Arteta implored us not to be satisfied. In that vein, let's turn our opposition scouting tool inward. The result is a huge essay on the specific ways the team can still get better
Thank you a million times over Billy. In a season full of incredible moments, being able to enjoy your newsletter has absolutely been one of them. Your silly bullshit has made this season even better.
Fuck yeah, Billy. Let's look forward to a great summer of building for the next challenge. I'd love to know if there's a reasonable CM target out there who fills the needs of: 1) effective left-sided wide rotator, 2) "effective enough" creative threat, and 3) competent dueler.
Sounds like a unicorn. Also sounds like a little like Camavinga, maybe? Both are probably impossible to obtain.
Do you read much (anything?) into Lokonga making the top 10 of the Player Impact on Team Threat list? He's someone I wish had been granted a bit more time at Arsenal — I'd like to have seen what he could do as the left 8, post-Xhaka — but presumably making a dramatic improvement on Luton's xT is not necessarily an indicator that the same would have happened for us?
Yes, that was a story that I followed pretty closely (as something of a Sambi apologist). I also just liked watching Luton. A double-pivot with Barkley next to him and smart runners = a great use of his abilities. There was a stretch in the middle there where I felt like he really contributed to a good string of performances out of them, linking and spraying it around.
I didn’t love his development path here, but sometimes that happens, and I'm sure there's learnings on the player side, too; a lot of it came out of the trajectory of the project speeding up and requiring impatience in a title race.
But remember when Kiwior was in the pivot like Zinchenko, and it wasn’t working out? Eventually he got a role that was better tailored to his abilities and he looked so much better. With Sambi, it felt like he got the first stage (noble experiment in tough role that didn't work out) but not the second one (a role that was more suited).
He definitely needed a reboot in terms of confidence/environment and I'm glad he got it. I'd *personally* have him in the running as the 'second midfield signing' of the summer but I have no expectation of that happening, and understand why. It's OK. Very common thing.
Unreal article Billy. Usually I just read your work without leaving feedback but this was so good I had to leave a message. Especially love your use of data, the way you combine it with real life football takeaways so well is special. In terms of summer plans, Bruno Guimaraes has really grown on me the more I've thought about it. I feel he offers a lot of the solutions to the problems you laid out here.
Really great analysis as ever. The take-ons issue is why I kept feeling we needed to get Saka more central, and even experiment with him in the left 8. Really hope we go for Sesko then use the £50m we didn't spend on, say, osimhen to try to get a "better" version of ESR that Mikel trusts.
Oh!!! Billy, I’d gladly hi-five you!! Sheesh you were on fire 🔥 with this. First off, I’m glad you decided to go this route despite the votes. I thought this perspective would be running hot than “Transfers talks”.
On the point about a dribbler or outside scorer, we didn’t have Partey to factor in for the season. And for Fulham’s game especially, I was asking myself who I would turn to, to carry the team (as a scenario) if Trossard and Saka were not at their best.
For me, I would agree with Ian Wright - we desperately need a sure backup to Saka to keep that right pod humming on his(Saka) off days and move defenders to our tune.
I voted for a season review, so I'm delighted you showed up with this. Glad you didn't cave to the dopamine fuelled shitfight of the transfer season just yet Billy.
I remember standing at the Emirates, talking to the guy in the seat next to me after a Southampton game in the 21/22 season. It was a pretty routine 3-0, but there was still a lot of angst around the direction everything was heading in and I mentioned to him that 'there's a team in there somewhere'. It was just a flicker of one, but something was just beginning to simmer. The system and the players were starting to click and, although bumpy, results were starting to mount up. It's been a hell of a ride to this point and I'm glad they've proven me right so far, I'm really proud of them. They're alright these kids! I reckon there's more to come but I think everyone sees it now :).
Thank you for all the amazing reads over the season, I'm looking forward to what's to come. (Especially the dopamine fuelled shitfight posts)
Thank you for this wonderful article, Billy! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your articles through the season, particularly after a bad game - "What does Billy think of this?" before really panicking about it. I'm really excited for a new midfielder and a winger that enables us to transition in a split second - maybe Martinelli is the answer already. I think a couple of good transfers would also allow us to run deep into cup competitions as well. It's time to get a silverware now! Coyg.
Thank you a million times over Billy. In a season full of incredible moments, being able to enjoy your newsletter has absolutely been one of them. Your silly bullshit has made this season even better.
Great work this season, Billy. Love your writing and the care you put into understanding the game.
You're the best, John.
Fuck yeah, Billy. Let's look forward to a great summer of building for the next challenge. I'd love to know if there's a reasonable CM target out there who fills the needs of: 1) effective left-sided wide rotator, 2) "effective enough" creative threat, and 3) competent dueler.
Sounds like a unicorn. Also sounds like a little like Camavinga, maybe? Both are probably impossible to obtain.
Do you read much (anything?) into Lokonga making the top 10 of the Player Impact on Team Threat list? He's someone I wish had been granted a bit more time at Arsenal — I'd like to have seen what he could do as the left 8, post-Xhaka — but presumably making a dramatic improvement on Luton's xT is not necessarily an indicator that the same would have happened for us?
Yes, that was a story that I followed pretty closely (as something of a Sambi apologist). I also just liked watching Luton. A double-pivot with Barkley next to him and smart runners = a great use of his abilities. There was a stretch in the middle there where I felt like he really contributed to a good string of performances out of them, linking and spraying it around.
I didn’t love his development path here, but sometimes that happens, and I'm sure there's learnings on the player side, too; a lot of it came out of the trajectory of the project speeding up and requiring impatience in a title race.
But remember when Kiwior was in the pivot like Zinchenko, and it wasn’t working out? Eventually he got a role that was better tailored to his abilities and he looked so much better. With Sambi, it felt like he got the first stage (noble experiment in tough role that didn't work out) but not the second one (a role that was more suited).
He definitely needed a reboot in terms of confidence/environment and I'm glad he got it. I'd *personally* have him in the running as the 'second midfield signing' of the summer but I have no expectation of that happening, and understand why. It's OK. Very common thing.
Really appreciate the in-depth and considered response, thanks Billy!
Unreal article Billy. Usually I just read your work without leaving feedback but this was so good I had to leave a message. Especially love your use of data, the way you combine it with real life football takeaways so well is special. In terms of summer plans, Bruno Guimaraes has really grown on me the more I've thought about it. I feel he offers a lot of the solutions to the problems you laid out here.
Really great analysis as ever. The take-ons issue is why I kept feeling we needed to get Saka more central, and even experiment with him in the left 8. Really hope we go for Sesko then use the £50m we didn't spend on, say, osimhen to try to get a "better" version of ESR that Mikel trusts.
"You’d like to start a progressive, defensive left-back."
Timber is gonna feel like a massive, new signing next year. Terrific piece, Billy.
Oh!!! Billy, I’d gladly hi-five you!! Sheesh you were on fire 🔥 with this. First off, I’m glad you decided to go this route despite the votes. I thought this perspective would be running hot than “Transfers talks”.
On the point about a dribbler or outside scorer, we didn’t have Partey to factor in for the season. And for Fulham’s game especially, I was asking myself who I would turn to, to carry the team (as a scenario) if Trossard and Saka were not at their best.
For me, I would agree with Ian Wright - we desperately need a sure backup to Saka to keep that right pod humming on his(Saka) off days and move defenders to our tune.
👍🏽👍🏽
A great look back at the season. I’m so hopeful and excited to see what the club can accomplish next!
I voted for a season review, so I'm delighted you showed up with this. Glad you didn't cave to the dopamine fuelled shitfight of the transfer season just yet Billy.
I remember standing at the Emirates, talking to the guy in the seat next to me after a Southampton game in the 21/22 season. It was a pretty routine 3-0, but there was still a lot of angst around the direction everything was heading in and I mentioned to him that 'there's a team in there somewhere'. It was just a flicker of one, but something was just beginning to simmer. The system and the players were starting to click and, although bumpy, results were starting to mount up. It's been a hell of a ride to this point and I'm glad they've proven me right so far, I'm really proud of them. They're alright these kids! I reckon there's more to come but I think everyone sees it now :).
Thank you for all the amazing reads over the season, I'm looking forward to what's to come. (Especially the dopamine fuelled shitfight posts)
Great piece as always. You will eventually inspire me to get back to writing.
Cheers Billy, I really look forward to your articles 🔥
This was great Billy, thank you.
!!!
Thank you for this wonderful article, Billy! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your articles through the season, particularly after a bad game - "What does Billy think of this?" before really panicking about it. I'm really excited for a new midfielder and a winger that enables us to transition in a split second - maybe Martinelli is the answer already. I think a couple of good transfers would also allow us to run deep into cup competitions as well. It's time to get a silverware now! Coyg.
Great article Billy. Love your work!
Lots to be happy about as an Arsenal fan these days :)