Mikel Arteta: 67

[Gooner Zig]

Said it in a previous game but one of the root of our problems is the way we build out from the back into midfield.

The whole Saliba to Gabriel then back and forth, side to side or a pass to Rice/Zubi/Ødegaard which then comes back at 0-0 is nonsense. Surprised it hasn’t been looked at but I guess it comes down to his philosophy as it’s a horseshoe further back when it used to happen the opposition’s box.

A lot of it comes down to our captain who sets the tempo with risk averse passing. Ironically one of our players who is brave enough (and skilful) enough to punch the ball in between the lines + carry isn't trusted (Nwaneri). Merino isn't my cup of tea but he at least tries to make things happen and it wasn't a surprise our levels lifted when he came on for Ødegaard.

 

[RunTheTrap]

Arteta’s approach would probably be better if we just had better attackers. Our attackers aren’t elite, so when it’s not happening for us, too often we don’t have the individual talent to make something out of nothing.

True. Which is why I get annoyed when we’re linked with Gordon for a summer move. If you can't coach an elite attack, buy the best attackers and don't get in their way. However, the attackers that we currently have are better than this. 3 NPG for Saka is insane.

 

[HattoriHanzo]

Arteta’s approach would probably be better if we just had better attackers. Our attackers aren’t elite, so when it’s not happening for us, too often we don’t have the individual talent to make something out of nothing.

Any approach would be better if we have better attackers.
And we don't have them because Arteta doesn't want them.

 

[boonthegoon]

This is where he has to separate his ego from the situation and it applies to fixtures like the Inter match as well as team selection. Just do what works. If that's a deviation from what your plan is then so be it. Don't be so obsessed with winning exactly the way you envisioned it that you end up with nothing.

This is one of the things klopp did really well. He didn't care about some dead rubbers or competitions. Arteta has to learn this.

 

[HattoriHanzo]

True. Which is why I get annoyed when we’re linked with Gordon for a summer move. If you can't coach an elite attack, buy the best attackers and don't get in their way. However, the attackers that we currently have are better than this. 3 NPG for Saka is insane.

This is sackable offence.
I honestly hope that this link is fake.
You can try with Barcola, Yildiz, Leao, and you want Gordon?

3 NPG for Saka is not only Arteta's fault, it is also on Saka.

 

[RunTheTrap]

This is sackable offence.
I honestly hope that this link is fake.

You can try with Barcola, Yildiz, Leao, and you want Gordon?

Goals and assists are so 2016. Give me hard work and OOP intensity!

 

[TriniGunner]

Tough away games are about individual quality. I've seen enough football to understand that when the going gets tough away from home, you need certain players to step up and show their individual brilliance to lift the team. Our attackers are at best a 7/10 and it's instances like these where we had players like Henry, Pires, Sanchez, etc to create something out of nothing. Martinelli miss is unfortunate but given what's at stake, unforgiveable. Players are afraid to shoot the ball, losing 2nd balls after corners, not available for cutbacks and most importantly, making poor decisions that can keep our attack flowing.

 

[Legend14]

Tough away games are about individual quality. I've seen enough football to understand that when the going gets tough away from home, you need certain players to step up and show their individual brilliance to lift the team. Our attackers are at best a 7/10 and it's instances like these where we had players like Henry, Pires, Sanchez, etc to create something out of nothing. Martinelli miss is unfortunate but given what's at stake, unforgiveable. Players are afraid to shoot the ball, losing 2nd balls after corners, not available for cutbacks and most importantly, making poor decisions that can keep our attack flowing.

This is a great point, especially in regards to the effort that is required. Today, I think the lack of effort got under my skin more than anything.

Regarding individual quality, does Arteta’s system give individuals the confidence that they can attempt to show their quality and make the difference? I see players afraid to make mistakes and instead making conservative choice or passing the responsibility to someone else.

 

[Batman]

This is sackable offence.
I honestly hope that this link is fake.
You can try with Barcola, Yildiz, Leao, and you want Gordon?

3 NPG for Saka is not only Arteta's fault, it is also on Saka.

The worst part of the Gordon link from my perspective is that you know it's because he's so married to the gimmick with the LB that he would rather have someone who tracks back at left wing to allow the LB to roam than get a LW with true end product and let the defenders behind him defend to allow him to maximize his output. It's actual insanity.

It would be like letting Ashley Cole, who was quite good going forward to be fair have some kind of free role in the final third at the expense of Pires hugging the touchline and tracking back rather than expressing his superior attacking quality.

 

[HattoriHanzo]

This is a great point, especially in regards to the effort that is required. Today, I think the lack of effort got under my skin more than anything.

Regarding individual quality, does Arteta’s system give individuals the confidence that they can attempt to show their quality and make the difference? I see players afraid to make mistakes and instead making conservative choice or passing the responsibility to someone else.

It doesn't.
Arteta avoids to buy top quality attackers.
Why?
I don't know.

 

[Gooner Zig]

I’m surprised people are whining about him in the context of this match.
The players need to own this result. Finishing and final 3rd was woeful. Certainly I wouldn’t be starting with Martinelli, Gyok and madueke as none of them can finish. We produced enough to win comfortably today.
The forward line is going to need an overhaul. Unfortunately, Gyokeres isn’t working out

It's because we wasted a whole half of football by playing an attack that was I'll suited to opposition. Yes Martinelli should have buried his chance but his team selection cost us as well.

 

[Batman]

It's because we wasted a whole half of football by playing an attack that was I'll suited to opposition. Yes Martinelli should have buried his chance but his team selection cost us as well.

People speak about how good we had been from the 45th to 60th minute in terms of scoring goals and it's because he's punted a bunch of first halves this season getting the team selection wrong and then fixed it with subs at half time. Today he waited too long to hook Ødegaard. Our impetus changed entirely when Merino came on for him. He should have been off at the half with Nelli.

 

[Gooner Zig]

People speak about how good we had been from the 45th to 60th minute in terms of scoring goals and it's because he's punted a bunch of first halves this season getting the team selection wrong and then fixed it with subs at half time.

Same thing we used to criticize Unai for his HT subs bcz he ****ed the original line up. All that said, he has generally been pretty good this season with line up selections.

 

[Gooner Zig]

This calmed me down. Agree City won't fall apart but they're not going to go on any crazy runs.

 

[grange]

That deep squad and we’re back to playing both RBs with extensive injury histories as both RB/LB for entire games. This guy is incapable of adjusting his precious tactics.

 

[Rasmi]

That deep squad and we’re back to playing both RBs with extensive injury histories as both RB/LB for entire games. This guy is incapable of adjusting his precious tactics.

The deep squad is a myth because some players always become unplayable under him in any important game. It was expected both Chelsea and Forrest away MLS was never gonna be trusted. In any important game he’s 4th choice lb

 

[grange]

The deep squad is a myth because some players always become unplayable under him in any important game. It was expected both Chelsea and Forrest away MLS was never gonna be trusted. In any important game he’s 4th choice lb

And he has no chance at becoming match fit whatsoever then gets punished for being rusty. Ethan has apparently been deported. It’s a sick joke.

 

[Diesel]

Arteta when he walked into team bus and locked the door

 

[Diesel]

And he has no chance at becoming match fit whatsoever then gets punished for being rusty. Ethan has apparently been deported. It’s a sick joke.

To be honest he doesn't deserve it but who u benching lol a 220 k per week senior or the 18 year old. No chance MA bringing him in. I wish he wasnt outta team he was an option all across front line.

 

[grange]

To be honest he doesn't deserve it but who u benching lol a 220 k per week senior or the 18 year old. No chance MA bringing him in. I wish he wasnt outta team he was an option all across front line.

I want him to select his true feelings of fielding 5 CDMs. Should’ve had Nørgaard on the bench.