Observations after an uproarious win against Liverpool, with thoughts on the lineup selection, the sneaky directness of Jorginho, the big brain of Havertz, and some open questions ahead of West Ham
Another thoroughly enjoyable read! Thanks Billy. It's surprising how many in the fan base are still on the fence and not "fully convinced" about Havertz. Sure, his finishing could be better but no one is perfect! Great job illustrating for folks what Arteta means when he says Havertz is such an intelligent and versatile player. Hopeful that Havertz will end up being as important a signing as Rice, just not as obvious right now.
Kai Havertz was immense. His individual performance most closely embodied what Arsenal did to Liverpool - dominance. None of Liverpool's big men could play him. If the German ever gets that final action/end product back, Arsenal have got another genuine 100M star.
Billy, your pieces have made the game a lot clearer for me, easier to see. You and a few others are leaving monster marks on fan knowledge and we're all the richer for it. Chapeau.
Spellbinding stuff. Particularly in light of the West Ham game. Different challenge different solution. I’m so grateful for this blog. The analysis that is widely available is so limited it’s just magical to have access to something that is serious, that looks at the things that actually matter (and about your club - though I’d still read it if it were about spurs to be honest). Football was always mostly social for me, real emotional investment was for cricket (historically) and cycling. But the stats really brought the interest, cricket (like moneyball never happened) and cycling (all data but only the teams know it, and can ever know it) are so much less interesting statistically than football. The way that the difficulties with analysis in football (variance, game states, what the other side do, etc) are addressed by the stats people in football is just so interesting. And this blog is such a brilliant example of that.
Another thoroughly enjoyable read! Thanks Billy. It's surprising how many in the fan base are still on the fence and not "fully convinced" about Havertz. Sure, his finishing could be better but no one is perfect! Great job illustrating for folks what Arteta means when he says Havertz is such an intelligent and versatile player. Hopeful that Havertz will end up being as important a signing as Rice, just not as obvious right now.
Kai Havertz was immense. His individual performance most closely embodied what Arsenal did to Liverpool - dominance. None of Liverpool's big men could play him. If the German ever gets that final action/end product back, Arsenal have got another genuine 100M star.
Billy, your pieces have made the game a lot clearer for me, easier to see. You and a few others are leaving monster marks on fan knowledge and we're all the richer for it. Chapeau.
❤️
Spellbinding stuff. Particularly in light of the West Ham game. Different challenge different solution. I’m so grateful for this blog. The analysis that is widely available is so limited it’s just magical to have access to something that is serious, that looks at the things that actually matter (and about your club - though I’d still read it if it were about spurs to be honest). Football was always mostly social for me, real emotional investment was for cricket (historically) and cycling. But the stats really brought the interest, cricket (like moneyball never happened) and cycling (all data but only the teams know it, and can ever know it) are so much less interesting statistically than football. The way that the difficulties with analysis in football (variance, game states, what the other side do, etc) are addressed by the stats people in football is just so interesting. And this blog is such a brilliant example of that.
This was simply an unputdownable and a well written piece. Enjoyed reading this and looking forward for more articles from you. Thanks.
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Great work! Always look forward to your posts.
Stellar stuff Billy, as always. Thank you.