How Jurriën Timber's subtle but obvious genius for positioning has changed Arsenal; how build-up has improved the attack; some light critiques; Ø's return; quick restarts; Merino's running; and more
A great article. There’s so much to be excited about. If the team can go on a run during the festive period, maybe that point gap at the top starts to look more manageable. 🤞 Tomorrow’s match will hopefully be more of what we saw at Sporting. COYG!
A very (nice) article, Billy. Lot of great possibilities for the new name, but a few stand out. I think you’ll get no complaints if it just becomes Billy’s BBQ because we all know who’s doing the grilling here. But could also go with Garlick Sauce. Kroenke Panky. Gooner Grill.
Anyway, another wonderful article, as always. I have been shocked at how effective Timber has been. During Sporting, in particular, I kept thinking that Ben White is in trouble. Timber was everywhere, and what surprised me most was his pace. He is rapid. Wouldn’t know he came in technically as a CB because he is rapid. Between that and his vision and intelligence, easy to see why you think he would be a sneaky superstar.
Might be a good subject of an article. Saka definitely, and Nwaneri has that potential -- where you're equally worried about him doing all three. I see Ødegaard's threat to be disproportionately about passing/movement; the dribbling/shooting threat is in specific situations. Not a diss. Peak Sterling was all three
That makes sense. Would love to read an article where you expand on these thoughts. I'm curious to see how you think our attackers compliment each other within this model and where you think we can improve (some of this stuff you've covered before.)
One observation against Forest: Trossard coming over from LW to become part of the RW pod with Odegaard and Saka during spells of settled possession. A surfeit of small space extraordinaires!
Against Sporting, Martinelli didn't venture to the RW but Rice did. I can't break this down to the level you usually do but if you also agree it's a trend, I would love to hear your take on it next time!
I think the players have a lot of freedom to do what they think is right, especially as the rest defending gets more solid and depth improves. With Martinelli, I like when he does big, horizontal dribbles across zones -- from left through the middle. Then he can arrive in unexpected positions and do 1-2s, and even poach a little bit.
A great article. There’s so much to be excited about. If the team can go on a run during the festive period, maybe that point gap at the top starts to look more manageable. 🤞 Tomorrow’s match will hopefully be more of what we saw at Sporting. COYG!
...and it was!
We back baby (at least for now)
Wonderful as always. Appreciate you
Appreciate you.
A very (nice) article, Billy. Lot of great possibilities for the new name, but a few stand out. I think you’ll get no complaints if it just becomes Billy’s BBQ because we all know who’s doing the grilling here. But could also go with Garlick Sauce. Kroenke Panky. Gooner Grill.
Anyway, another wonderful article, as always. I have been shocked at how effective Timber has been. During Sporting, in particular, I kept thinking that Ben White is in trouble. Timber was everywhere, and what surprised me most was his pace. He is rapid. Wouldn’t know he came in technically as a CB because he is rapid. Between that and his vision and intelligence, easy to see why you think he would be a sneaky superstar.
Ooo, Garlick Sauce is good.
Timber is quite something - he's built like a rugby player, gets the systems and just has that chaos factor in the final third
great analysis - thanks!
His play-style is the reverse mullet: business in the back, party in the front.
A Flock of Seagulls, if you will
What are your thoughts on our attackers and the triple threat model? I see Saka, Odegaard, and Nwaneri as triple threats. The others not so much.
Might be a good subject of an article. Saka definitely, and Nwaneri has that potential -- where you're equally worried about him doing all three. I see Ødegaard's threat to be disproportionately about passing/movement; the dribbling/shooting threat is in specific situations. Not a diss. Peak Sterling was all three
That makes sense. Would love to read an article where you expand on these thoughts. I'm curious to see how you think our attackers compliment each other within this model and where you think we can improve (some of this stuff you've covered before.)
Saka is our best player, but Ø is our most important one. Saka kills games, Ø makes us us.
This is absolutely superb Billy! Your forensic analysis of tactics is next level. Sky and MotD pundits move over! Just love this
Thank you so much, Ben!
More amazing content; thank you!
One observation against Forest: Trossard coming over from LW to become part of the RW pod with Odegaard and Saka during spells of settled possession. A surfeit of small space extraordinaires!
Against Sporting, Martinelli didn't venture to the RW but Rice did. I can't break this down to the level you usually do but if you also agree it's a trend, I would love to hear your take on it next time!
I think the players have a lot of freedom to do what they think is right, especially as the rest defending gets more solid and depth improves. With Martinelli, I like when he does big, horizontal dribbles across zones -- from left through the middle. Then he can arrive in unexpected positions and do 1-2s, and even poach a little bit.