him and his weaknesses?
Maddison is great and has so many strengths, specifically the final-final ball -- nasty and inventive. Better in open states. Used to not like him out-of-possession but it looks better now under Ange, but still not a beast or the coach-on-the-pitch that Ødegaard is. He kinda needs to be the focus in attack, and that might get awkward with a slightly better XI that plays against lower blocks. Great though.
1. Ødegaard and ESR scratch different itches. The team needs Ødegaard's threading and decisive passing right now, and he's providing it. ESR still has a role and a clear opportunity to shine (left-8 against lower and midtable sides + super sub). But Ødegaard is simply a lot better than him until proven otherwise: he's been one of the best players in the world for a couple of months. I think they could be complementary.
2. On the diamond: yeah, just depends on health, there's not really enough resources (without Timber/Partey) to do it now. It requires a real lone-6y type player inverting from RB. I think that LHS works, depends a lot on the striker too, as we've seen.
3. For Osimhen tactics, just look at what Havertz did against Liverpool. Would be very similar, just with more channel balls instead of open play aerial duels. Not a huge tactical upheaval needed, I don't think, it just may dull some of the Havertz possibilities at left-8
Billy you need to be monetising this gold you’re spinning
Brilliant post, so clearly articulated with in-game clips to support, totally psyches me up for upcoming games. I learn so much from you 🙏
Thanks Billy, been looking forward to this all week.
I think we were all looking to how Arsenal would assert themselves after the Liverpool win. Well, what a response and more to come I think. Onwards to Burnley.
Amazing job, Billy. Unrelated to Arsenal (or maybe related hmmm), yours is the one piece I look forward to every single weekend. I recently did a writing workshop at my university and cited your writing style which got me new Arsenal connections and near unanimous approval. All this to say, so grateful to read your piece week in week out. Cheers!
That really warms my heart. Thanks, Adarsh.
I hereby dub this pivot "White Rice".
Perfect 💥
And another good one Billy! 👏🏽
!!!
Top tier again Billy. 🙌🏽
Great piece, we’re really spoilt. So glad to see Odegaard back to his best. Hate to say it but Madison has been so influential this season. Any thoughts on him and his weaknesses?
Maddison is great and has so many strengths, specifically the final-final ball -- nasty and inventive. Better in open states. Used to not like him out-of-possession but it looks better now under Ange, but still not a beast or the coach-on-the-pitch that Ødegaard is. He kinda needs to be the focus in attack, and that might get awkward with a slightly better XI that plays against lower blocks. Great though.
Incredible article. I learn so much from these. That tactical wishlist was particularly excellent. I have three Qs (for anyone who sees this).
Is Odegaard at floating #10 as effective/potent as a fully fit ESR?
Will the midfield diamond come back, and does a LHS of Timber, Rice, Havertz and Martinelli even work?
Where does an Osimhen fit into our tactical plans?
1. Ødegaard and ESR scratch different itches. The team needs Ødegaard's threading and decisive passing right now, and he's providing it. ESR still has a role and a clear opportunity to shine (left-8 against lower and midtable sides + super sub). But Ødegaard is simply a lot better than him until proven otherwise: he's been one of the best players in the world for a couple of months. I think they could be complementary.
2. On the diamond: yeah, just depends on health, there's not really enough resources (without Timber/Partey) to do it now. It requires a real lone-6y type player inverting from RB. I think that LHS works, depends a lot on the striker too, as we've seen.
3. For Osimhen tactics, just look at what Havertz did against Liverpool. Would be very similar, just with more channel balls instead of open play aerial duels. Not a huge tactical upheaval needed, I don't think, it just may dull some of the Havertz possibilities at left-8