Today is a Brucie Bonus day,Adrian Clarke has been good enough to allow us to post an article he recently wrote for BT’s Life’s a Pitch.
And we thank him very much
Also there is a tactical analysis of the reading game from our friends on the facebook page “OOOh! To Be A Gooner!!“ (more commonly known as OTBAG) by Abhishek Ghising (@A_Ghising)
First,friend of the blog and former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke
Five common Arsenal myths shot down
It doesn’t take much for Arsène Wenger and Arsenal to get a pasting these days. Seizing on the Frenchman’s failure to bring the Gunners silverware in eight frustrating seasons, a lengthy queue of angry critics can be guaranteed to appear online, on the radio, on TV and in the press, frothing and fulminating over every dropped point.
Some of the negative assessments have been fair and entirely justified, but many observations have been extremely wide of the mark. Having watched every second of Arsenal’s season so far, here are five common myths and misconceptions I’d like to put straight.
Wenger doesn’t do tactics
Inside the Emirates Stadium it’s true to say the Gunners only have eyes for themselves. How they play is all that matters. This can be their strength, but it’s also been their undoing at times when they’ve left themselves vulnerable to the qualities of certain opponents.
To claim the manager has no tactical acumen is, however, grossly unfair. In testing away conditions at Stoke, Liverpool, Manchester City, West Ham, Sunderland, Bayern Munich and Swansea, Wenger came up with sensible off-the-ball game plans that his players delivered immaculately. Highlighting the dangers, he ensured they were snuffed out and just two goals were conceded on those trips.
The Gunners don’t often stray too far away from 4-2-3-1, but this season we have seen three at the back, a more positive 4-1-4-1 at home in selected matches, and even the occasional 4-4-2. Those who say Wenger doesn’t do tactics aren’t looking closely enough.
Arsenal don’t cross the ball: they try to walk it into the net
In previous seasons there was a clear obsession with scoring the perfect goal. That’s no longer the case. In fact, they have swung over 575 Premier League crosses in 29 matches, placing them well ahead of Man City, Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool and higher than two-thirds of the division.
It’s the accuracy of those deliveries that needs to be fine-tuned. Not that it’s a problem for the rather misunderstood Lukas Podolski – a player of supreme efficiency who boasts one of the best accuracy percentages of anyone in the top flight when it comes to crossing the ball. Considering the Gunners have been accused of lacking punch in the final third, it’s amazing to think that Podolski, Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud have 57 goals between them already this term.
Per Mertesacker is a carthorse
The German has been Arsenal’s most consistent defender this season. A January dip in form exposed his lack of pace at times, and for a while his confidence and decision-making were affected, but overall he’s been a calm, intelligent presence in the heart of the Gunners back four.
Statistically he’s Arsenal’s strongest and most powerful figure, winning more duels in the air and on the ground than anyone else, and he’s also the most secure, conceding one foul every three (yes, three) matches.
Currently, Mertesacker’s partnership with a rejuvenated Laurent Koscielny is unbeaten in six Premier League outings, while contrastingly in his absence, the side has on average conceded two goals per game. Without their dominant German presence Arsenal simply aren’t as safe. He’s no donkey.
Giroud isn’t good enough
Comparing Giroud with the not-so-dearly-departed Robin van Persie is unfair. Not only are they two men at very different stages of their careers, but they also have completely contrasting styles. The French striker is raw and is in no way the finished article, but he’s not the useless hitman some would have you believe. He’s a player with spunk and spirit, he creates chances, and in all competitions he has 15 goals to his name.
He’s good enough. And if he’s competing with another top-class striker for a first-team spot next season, I feel his game will develop enormously.
Arsenal don’t have balls
When you recall the disappointing displays against the best sides this season – Manchester United, Man City, Chelsea and Tottenham – it’s easy for people to question the character of the players. “They’re not up to it,” they say. With the exception of André Villas-Boas’ Spurs, with all due respect Arsenal should be behind the top three clubs, given their spending levels. I’d put those poor performances down to quality rather than attitude, so it’s nothing that a bit of summer investment can’t fix.
I also say this safe in the knowledge that nobody in the Premier League has conceded fewer goals away from home, and that no one has scored more goals in the final 10 minutes of matches than Arsenal all season.
Myths and misconceptions – there have been a few
AND
Arsenal vs Reading-A Tactical Analysis
In a must win game against Reading at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal produced a masterclass in attacking football that destroyed the Royals and ensured a thumping win for the Gunners.
The win has helped the Gunners to remain within touching distance of the top 4 spot which, now, is the main priority for the season.
Let us examine some areas where the game was won
1. The midfield: If there was ever a display of good, attacking, dynamic midfield play, this was it. From the very outset, it was clear that the Arsenal midfielders were constantly changing their areas of influence to make marking difficult for the opposition defenders.
Santi Cazorla started on the left flank, and switched positions effortlessly with Tomas Rosicky who was playing behind the target-man Olivier Giroud. On the other flank, Gervinho and Ramsey were doing the same. As the game wore on, all 4 players were taking up dynamic positions in the midfield which stretched the Reading defence. The wide players drifted towards the centre taking a defender along, which opened up space behind them. The central midfielders thus found lots of room on the flanks from where they could attack the opposition goal.
Mikel Arteta did a wonderful job of shielding the Arsenal back four, even joining in attack whenever he got an opportunity. He completed a game best 99 passes.
This game probably saw a prototype of the style of play Arsene Wenger wants his team to play. The Gunners were pressing the opposition high up the pitch which caused the Reading players to give the ball away cheaply, time and again. Special mention must be made of Aaron Ramsey who was instrumental in setting up the attack. He made a telling 4 key passes and completely shut-out Karacan and Guthrie in the Reading midfield.
Leigertwood had a busy game for Reading and he was completely out run by Messrs Cazorla, Rosicky and Gervinho. He did, however, make a lot of interceptions but the dominance of Arsenal was such that in the end he could not influence the result. Due to the high pressing game that the Gunners employed, most of the action happened in the opposition half, in and around the D.
2. The flanks: The right flank of Arsenal was a treat to watch. Sagna, Gervinho and Ramsey tormented the left sided players of Reading. The fullback Nicky Shorey, in particular, had a torrid day, as he had no answers to the constant onslaught. With Rosicky and Cazorla also joining in, there was very little joy for Reading. The Arsenal players were allowed time and space on the ball and it was only a matter of time when the scoreline reflected this.
Interestingly, the left wing of Arsenal did not see much attacking play, with Nacho Monreal content to nullifying the Reading attackers. Robson-Kanu was the only one who looked like causing some trouble to the Arsenal defence and his fortunate goal due to a tussle with Monreal was the only highlight from Reading’s point of view.
3. Defence: Mertesacker and Koscielny had a relatively easy game and dealt with everything that Reading threw at them. Since Reading were choked of the possession, there were hardly any dangerous balls played in for the Reading striker Pogrebnyak. Mertesacker in particular marked him out of the game easily. Koscielny looked busier of the two due to his involvement in defensive duties on the left side of the defence. Most of Reading’s attacks were taking place on that flank and Koscielny did a good job of dealing with them.
That the Reading defence had to resort to last ditch blocks tells the entire story. It’s a nightmare to defend against constantly moving attackers. More so when the attackers are technically sound and do not lose possession easily. The Royal’s defence didn’t make things easier for themselves by losing the ball cheaply on quite a few occasions. Had the Arsenal attackers buried their chances more clinically, the scoreline would have been a lot more embarrassing.
The introduction of Oxlade-Chamberlain and his direct, pacy brand of football created immediate problems for Shorey and Mariappa, with the latter conceding a penalty. The defence was unsettled by the effective passing of the Arsenal midfielders, which coupled with the direct play of Gervinho/Ox became unplayable at times.
Conclusion: Even when Arsenal face better opposition than Reading, they can stick to this brand of football and reap rich rewards. Discipline is the key here; and hard work. If each and every player on the pitch works his socks off and doesn’t allow the opposition time and space with the ball, we would be getting a lot more results in our favour. We need to press high up the pitch and not allow the opposition midfielders much time and space in possession
Positively Arsenal 
Two excellent articles in one post?! We ARE being spoilt today.
Especially enjoyed Adrian’s expert analysis, putting more than a few myths to bed there.
Also found the Reading write up insightful; for me the game represented a very welcome return to playing with real confidence at home. Little sign of any ‘handbrakes’ and plenty of panache, style and flair.
It’ll be terrific if ‘Fortress Emirates’ becomes a reality this season, even this late; certainly in my view, the team deserve this.
I want my 12th man back.
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He is busy looking for his lost scapegoat.Andrew
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good day mythbusters ..i salute!
12th man…. loud and proud !
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Celebrity bloggers, now. Ooh, Ambassador…
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All good points PG, I expect by season’s end we’ll have at least 7 more busted myths to add to the collection.
Something along the lines of:
#6. Gervinho, said to be a ….., has proved to be….
#7. Aaron Ramsey, the former boy-captain of Wales has shown the world…
#8. To those who wrote off Lukas Fabianski, his re-emergence has shown that the french professor knows a thing or….
etc, etc…
Mwahahahah..hahaha
Arsene knows.
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Always read Adrian’s stuff,he’s a shining light and we’re lucky to have him,and we’re also lucky that George’s martial arts skills have enabled him to blackmail Adrian into blogging for us,in fact George has John Cross’ left thumb in a bag of peas as we speak….
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You will have Piers Morgan dancing to a Positive tune George – go get him Tiger
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Anicoll5 – suspect some causes are best left lost!!
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To quote an old slang PA is now “broader than Broadway”. Thanks to our relentlessly positive Blackburn George. Two guest posts in one and a professional pundit to boot. Underestimate George and PA at your own peril.
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If anyone has not seen it Mel has written a wonderful piece for ACLF today (the treacherous bastard that he is)
I cant comment on it there ,but is is truly marvelous.
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good news on jack!!
theo too!!
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I just hope Jacks back does not mean a change to the line up.
We have been playing better without him,
Rosicky all day every day for me.
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Would AW change a winning line-up for the sake of it? Unless he’s concerned about burn-out or injury I’d be surprised to see too many changes unless he’s got concerns about the nature of the opposition?
Yes, great piece by Mel on ACLF about one of the greatest nights in Arsenal’s history – well worth a read.
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brilliant two posts, Adrian’s one I read a few days ago and retweeted the link. Leigertwood should have been sent off and got away with murder during the reading game.
theres no need to change the line up this weekend but the two midweek games (everton and wigan) rotation will probably happen, this also means competition for the bench will be hot and will also take some thought as well as the starting line up.
apparently ARSENES news conference has been cancelled because his lost his voice hopefully that wont be catching!
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sometimes I feel like the blog equivalent to a cock blocker ill write something and then nothing happens for hours- tumbleweed
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Tell me about it.
Its an uphill struggle I must admit
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I just pretend that my comments are that clinical they end all debate and everyone agrees with me , to be honest I don’t understand why anyone would ever disagree with me………about anything !
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Whats up folks!
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Good stuff this morning.
I wonder if their is a vast difference in Quality. Apart from City with their over paid squad, I am not sure. In City I am dealing with squad depth. I think the biggest difference with the bigger teams has to do with unfamiliarity. Our Arsenal did beat a better team than any in Bayern, and did it was convincing. It was not Wenger ball but impressive none the less. Chelsea are not better than Arsenal, they were gifted two goals in the last match and in the first we went toe to toe, though we lost.
I say next season with these same players and it will be a different proposition entirely. Add by all means, but I believe in the players we currently have.
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Don’t mind me!
–
I have been wondering my puny football brain cell, and the spare (I’m no expert!), over the whole pressing thing. We have seen subtle variations every so often over the past few seasons, sometimes from game to game. But they don’t go mental every game, probably because they can’t? The Dortmund manager said recently that he tried to carry on as they had been these past two seasons but realised he had to try out a vaguely familiar half-pressing tactic thingymajobby. I guess two top level games a week makes it harder to run at full whack against other players who had the week off. Many football fans like to grumble but sports evolve, places like Loughborough Uni do exist, people eat and live differently (for better or for worse) and The Game is most definitely different to how it was in the 70’s. Players are fitter and playing against rested opponents is harder.
Arsenal have had some breathers between recent games, so it’ll be interesting to see how they carry on. Apart from the derby dip recent league form has been good, improving gradually as so many thought it would so I’m optimistic whatever they do.
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mel and demis … brilliant…invinciblog too…and my hatred for ferguson has gone up again.. why pay 25 million for a striker —- id think the 25 million are because the striker has great finishing technique/ability—- and tell him to just hit and hope …these bastards win with ricoches and delfected goals…seriously we need to humiliate them …i want to see fergie on his knees before he retires..disgraced , him his values and his principles on football..
” stick your foot through it”…” rough em up” …. ” go down at first touch inside area” ….the winner ..the multi champion…im glad i will witness their destruction in my lifetime.
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We can but hope, Hunter.
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Thoughts on goal of the month?
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/march-goal-of-the-month-vote-now
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Have not seen Frank around recently.
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http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/wengerball-does-arsenals-tiki-taka-v-reading-prove-they-have-what-it-takes-to-finish-top-4/
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a23 that’s brilliant at that speed
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Yes Fergie tells Rvp to “batter it” while Arsene tells Santi to “pass it in” the way all great players do.
Tells us quite a lot really!
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I E mailed Frank today Paul .Because I was thinking that very thing
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Watching the Spurs game, can’t make my mind up if I want them to go through (fixture pileup) or get a good stuffing (morale damaging) maybe lots of injuries is the answer
Basle look very good though
Mel… Love your Liverpool write up, I would have chosen the same game. If by some miracle any Arsenal supporters haven’t seen Fever Pitch, it’s a really good film and I can certainly relate to it
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u21s lost to Southampton after going a goal up and playing quite well Southampton’s reed the difference
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Is everything ok, George?
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What was funny is that Fergie is saying that is unfortunate that the goal against Sunderland was not awarded to RVP because it was such a good shot. That shot had no chance in the world of going in and was deflected twice. I am sure Bramble would like the stat to be removed from his name but dude needs to get real.
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I thought Basel would give the spuds a warm time.
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Definitely want both Spuds and Chavs to have as many games as possible while we focus on the EPL.
Have to say Scot Parker looking especially poor tonight even by his modest standards. Was he another one which some were suggesting should cause the Wenger Wallet to be opened?
Surely not.
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Blow wow!
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Newcastle gettin mash up.
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I ended up voting for Nacho’s goal in the competition. I think it was very well taken shot in a difficult situation as well as being a very important goal, too. Just about second for me is Santi’s against Reading. His shooting technique is quite something, eh? A perfect curler. (And props to Olivier for blocking the Reading player and creating just enough space so the ball can creep in.
I have to say I found voting in the Player of the Month competition much harder! It’s not for lack of choice, but I find it hard to elevate one player above all the others. The team has simply played fantastic stuff this month and every single player has contributed to it.
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Alas Gallas off injured …
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Bale down now – looks bad.
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bale down and in pain
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Stretchered off – last minute of the game …
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watching the replays again it looks like a twist I don’t think it will be serious
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I voted for OG for goal of the month. I think it was the most difficult shot and he took it very well. Gervs had great movement for the goal against Reading.
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you guys watching tottenham ? aha its ok..i was watching some similar pooh….pirates of the caribbean…and i think ive figured out why hunter s thompson shot himself…besides having to endure jonnie depp interpreting his persona as a caricature in gilliam’s film ( mr thompson was pretty mad at the cartoon like dimension depp brought to the character of raul duke in fear and loathing ) ..in the pirates one depp acts the same caricature style …for a hollywood blockbuster….as a pirate..with eyeliner…plus the cheesy love story of legolas and the girl … it came out in 2003…thompson pulled the trigger in 2005 …
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did they lose at least ?
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if we all had some sense we would all vote for gerv to give him confidence
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spuds 2-2 bale, lenon , and traitor bill all injured
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Bale looks pretty bad, went off on a stretcher
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apparently bale injury is not serious and will be assessed tomorrow , no break so probably only a couple of weeks
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Where is that from A or B ?
Not what I am reading .
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