Well that looked both much more solid and energetic/inventive. It was just a friendly of course, but we could all see that the boys meant business today.
Eight Observations
- I noticed how deep Declan played on my tiny phone screen and how advanced Zubi was for large parts of the game. This may be the balancing act we were waiting for: Rice just in front of the CBs dictating play and Zubi keeping the high press tight higher up. Of course they will interchange at times as they have similar skills, but Declan looked better today than in any preseason games before.
- I thought Arsenal were much more balanced today, with the left flank much more involved. Calafiori was good support for Martinelli, and Rice and Zubi were also effective on the left. Madueke offered real freshness and thrust when he came on, and he was unlucky not to get an assist when for example Gyokeres headed onto the post.
- Timber is a versatile player who has got just such a great presence and energy. Keeping him fit will be a big challenge but if he and Calafiori can have a largely injury-free season then we are up for something great on the flanks, especially with the more than excellent backup FBs.
- Gyokeres is a CF alright! excellent movement and involvement in the wider game. He offers thar extra movement and passing option in the centre, and we have been missing this. There is also a wonderful directness about him when he gets a chance.
- Talking about directness, i loved the quick balls over the top when we regained the ball in midfield or even deeper. Two goals came from this today, and the excellent Bukayo and bionic Kai will feel good for getting on the score sheet. I hope this is a structural change for the new season.
- Odegaard tried as hard as ever, and gets a 10 for effort. We just need more end product. It’s great that Nwaneri is now his backup, and Martin will have his work cut out to stay ahead of him.
- It was great to have Big Gab back and what a difference he makes. But I was also impressed with our new Spanish beast of a CB, Mosquero. What a presence this guy has, and I never felt we had become weaker in defence after he replaced the Brazilian. Early days but this is promising.
- The biggest plus is that we did not just start with 11 top players but were also able to bring on real quality players when substitutions took place. I cannot remember a stronger bench in 30 years of following the mighty Arsenal. Do you? Any other observations?
By TotalArsenal
Bergkampesque 
Fine observations, Total.
On your last point: this was a pretty strong bench: Almunia, Reyes, Flamini, Bergkamp, Van Persie,
Senderos, Clichy.
Can anyone guess what the match was?
Could that be the CL final v the Catalans? Just two defenders…
You’re on song, Total. Denis was at the end of his tenure, and Robin at the beginning of his. Barca had Iniesta on the bench and a young Messi just missed out. A few of us watched the match at my place, including the Principal of the High School which employed me. She is a Gooner and took the morning off her duties.
Valid and solid observations, as always.
I’m driving, so I have to make it short, but I think #3 is the crucial point here.
If we can make the Raya, Timber-Saliba-Gabriel-Calafiori, Zubimendi sextette available for the majority of the season, then we have a cover at the back unmatched not only in the PL, but maybe even Arsenal histoy.
The attacking 5 has a lot more alternatives and scenarios; I hope Mikel will be able and willing to adapt to the opposition.
Hey TA, Stu,
Great observations. Was outside the Emirates yesterday listening to the sold out atmosphere and my missus is intrigued by the number of Gooners what were there. She wasnt watching PL matches before, and she is good enough to be willing to have a taste of what is going on in Arsenal and feeling Arsenal.
For the game, the lads were starting to gel and get back to speed, and after coming back from 2 hot and humid Asian countries it might have helped them with the high levels of fitness needed in the PL.
Looking forward to the opener next weekend.
Cheers,
JK
See you in a bit, 84. 🙂
Where are you driving to, PB?
I got a cooking course subscription from my sister for my birthday (46). The topic was Mexican seafood, and it was an excellent 3-hours program.
It’s in Budapest, so it was only a 25 minutes drive, but I was already late to write a signature verbose comment.
Maybe I should be driving more often. 🙂
Belated happy birthday, PB. Mexican food in Hungary, why not. The flag colours are the same at least. 🙃
Happy birthday, PB. A short post from you is a rarity so, no, drive less my man. 😁
Good observations, Total. There I was thinking these are only for the competitive games; but the last pre-season game before our season opener probably deserves scrutiny.
Glad that you spotted Calafiori’s re-invention of the much maligned lack of balance on the left side. He was just a rampaging bull down that side and if it is on instruction, then rivals will have to be worried a bit. There are a few fans already clamouring for Madueke to replace Martinelli at OT; probably the same fans who lagged off the manager for paying “over the odds for a Chelsea reject”. I don’t think Arteta will drop Martinelli for Madueke though; certainly not in the first phase of the season. He won’t replace the hard running and defensive acumen Martinelli provides and looks off the pace a bit. With time, he may just make that side his own if Martinelli doesn’t improve on his obvious flaws.
Another observation I made is that we probably need to seek to score first in most games. It may be the trick to force the low block teams to come out of their shells. It is when we go on for long without scoring that such teams seem to frustrate us and force us into hurried actions.
As for the strength in depth we appear to have now, with everyone fit, I am not sure any other team boasts the riches of equal strength we have waiting to come on. However, I am not too sure it is the best we have ever been.
Chelsea also do have a formidable bench going into this new season, to be fair….
Happy birthday, PB. Get yourself a chauffeur, mate. And a car with tinted windows, so nothing distracts you from the composing of lengthy missives. A superfluity of verbosity is no crime when it comes to all things Arsenal.
You are not wrong, Eris. Chel$ki must have the longest and most expensive bench in football history.
Have a fine time with J, Total. Perhaps the two of you could come up with a preview for the gunfight at the Old Toilet?
Lovely to see Palace rip up the pundits expectations again.
BTW, our Kerikeri ladies won 7-0 yesterday (I knew ya’all would be awaiting that result).
Great result by the ladies. You must be chuffed.
I was rooting for Palace to get the win and knock a bit of the stuffing out of this Liverpool side. But then, now they would just go on and pay whatever to acquire Alexander Isak.
Stay blessed Padre.
Thanks Eris. Celebrated my mums 85th this evening with Honey Duck stir fry and Kapiti Triple Chocolate Ice cream. Three blessings in one.
Palace looked good for the win, tho’ Eze had a quiet game. Perhaps his mind is elsewhere? What do you think of him?
New Post.