I think Arteta came into the match fully intent on playing for the draw. You can argue about their injury list (Saka, White, Odegaard not starting, etc.) but it was clear from their lineup (3 DMs, 4 CBs) that they really had no intent of moving forward but instead would soak up pressure and look for the counter opportunity in the same way that Bournemouth and Newcastle did. The difference was that both of those clubs didn't just wait on that opportunity, but attempted to dictate play themselves. I'm as confused as you are and, yet, it all seems so typically Arteta.
I think it was 'draw and if we get one from a set play, fantastic'. Which isn't a terrible strategy given their strengths! But his gamble failed and it increases the pressure. You'd think they'll probably beat Forest at home next, but then it's City at home and Newcastle away.
I've just been listening to The Anfield Wrap. John Gibbons said he was with some Arsenal fans when the team news dropped and their hearts sank at the sight of the three DMs! Arteta is testing their patience...
Arteta's tactical decisions made sense given the context. If Dom doesn't produce a moment of magic, his tactics would have yielded a point away at Anfield & no one would be talking about this.
The context? First, away to the Champions at Anfield should prompt some tactical conservatism. Second, injuries mean you're without a third of last season's goal production, your 2 best chance creators & your best center back. Third, just like us, they are still integrating some vital new pieces (Gyokeres, Madueke, Zubimendi & Eze) critical to a high-functioning attack.
The worst-case scenario feels greater than the best-case scenario if he took more risks in this match given the above 3 factors. If risks get punished and lose by multiple goals, it could damage confidence & have a lasting effect. If risks get rewarded, they have a 2-point advantage going into September. Given the 3 factors above, it seems like this was Arteta embracing the "big picture", realizing that a 1-0 loss isn't that big of a deal. P.S. Neville is such a tool.
That's fair. Only thing I'd add - Arteta seems determined to bring big games down to small margins. They won't all break in his team's favour, it's not possible. But yeah, they were very close to getting the result they came for.
Totally agree on both points ... I do think their additions will help them exploit those margins
Zubimendi, once settled, should mean that Odegaard can stay between the lines more (vs. dropping deep) and that Rice can "cheat" more frequently to join the attack
Eze is a more threatening weapon at LF than Martinelli or Trossard
The jury is out on Gyokeres but, having an established 9 has got to produce more than their reliance on Havertz as a false 9
Lastly, they have real depth now that can create a goal threat as a substitute if they are tied or behind ... Havertz, Madueke, Merino
Agreed. I was surprised to see they extended Trossard's contract recently. given he's nearly 31 and on £90k a week. Perhaps they expected Martinelli to leave.
I think Arteta came into the match fully intent on playing for the draw. You can argue about their injury list (Saka, White, Odegaard not starting, etc.) but it was clear from their lineup (3 DMs, 4 CBs) that they really had no intent of moving forward but instead would soak up pressure and look for the counter opportunity in the same way that Bournemouth and Newcastle did. The difference was that both of those clubs didn't just wait on that opportunity, but attempted to dictate play themselves. I'm as confused as you are and, yet, it all seems so typically Arteta.
I think it was 'draw and if we get one from a set play, fantastic'. Which isn't a terrible strategy given their strengths! But his gamble failed and it increases the pressure. You'd think they'll probably beat Forest at home next, but then it's City at home and Newcastle away.
I've just been listening to The Anfield Wrap. John Gibbons said he was with some Arsenal fans when the team news dropped and their hearts sank at the sight of the three DMs! Arteta is testing their patience...
Arteta's tactical decisions made sense given the context. If Dom doesn't produce a moment of magic, his tactics would have yielded a point away at Anfield & no one would be talking about this.
The context? First, away to the Champions at Anfield should prompt some tactical conservatism. Second, injuries mean you're without a third of last season's goal production, your 2 best chance creators & your best center back. Third, just like us, they are still integrating some vital new pieces (Gyokeres, Madueke, Zubimendi & Eze) critical to a high-functioning attack.
The worst-case scenario feels greater than the best-case scenario if he took more risks in this match given the above 3 factors. If risks get punished and lose by multiple goals, it could damage confidence & have a lasting effect. If risks get rewarded, they have a 2-point advantage going into September. Given the 3 factors above, it seems like this was Arteta embracing the "big picture", realizing that a 1-0 loss isn't that big of a deal. P.S. Neville is such a tool.
That's fair. Only thing I'd add - Arteta seems determined to bring big games down to small margins. They won't all break in his team's favour, it's not possible. But yeah, they were very close to getting the result they came for.
Totally agree on both points ... I do think their additions will help them exploit those margins
Zubimendi, once settled, should mean that Odegaard can stay between the lines more (vs. dropping deep) and that Rice can "cheat" more frequently to join the attack
Eze is a more threatening weapon at LF than Martinelli or Trossard
The jury is out on Gyokeres but, having an established 9 has got to produce more than their reliance on Havertz as a false 9
Lastly, they have real depth now that can create a goal threat as a substitute if they are tied or behind ... Havertz, Madueke, Merino
Agreed. I was surprised to see they extended Trossard's contract recently. given he's nearly 31 and on £90k a week. Perhaps they expected Martinelli to leave.
What made me laugh afterwards was Arteta saying that Calafiori and Timber are attacking full backs.
No. They are centre backs who are mobile enough and good enough on the ball to also play full back and not look embarrassing.
They are not attacking full backs.
Now Szoboszlai, THAT was an attacking full back.
I didn't know he said that. Come back when you've got seven men in front of the ball like Liverpool had recently, Mikel, that's attacking full-backs!!