I remember watching Arsenal against Sparta Prague a couple of years ago in a very physical champions league qualifier. It was obvious after that game that the team was ready to challenge for the premier league. I felt the same way about this team after yesterday's game. What made the performance even more impressive was the way Arsenal controlled the tempo and flow of the game. The maturity and poise shown by the team was quite outstanding. The players were patient, moved the ball around and looked very comfortable in possession. They didnt give in to the physical approach of the Celtic team or the intimidating Celtic Atmosphere.
The foundation of every good team is being defensively solid. The personnel change, the new formation and an improvement in the team attitude towards defending makes Arsenal a more solid outfit compared to last season. The signing of Vermaelen was a master stroke but more importantly the partnership with Gallas looks to be flourishing. They seem to be on the same wavelength and compliment each other very well. The 4-3-3 formation has given the team the team a better balance and Song has been excellent playing the defensive midfield role. Finally I think the most crucial improvement in the team defensively is the team pressure all over the pitch.
Arsene Wenger feels Arsenal collectively dominated the game. I think he has really drilled this team in the summer and the improvement in the team is quite tremendous. However the team has to maintain the same type of team effort and commitment over the course of the season to achieve the type of consistency required of a team that wins titles.
The foundation of every good team is being defensively solid. The personnel change, the new formation and an improvement in the team attitude towards defending makes Arsenal a more solid outfit compared to last season. The signing of Vermaelen was a master stroke but more importantly the partnership with Gallas looks to be flourishing. They seem to be on the same wavelength and compliment each other very well. The 4-3-3 formation has given the team the team a better balance and Song has been excellent playing the defensive midfield role. Finally I think the most crucial improvement in the team defensively is the team pressure all over the pitch.
Arsene Wenger feels Arsenal collectively dominated the game. I think he has really drilled this team in the summer and the improvement in the team is quite tremendous. However the team has to maintain the same type of team effort and commitment over the course of the season to achieve the type of consistency required of a team that wins titles.
Good Blog. The 433 formation is still very much a WIP. I actually see it as a flexible 4321 with RVP as the target man because we still rely a lot on the full backs to provide the required width. Bendtner was not as effective in this game as he was in the Everton game but I guess this is to be expected as he qualifies as a winger as much as I qualify to coach AFC. Vermaelen organises the defence very well and is obviously the leader. Gallas seems to be okay with taking a more supporting role and looks like a man who wouldn't be auditioning for any leadership role in the near future. Not going to complain as this arrangement suits both of them and the partnership is working better than we expected. However, do we have quality like for like replacements who can come in to do the business whenever we have injuries to these two or to Alex Song? Unfortunately the answer to that is No. That may be our achilles heel this season and not the formation.
ReplyDeletewe still need to add one or two players before the end of the transfer window, we really need back up's. It is highly possible that our players might sustain injuries or lose form and I think to really push for the league we really need good backups
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