Back-fours, back-fives, and the question of space. Why Arsenal thrived against PSV and struggled in familiar ways against Manchester United — and what can be done about it
“Then, if you combine that with wingers who take their defensive responsibilities seriously, you have all the advantages of a back-five and a back-four in one shape”
Here’s the verdict; the team needs more players that can cause chaos. Players that can reliably beat their man. Players that can reliably create angles and are daring to attack their opponents.
This is both a recruiting and a mentality thing. (Pardon my critical language)
And by the way, if Arsenal finish in second place this season (a still sizeable if…) it will be an incredible achievement given how the Gods have turned out to be scousers! More seriously, given the significant long term injuries, red card injustices, underwhelming transfer activity in the Summer and in January, being runners up after such a gruelling season would represent a real feat of coaching. Arteta will rightly take his place in the pantheon of world class coaches.
“And Timber simply beat his man. Unexpected idea meets expected quality. This creates a chain effect where other players have to collapse to cover, and that kind of mayhem is where all the goals come from.” Billy, this is what I expect Arteta and his staff will lean into come this summer - players who can provide this threat - and who can offer pace. It’s abundantly clear we lack this profile and I have utmost faith Arteta will deliver!
Quoting from “The Mary Ellen Carter” was a nice touch. Raising a glass 🥃 to you for another great think piece on our beloved Arsenal. “No matter what you've lost, be it a home, a love, a friend. Like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again.” 🥹
Thanks! There’s so little Stan Rogers performance content. I have a lot of love for this genre of music for various reasons — my father grew up partially in Ipswich, Massachusetts with a long history of fishing and maritime music, and I grew up in Virginia going to the Fiddler’s Convention so traditional music is a big part of my childhood. I first heard this song covered by Liam Clancy at an Irish music festival called the Guinness Fleadh. It really captured my heart from the first time I heard it. I have the song on a playlist with another great Canadian classic “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” 🫶
Just love your analysis Billy. Catnip to us fans. Thanks so much. Couldn’t agree with the final points. I love Calafiori. I love Declan even more. Wow. Raya I’m having all day long and we deffo have the best CB pairing in the world (even if Isak gives them the yips…but Isak would give any defence the yips lol).
I haven’t even read the article halfway but I continue to think about the manager’s response to the injuries. I have thought about a 3atb formation to help in the difficult periods after the injuries to key players. I reckon that would have helped the team somehow.
Love having a unique English profile like Wharton on our team, but we have MLS who can also play in midfield. Can you explain how Wharton could play, is he a replacement for Partey?
Wharton could be the Partey/Jorginho successor, yes. It's not exact, and I think the best usage of Wharton/Rice would be in a pretty typical double-pivot, kind of like a bigger version of Jorginho/Kanté. This would free up Rice to do All the Things without having to stay back 100% of the time. Wharton isn't a good passer ... he's probably a special one.
I still have to investigate some more for the summer. Bruno G at the top, I think, and Zubimendi/Wharton pretty close, Baleba up there, maybe a value Juventus castoff like Luiz. Want to get my head around what I really think of Wharton's space coverage. It's a small universe of players who could play with Rice and cover him at #6.
Don't think that search is too impacted by MLS -- with two out, need one in regardless, and MLS can play a lot of left-back.
“Then, if you combine that with wingers who take their defensive responsibilities seriously, you have all the advantages of a back-five and a back-four in one shape”
I mean, fair enough
Here’s the verdict; the team needs more players that can cause chaos. Players that can reliably beat their man. Players that can reliably create angles and are daring to attack their opponents.
This is both a recruiting and a mentality thing. (Pardon my critical language)
Mostly recruiting for me!
Fantastic, as usual. If you’re looking for name suggestions, “Trattoria Berta” sounds nice.
Added to the list!
Berta’s BBQ by Billy?
BBBQbB
We need you to analyse all our likely targets: Sesko, Isak, Gyokeres, Williams etc. Educate on their strengths and the best fit for Arsenal
Fuck yeah, Billy let's go
Thank you man for your efforts
Even though it can be disappointing at times for me as you covers a lot of grounds & leave little for others :D
Haha, would love to read anything you write, Mostafa. Keep in touch.
And by the way, if Arsenal finish in second place this season (a still sizeable if…) it will be an incredible achievement given how the Gods have turned out to be scousers! More seriously, given the significant long term injuries, red card injustices, underwhelming transfer activity in the Summer and in January, being runners up after such a gruelling season would represent a real feat of coaching. Arteta will rightly take his place in the pantheon of world class coaches.
Yep, I tend to agree, Stephen. Level of application on the pitch has remained so high throughout, only a couple of exceptions.
His best coaching performance.
“And Timber simply beat his man. Unexpected idea meets expected quality. This creates a chain effect where other players have to collapse to cover, and that kind of mayhem is where all the goals come from.” Billy, this is what I expect Arteta and his staff will lean into come this summer - players who can provide this threat - and who can offer pace. It’s abundantly clear we lack this profile and I have utmost faith Arteta will deliver!
Agreed. 2 of them, minimum!
Quoting from “The Mary Ellen Carter” was a nice touch. Raising a glass 🥃 to you for another great think piece on our beloved Arsenal. “No matter what you've lost, be it a home, a love, a friend. Like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again.” 🥹
A video for you, if you haven't seen it, Daos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT-aEcPgkuA
❤️
Thanks! There’s so little Stan Rogers performance content. I have a lot of love for this genre of music for various reasons — my father grew up partially in Ipswich, Massachusetts with a long history of fishing and maritime music, and I grew up in Virginia going to the Fiddler’s Convention so traditional music is a big part of my childhood. I first heard this song covered by Liam Clancy at an Irish music festival called the Guinness Fleadh. It really captured my heart from the first time I heard it. I have the song on a playlist with another great Canadian classic “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” 🫶
Just love your analysis Billy. Catnip to us fans. Thanks so much. Couldn’t agree with the final points. I love Calafiori. I love Declan even more. Wow. Raya I’m having all day long and we deffo have the best CB pairing in the world (even if Isak gives them the yips…but Isak would give any defence the yips lol).
Ben, thank you so much — that means a lot. A lot to be thankful for, despite it all.
Sent me down a Stan Rogers rabbit hole. Cheers!
Ideal!
I haven’t even read the article halfway but I continue to think about the manager’s response to the injuries. I have thought about a 3atb formation to help in the difficult periods after the injuries to key players. I reckon that would have helped the team somehow.
Thanks for your incredible work.
Love having a unique English profile like Wharton on our team, but we have MLS who can also play in midfield. Can you explain how Wharton could play, is he a replacement for Partey?
Wharton could be the Partey/Jorginho successor, yes. It's not exact, and I think the best usage of Wharton/Rice would be in a pretty typical double-pivot, kind of like a bigger version of Jorginho/Kanté. This would free up Rice to do All the Things without having to stay back 100% of the time. Wharton isn't a good passer ... he's probably a special one.
I still have to investigate some more for the summer. Bruno G at the top, I think, and Zubimendi/Wharton pretty close, Baleba up there, maybe a value Juventus castoff like Luiz. Want to get my head around what I really think of Wharton's space coverage. It's a small universe of players who could play with Rice and cover him at #6.
Don't think that search is too impacted by MLS -- with two out, need one in regardless, and MLS can play a lot of left-back.
Thanks for your details. It is said that Zubimendi 90% will come next season. So I think we won't make a move for Wharton anymore.
Seems to be much debate around Zubamendi in the fan base.
You mention quick passing through the deep block and name drops Jorginho.
What are your thoughts on Zubamendi athletisicm and whether he make line breaking passes enough?
Always enjoy reading your posts Billy. Bertas Barbie? (Yes I'm an Aussie)