Working through the current moment's frustrations the only way I know how: by writing too much about intensity, injuries, tactics, lapses, finishing, Rice, the summer signings, and Arsenal's new star
And breathe…I always feel just a bit better after reading your pieces Billy. Thanks. 1 thing I was thinking: do you think with possible additions of Zubimimendi and a Sesko(?) that Arteta is contemplating a shift to 4-2-3-1? Pairing Rice and Zubi as twin 6’s the MØ8 flanked by wide forwards left and right and an out an out no 9 up front?
Thanks for another thought provoking piece. I am giving myself over to the soccer gods and trying not to hope for anything this season. It’s the hope that kills you, right? The points gap in the league seems like a huge gaping maw at this point. January signings feel elusive. I’m just taking each match as it comes for the boys. The women’s side was a nice bright spot this weekend at least!
Rice is a physical monster. Perfect for big champions league nights. Top 6 clashes away from home etc. He's like an anti-flat track bully. However his frankly terrible passing is a complete liability against any side we expect to dominate. He can't break the lines. He's can't hit teammates who are in on goal. That's sort of fine at 8 where his job is to steal the ball high up the pitch but playing him at 6 is often a ball progression disaster. I know you love him, but I'm surprised you never mention this. Even the clip of him here shows him knocking it miles ahead of Trossard who is in absolute acres. Jorginho and Partey are both so good at this that it's painful to watch.
Did Morten Hjulmand ever come up in any of your searches? Was just reading a scouted article and it reminded me of him (every time I read Maurits Kjaergaard, I thought it was Hjulmand lol), he seemed vaguely good in the sporting match. And seems to have a passy/duelly DM profile based on my singular watch
And breathe…I always feel just a bit better after reading your pieces Billy. Thanks. 1 thing I was thinking: do you think with possible additions of Zubimimendi and a Sesko(?) that Arteta is contemplating a shift to 4-2-3-1? Pairing Rice and Zubi as twin 6’s the MØ8 flanked by wide forwards left and right and an out an out no 9 up front?
I think that's possible, yes. My very first thought after that Zubi report was this, my fave configuration of the last couple of years:
https://bsky.app/profile/billycarpy.bsky.social/post/3lfpdkmz4h222
It sets up Saka/Martinelli to be heavy-output, puts Havertz in his best spot, and allows Rice/Zubimendi to cook.
Thanks for another thought provoking piece. I am giving myself over to the soccer gods and trying not to hope for anything this season. It’s the hope that kills you, right? The points gap in the league seems like a huge gaping maw at this point. January signings feel elusive. I’m just taking each match as it comes for the boys. The women’s side was a nice bright spot this weekend at least!
❤️
Man, I don’t think there’s any other writer that manages to structure all my swirling thoughts better.
As always, incredible work Billy. Just a pleasure to be able to read your work regularly and glad you’re a gooner
What a great article! Thank you!
What source do you use for "Status of sides" part (picture with xg created from each third - left, middle, right)?
That’s pulled from Wyscout
Rice is a physical monster. Perfect for big champions league nights. Top 6 clashes away from home etc. He's like an anti-flat track bully. However his frankly terrible passing is a complete liability against any side we expect to dominate. He can't break the lines. He's can't hit teammates who are in on goal. That's sort of fine at 8 where his job is to steal the ball high up the pitch but playing him at 6 is often a ball progression disaster. I know you love him, but I'm surprised you never mention this. Even the clip of him here shows him knocking it miles ahead of Trossard who is in absolute acres. Jorginho and Partey are both so good at this that it's painful to watch.
I'd be interested in your thoughts.
Did Morten Hjulmand ever come up in any of your searches? Was just reading a scouted article and it reminded me of him (every time I read Maurits Kjaergaard, I thought it was Hjulmand lol), he seemed vaguely good in the sporting match. And seems to have a passy/duelly DM profile based on my singular watch