I suppose it’s good news that Citeh lost at Bournemouth, and shows how the Premier League teams are strengthening generally. That doesn’t make defeat to them or against Newcastle feel any better. But (from my sofa, as I wasn’t at St James’ Park) some observations:
I WORRIED ABOUT RAYA NEEDING TO MAKE SAVES SOME WEEKS AGO
Raya barely needed to make a save last season. We were so good defending the defenders in front of him that he was barely required. Now he’s needed to make crucial stops. We are no longer so secure. What’s it about the midfield that it has become porous and is leaving our central defenders and Raya more exposed?
HAVE THE INTERNATIONALS ROBBED US OF OUR SEASON?
We can bemoan injuries, the most significant being to our captain. But it just looks like the players who are picked – and play – the intervnationals aren’t quite looking themselves. You can name them. Would any of them feel they are at peak? It doesn’t seem like they are. (Citeh are arguing the same.)
DID YOU SEE THE EXPRESSIONS OF THE NEWCASTLE DEFENDERS WHEN THEY THWARTED ARSENAL ATTACKS?
That used to be Gabriel and White. Have we lost some intensity? Newcastle certainly were lunging in to everything (and falling over a lot) to make sure we made almost no inroads into their goalmouth. And the post-match comments that we had a poor run last year and turned it around…. does that give you confidence or make you nervous? In the game, while Newcastle players were fist-pumping, ours looked like that they were convinced if they stayed as they were, they’d get there in the end. And that looked (from my sofa) like a lack of energy and urgency. Even with five minutes or so to go, where were the chances? One header missed but a lot of sideways and slow passing. Do the players have such faith in their abilities, they feel they can keep playing the same way, at the same pace, and it’ll come good? Do we feel the same way?!
WHO PLAYS WHERE?
While it’s undeniable that injuries and suspensions have taken a great toll, it is worrying that players are switching positions every game and during games. Right back – Timber, White, Partey, Stepanovs…?! Winger – Martinelli, Trossard, Sterling…Jesus – alternatng left and right? A complete player can play almost anywhere, but the smooth passing and pressing that charaterised the last couple of seasons seems to go AWOL when different players move differently. It’s a joy when a pass is threaded through, knowing the receiver will have anticipated it and can collect it. It just seems like, with all the changes, this operates less effectively. Not by much – as I say they are brilliant and adaptable, but mabe there;s a split second delay or less effective delivery that makes all the difference when defending and attacking.
ARE WE SCARED OF MORE RED CARDS?
It seems that if a player gets a yellow, they get subbed. Probably wise, given the rough treatment we seem to be getting from referees, but if just adds to the lack of cohesion that seems to have infected our game.
HAVE THE NEW PLAYERS UPSET THE BALANCE OF THE TEAM?
We’ve bought a few new players during recent transfer windows, and increased the size of the squad in all senses of the word. And with injuries, probably good. But it does mean that some of our most committed and reliable players are not starting, or being used where they may not be at their best. Maybe, the new guys just need time to bed in. But time we don’t have. And the marginalisation of Ben White, who was a beating heart of the side, whether by design or because of injury, hasn’t helped.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BEST SET PIECE MERCHANTS
Have we been found out? That clubs now know how to counter the tactics that were worth a goal a game? Corners and free kicks are producing nothing. They al look the same, as well. Is there no attempt to vary them? Short corners or delivery to a player outside the box used to be an occasional tactic. Can’t we try something different when the high ball into the box is not working?
DARK ARTS?
Newcastle certainly used them. The ball was in play for less time since the invention of the clock. Fouling, feigning being fouled, falling over, plus serious defending (that’s a ‘dark art’ if Arsenal do it!) were all part of it. But we have been able to work around that in the past. Mostly. Not at the moment, though.
WILL I LOOK BACK ON THIS POST IN MAY AND MARVEL AT HOW WRONG I WAS?
We used to have poor months back in the title-winning days. And it is still early. But some sign that we are getting ourselves settled and sorted would help.
And maybe the name Ădergaard on the team sheet.
Richard Smith
November 2 2024