Observations in the wake of a disappointing draw, including: the urge to scapegoat, whether Arteta is overthinking, how Havertz impacts dynamics, mistakes, set pieces, Vieira's explosion, and more
What do you think about Rice inverting from the left instead of Partey from the right?
I don't think it makes sense _now_ as it's probably more important for Rice to adapt in his primary role but in the long run it feels more solid to me and I think Rice probably nails the positioning dynamic a bit better.
Building on this a little, in a block I'd prefer:
Rice Gabriel Saliba White
Over:
X Saliba White Partey
And maybe it gets Partey receiving on the half-turn a bit more and Rice passing with the play in front of him.
It's not my preference, but as an option deep on the menu, I'm open to it -- I'm open to pretty much any configuration depending on the situation, injuries, coverage, matchup, etc -- and I agree that Rice could do it. But ultimately, you want him to have maximum responsibilities, on and off ball. He'll find that more centrally.
*me, reading the BBQ after tweeting obscene things about Arsenal drawing a single Premier League game*: ah yes finally some common sense
Idea for next bbq; havertz is a luxury fellaini and that's a good thing.
Have a theory lots of people see havertz as some kind of Ødegaard/ozil/bergkamp type technician.
I think actually he's technically average not comparable to those types of players. But he's physically elite and what he will provide is this.
If you look at fellaini's best years he's scoring .5 G/90 which is outstanding while not showing any kind of technical ability really.
He profiles quite similarly to havertz statistically too.
Thank you.
I love your articles.
Such a great addition to the Arsenal experience.
I was at the game. The team went into 'relax' mode at 2-1, and so did the crowd. We are all to blame, Havertz will come good.
What do you think about Rice inverting from the left instead of Partey from the right?
I don't think it makes sense _now_ as it's probably more important for Rice to adapt in his primary role but in the long run it feels more solid to me and I think Rice probably nails the positioning dynamic a bit better.
Building on this a little, in a block I'd prefer:
Rice Gabriel Saliba White
Over:
X Saliba White Partey
And maybe it gets Partey receiving on the half-turn a bit more and Rice passing with the play in front of him.
It's not my preference, but as an option deep on the menu, I'm open to it -- I'm open to pretty much any configuration depending on the situation, injuries, coverage, matchup, etc -- and I agree that Rice could do it. But ultimately, you want him to have maximum responsibilities, on and off ball. He'll find that more centrally.
You should check out the idea of mimesis for scapegoating. I think you would like it