If The Arsenal make it through the Champions League qualifying matches they are guaranteed to play 48 matches of competitive football this season. Reasonable form and a bit of luck with Cup draws would see that up to about 54 games. That’s a lot of football – and when every game matters and is keenly contested it puts a lot of pressure on the squad.
At times matches come thick and fast: August alone is pretty congested.
Charity Shield against City.
Crystal Palace (h).
CL Qualifier.
Everton (A).
CL Qualifier.
Leicester (A).
Six games in three weeks, all of them important and one involving a trip overseas.
There will be time enough to analyse each of those games, but for now I think it’s fair to suggest it’s unlikely the same players will feature each time, as tactical requirements, injuries, possible suspensions and simple rotation will all play their part in selection, as indeed will be the current form of each player. Substitutions, both tactical and forced will also come into play, so as we are constantly reminded (when pundits want to put us down) squad depth is as important as the starting XI if realistic title challenges are to be considered. If you were setting the spread on the amount of players who’d kick a ball in anger in those August matches you’d probably set it 15 to 17 -and I think I’d be a buyer in that market.
Which is why all the talk about who’ll make the best XI, while a great topic over a couple of pints, ever so slightly misses the point.
There is more than a hint of hypocrisy in the air too, as many who spent last season saying that Arsenal had no chance of winning the title because of lack of depth and the unwillingness of the manager to rotate are now only too ready to consign Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla to the scrap heap.
Jack interests me because his situation can be used both ways by the Arsenal haters outside the club and the Arsene haters among the fan base. This is how it goes: “when we sign (let’s say Khedira for argument’s sake) Jack won’t make the team, and this proves he isn’t really top quality and this is because he was over-rated by AW, or not developed by AW, or AW has caused him to have so many injuries.” Or, alternatively, “when we sign Khedira Jack won’t make the team and this is a classic example of a foreign manager acting against the interests of the national side.” Either way, it is Arsenal and Arsene’s fault and the disappointing thing to me is that I don’t hear this comment: “When we sign Khedira, it will be excellent because at various times during the season (and perhaps even at various times during the same match) Khedira will play alongside Jack, and he will play alongside Ramsey, and this will take the pressure of all three of them and they will benefit and learn from each other. “ How many games is it realistic to hope a player starts in – 30, 35, 40? Not much more than that I think, and there will be plenty of opportunity for Jack and Aaron whoever else is signed.
The role of the substitute in the modern game is also interesting, and is worth a brief mention. I am guessing that statistics suggest that the optimum time for a tactical substitution is around 65 minutes on the basis that there is less time for injuries across the field to occur (at least one player needs to be kept for emergency) but enough time for the substitution to have an effect on the course of the game. If used efficiently it can either give a sense of the cavalry coming to relieve a beleaguered situation or of a coup de grace being delivered when the opposition has been softened up and just needs to be dispatched with a killer blow. Both of these scenarios were in evidence in the recent Cup Final, and it almost felt like bullying when Jack and Tomas injected match-winning pace in the closing stages.
I am not suggesting players be only used as substitutes because few would be happy with just that role, but do feel that any talk of squad composition should bear substitutions in mind. A clever manager will make his players very aware of why they are on the bench and will have rehearsed the various scenarios when they might be called upon to make a contribution. I like the thought of a fully fit Podolski coming on with 20 minutes to go, scoring a goal, starting the next match and then perhaps making way for Campbell after 65 minutes. It is never as simple as that of course but it illustrates a general point.
There was dismay among the Twitter ranks yesterday as various speculations became hard fact among the doubters.
First of all came the news that Thomas Eisfeld had left the club to join Fulham, and this was seen by many as an act of gross stupidity on behalf of the club. Despite not many having seen him play that much, he had become a something of a fan’s favourite, and he did have a magnificent match against Reading in the astonishing game two seasons ago. But he was older than many thought (21) and was increasingly unlikely to make a breakthrough into our first team. I suspect it will be a good move for him and for Fulham and I hope it works out.
Hot on the heels came an article by John Cross in which he speculated that both Wilshere and Diaby could play a holding role and that therefore the search for another midfielder was not absolutely essential. Of course any mention of Diaby is likely to get certain supporters incensed (I always see him as human litmus paper, there to reveal a fan’s true allegiance – the acid test, if you like), but I was a little disappointed to see so many come out so strongly against Jack, especially as some had been railing against the decision to transfer Eisfeld only hours earlier. And so mischievously I thought of the following scenario, which while unlikely has some logic behind it, and wondered what the reaction would be.
Liverpool are in the process of building a new side, and under Brendan Rodgers are very much a work in progress. It is no doubt heresy to say this on an Arsenal blog, but I think he is a good manager and it amuses me that my local club, Reading FC, let him go because they simply didn’t understand what he was trying to do. Rodgers knows he will need to replace Gerrard soon (and England need to replace him immediately). Fuelled by paper talk and awareness of fan disaffection expressed through social media he senses that Wilshere would be willing to leave Arsenal and take over that holding role at Anfield. And if that were to happen, would the Arsenal fans still be saying that Wilshere couldn’t play anymore, or that he needed to do this or that if he were ever to play the deeper role, or would they realise that they had yet again contributed to a great player deciding to leave The Emirates behind ?
You see, Jack is good enough to play in a variety of midfield roles, just as all of our players are: of course he could be a DM, or a B2B, or an AM, or a WM, or a faux 9, because he regularly takes up all of those positions, and several more besides that as yet haven’t been given names, in most of the games he plays. It is The Arsenal way for players to switch positions, and that is one of the joys of following the team.
So with regard to transfers I think we are in the privileged position of not needing to sign anyone new (apart from a reserve GK), because with even average luck with injuries we have enough players to rotate successfully throughout the whole 54 game season. But we also have the money (quite a lot of money, actually) to be able to add to that highly-talented squad should the right top quality players become available. And if we do add a Pogba or a Cavani, then who knows we might just be looking at a 60 game season, which would see all of our very best players more than happily occupied, and perhaps even bring a smile to those fans who apparently have already forgotten we have signed Alexis Sanchez.
Today’s piece was by @foreverheady .Thanks Tim.
Positively Arsenal 
I beggars belief that people are so stupid as to regurgitate that absolute shit,
Where is Hunter when you need him?
LikeLike
George, Wenger wants his players to play the Arsenal way and the Arsenal way only. He does not change his tactics, formations and systems depending on the game. Wenger himself has said we do not worry about the opposition and would rather impose our own game on them. Fabregas himself said the players did not take part in any tactical training (playing in different formations, systems etc) and only practised playing the Arsenal way.
LikeLike
Whilst clearly it is right to revere those coaches at the pinnacle of the game I was always impressed with Arry’s admission regarding the improvement in his defective Russian striker’s form
” I told him to run round more”
LikeLike
“Arsène Wenger says the age of the specialist defensive midfielder is over.
The ‘Makelele role’ – named after the former France international, Claude – has become a staple of tactical talk and describes players who tend to eschew attacking play in favour of protecting their defence.
When Wenger sold Alex Song in the summer he was tipped by some to replace the Cameroon star with a traditional ‘holding’ player, but instead Mikel Arteta has excelled since dropping into a deeper role.
“There are no defensive midfield players at the moment,” explained Wenger.
“We try to find the defensive balance collectively. We have fewer players who are purely defenders but some are physically strong in defending like Diaby, some are tactically strong like Arteta.
“At the moment we have the balance because everybody participates, but we have fewer specialists, purely defenders. We are more versatile going forward because everyone has the potential to go forward.”
LikeLike
That is his tactics. It doesn’t mean he couldn’t do what Maureen and Puis does. Or that he couldn’t do it.
LikeLike
George, do you not understand that DM is a position? A 4-2-3-1 formation consists of a GK, RB, CB, CB, LB, RDM, LDM, RAM/RM, CAM, LAM/LM and a CF/ST (whatever you want to call the front man).
LikeLike
I understand when you start talking about “presence” you are thinking in an out dated way.
LikeLike
George, I know but that is why Wenger thinks the role is dead. It is like asking Barca whether they believe the role of a traditional CF is dead. If you asked them they probably would say yes. What is dead to one manager or team is not not dead to another manager or team. It just a matter of your philosophy and your perspective on football.
LikeLike
Again, your idea that our team would have such defined roles shows you most likely play Football Manager a lot.
LikeLike
What is so funny about the full blown WOBs is that they are bigger fans of Mourinho then the man who has built their club up. Still. After last season. When he won fuck all! After spending some farking money. Let us recall:
Not recalling Coutois when he was clearly less error prone and just better.
Letting Lukaku go and moaning like a drain that he had no strikers when he had three.
Playing Mendes’ bitch Willian over Schurle.
Being a dick.
Spending a lot and winning fuck all.
Not forgetting he was hounded out of Madrid. By the players. For being a dick.
Not forgetting that everyone in Italy and Spain thinks that he is a dick. (Their words, not mine!).
Not forgetting that managers like the Costa Rican manager can get teams parking and playing well at the same time (less cowardly). Using lesser players. Because he is not a dick. In fact he out tika-tacticed LVG too. How do you like them apples?
Yet still the Groaners dream of sucking the dick’s dick.
LikeLike
So why would you expect Arsene to buy a player that doesn’t meet his philosophy?
LikeLike
George, I’m 19 mate. 😀
I believe that there is no right way to play football. What is old to one manager is new to another and vice versa. Presence is very important. Patrick V had it, Yaya has etc. Presence is what allows you to win the midfield battle.
LikeLike
I didn’t say our team would or plays with defined positions. I just use these terms to allow me to quickly tell you what mean when I talk about certain players.
LikeLike
Geroge, when did I say I want Wenger to buy a player that goes against is philosophy? A destroyer does go against his philosophy but a volante, regista and a box to box mid doesn’t.
LikeLike
Certain players and what we need*
LikeLike
Schweiny started out as some kind of attacking wide forward/midfielder…
LikeLike
Ideally what we want is someone like Khedira or Bender. Someone who can attack and defend while giving us some steel in midfield.
LikeLike
Finsbury, I am not a fan of Mourinho. I hate the guy but he is a good coach. Do I want Wenger to be like him no. I just want Wenger to sign a top quality midfielder for the DM position who can defend and attack who has strength so we do not get bullied in midfield. It is pretty simple.
LikeLike
A midfielder who can cope with attacking, defending and all those tricky bits in between ?
Yeah that sounds like a Wenger sort of player
LikeLike
I am pretty sure Wenger has never won a match against Mourinho? Maybe it is because Mourinho plans for the games against us, changes personnel, tactics etc.
Tacticians have figured out the Arsenal way and will find ways to exploit it. A change from a possession based game to a more direct attacking fast style is on order in my op.
LikeLike
Anicoll, those sort of midfielders are out there. There are loads but the quality ones needed to push us on will cost a premium. Players like Vidal, Khedira which can push us to the next level. If Yaya was younger I would happily pay £50 million + for him as I am certain he would take us to the next level. Bring in Khedira and another CB and we will most likely won the EPL and come close to winning the CL. Don’t and it is a lot harder to win the league and get far in the CL.
LikeLike
Well that’s an interesting point Jason
But it strikes me if Jose was SO good at planning, changing personnel and tactics he is hardly likely to have finished last season with nil trophies
And the club who sacked him then, inconveniently for Jose, snatch the Champions League
Bloke is clearly a genius
Dyaseecomrade ?
LikeLike
To be fair to Mourinho it was his first season back at Chelsea. He couldn’t make the squad his own. He has done that now so I would judge him this season.
LikeLike
Jason: I think your comments are really interesting and will respond when I have a bit more time. Thanks for writing in such a reasoned and knowledgeable way.
LikeLike
I might edit that Tim.
LikeLike
If we are being fair to Mourinho in relation to the difficulty of a manager’s first season at the club clearly we shall have to recognise that his final year in Madrid was in charge of very much his own squad
Who won nothing
And from the reports made public the players loathed Jose
LikeLike
Agreed, he was a failure at Real but at Chelsea (in his second spell as manager)? Not yet. If he wins nothing year then yes but not at the moment.
LikeLike
he is Tony Pulis on a big budget.
Roman and Mansour would have given anything to get Arsene.
LikeLike
To be fair playing Pepe in midfield raised some eyebrows around the world.
Shame it didn’t work!
If I’d spent a cool billion on the squad can’t say if be impressed either.
LikeLike
I am not a man who would describe a manager who was unsuccessful in lifting a trophy as a failure Jason
But then I am not Roman
And I never sneered at a fellow manager on the eve of their 1,000s game that they were a “specialist in failure”
We shall see
LikeLike
Tony Poolis, like the Costa Rica manager,would probably do a better job on the same budget.
They’d also show more flexibility in who they sign, players that aren’t signed to Mendes! LOL! I love the smell of coffee…
LikeLike
George, he plays like him but he is not like him. Mourinho a good manager shown by what he has won. Don’t you think managers like Big Sam and Pulis would have managed top clubs if they were top managers.
LikeLike
I doubt Jose would have had the front to take on a doomed Crystal Palace as Pulis did
Didn’t they beat Chelsea ?
LikeLike
With Mourinho’s huge resources and financial backing he should be winning things. Perhaps that is Roman expects the best, because he gives his managers the resources to be the best?
LikeLike
Yes a manager with the planning expertise of Jose, able to change personnel and tactics you might think would overcome Palace
Apparently not though
LikeLike
Playing Chamack in a tennish role, Poolis showed more flexibility and innovation, adapting to the squad he had last season then we have ever seen from the special one.
–
Crystal Palace: The BFG won’t be ready which is a worry.
And Bolasie ended the season in scorching form. A tough debut for Debuchy I imagine.
Looking forward to the game.
LikeLike
Regardless of a teams players and financial backing you still need a manager who is good enough to to use the players and money to win things. Just look at Moyes. Now that United squad isn’t the best it is good enough to get in the top four or at least come close. Moyes was miles off. If Mourinho, Wenger, Van Gaal etc, were in charge of that squad, United would have finished in the top four last season or at least come very close to doing so.
LikeLike
Fat Sam has shown more courage in his career then the boring one:
Jay Jay! Thank you oh great Walrus for the memories.
Djourkieff!
Kevin Davies!
Not to mention his out tika tacticing of poor old Maureen last season. That press conference was hilarious.
LikeLike
Every big team loses games against smaller ones. We have, City have even United have under Ferguson. You have to judge a manager based on where he ends up in all competitions. Then over a few seasons you can decide whether he has over achieved or under achieved.
LikeLike
I think it is better to judge a manager on how many big games he has won as opposed to how many times he has lost against weaker teams. Mourinho’s record against the big team is pretty good.
LikeLike
i like you jason, but you need to present your idea better and less confusing. you talk of makalele and you also talk of presence. makalele may be you traditional DM but he hadly has the presence. he is not bigger than flamini. and i may remind you that flamini played the DM all alone in 2007/8 creditably. its more of ability than presence. i bet many arsenal fans wanted wenger to buy capoue because he has the presence.
fabregas said a lot of shit just to warm himself into the heart of barca fans. but the rest is history. the fact that you dont change you style doesnt mean you dont do tactics. does barca do tactics? do they change their style because of the opposition? does guadiola do tactics? is he a great coach? do germany under low do tactics? does tony pulis do tactics better than guadiola?
you see, arsene does tactics but not at the expence of good football.
LikeLike
LVG couldn’t get that squad in the CL.
Jose has not won a single domestic honour, in any league ,without massively outspending his rivals.
LikeLike
I haven’t mentioned Makele once. Sometimes man needs to compromise on his philosophy and morals for the greater good. Wenger didn’t do that last season in the big games.
Van Gaal would have in my opinion. Look how far he got Holland on the WC with only 2/3 good players and 20/21 average players.
LikeLike
If you gave Pulis Mourinho’s job back when he first managed Chelsea would he had won what Mourinho did with the same funds and players available? I doubt it. There is a reason why Pulis hasn’t managed at the highest level
LikeLike
He might have if he had fluked a CL win with Porto and been given the chance
LikeLike
One thing has become clear upon the internet.
People who think AW doesn’t do tactics have shown themselves to be incapable of observing the tweaks that we can all see upon the pitch from game to game.
People who go onto Arsenal supporting blogs where people like to chat footy and write that “AW doesn’t do tactics” will get laughed off the park.
People who go onto Arsenal supporting blogs where people like to chat footy and write that “AW doesn’t do tactics” and support Mourinho will not retain any credibility. Just like Mourinho has no credibility in Spain, Italy etc. not to mention the infamous case of the “Golden Whistle” etc. in fact the only place he has any credibility is at Newscorp and amongst the Heil fans at Stamford bridge. Which is an intriguing observation.
LikeLike
“Wenger didn’t do that last season in the big games.”
What are we to make of this? Simply dishonest or disingenuous or stupid?
Fenerbache Away was big game make no doubt about it.
Dortmund Away? Whoops. Doesn’t fit the narrative. Quick! Where’s the airbrush.
Liverpool at Home in the cup and league? Quick, Airbrush!
Chelsea at Home saved by Dean, not even a question about it. A game where AW clearly out parked Jose and hit him on the counter. This game never happened. I didn’t see it. It wasn’t me!
Completely and utterly uncredible.
LikeLike
now you said something every stupid fans say. wenger hasnt beaten moreen. when does that becomes a criterion for knowing good coaches? he may be obsessed with beating wenger but wenger is obsessed about good football.
LikeLike
Finsbury, are you forgetting the Everton, Chelsea and Liverpool beatings? City game? Everton game?
We could have won the league if we got two wins and a draw or three wins?
LikeLike
Anyway, I’m done. I’ve run out of time. Only really wanted to make a one off current. Bye fellow gooners. 🙂
LikeLike