Let’s take a step back and see what we can learn from the challenging, maddening, and thrilling start to the campaign: tactics, vulnerabilities, growth areas — and where to go from here
Fantastic as always, Billy. To quote Johan Cruijff, “every disadvantage has its own advantage.” The sending off against MC simplified things for Arteta in that the team could focus on defending in the low block, and the versatility of the players in that half really showed. It is a testament to Arteta’s quality as a coach and Edu’s skill in building the squad. Seemed like, with the exceptions of Gabriel and Saliba, as people tired, each defender played multiple roles, from Timber moving from R to L, to Kiwior playing CB and LB and White playing CB and RB. When the buildup gets solved, the team will really be a sight to see.
It somewhat shows that while you were gone, my timelines are very polarized on what we should’ve gone with in each game; it also somewhat forced me to actually learn to identify the tactical patterns myself.
I always learn so much from these posts. It’s the tiny things. Hadn’t noticed Saka checking with Arteta if he should push forward despite his instincts, or Calafiori seeing all that space and telling Saliba where he wanted the ball after he’d finished cirumnavigating Haaland. Superb analysis of the details - I always look forward to reading them.
I always learn so much from your posts and I always feel like I understand the game a bit more after coming out of each one. This one was no different.
Kai covering for Benny B shows the benefit of being real world 'dog-friends'/neighbours. They've got each other's backs. I absolutely love that about this team. Thank you for a genuinely insightful and brilliant read.
Fantastic as always, Billy. To quote Johan Cruijff, “every disadvantage has its own advantage.” The sending off against MC simplified things for Arteta in that the team could focus on defending in the low block, and the versatility of the players in that half really showed. It is a testament to Arteta’s quality as a coach and Edu’s skill in building the squad. Seemed like, with the exceptions of Gabriel and Saliba, as people tired, each defender played multiple roles, from Timber moving from R to L, to Kiwior playing CB and LB and White playing CB and RB. When the buildup gets solved, the team will really be a sight to see.
Yep. All eyes on build-up.
It somewhat shows that while you were gone, my timelines are very polarized on what we should’ve gone with in each game; it also somewhat forced me to actually learn to identify the tactical patterns myself.
Never leave us like that again, Carpenter.
I always learn so much from these posts. It’s the tiny things. Hadn’t noticed Saka checking with Arteta if he should push forward despite his instincts, or Calafiori seeing all that space and telling Saliba where he wanted the ball after he’d finished cirumnavigating Haaland. Superb analysis of the details - I always look forward to reading them.
I always learn so much from your posts and I always feel like I understand the game a bit more after coming out of each one. This one was no different.
I really appreciate that, Syeed. ❤️
Kai covering for Benny B shows the benefit of being real world 'dog-friends'/neighbours. They've got each other's backs. I absolutely love that about this team. Thank you for a genuinely insightful and brilliant read.
DOGS
Damn, dude. This is amazing. Ty
❤️
I’ve started listening to the transcript of these articles on the Substack app. Now, in my head, Billy has a deep American accent.