Arsenal’s one-one draw with Man City at the Etihad stadium did nothing to suggest that they have reached a conclusion as to whether they are they a possession-based team or a more counter-attacking team. Instead they are, on the basis of the first five games, a tactically flexible team who can dominate possession when needed, hold the ball in the opposition area, score goals from corners, and sit back and defend when the opposition do gain a foothold in the game – all of which happened against City. In short, Arsenal look like they are becoming the type of team that many Arsenal supporters have been asking for.
Wenger surprised many with the inclusion of Aaron Ramsey in the starting lineup. Playing in the more “right-sided” midfield role, Ramsey started for one specific purpose: to help Arsenal dominate possession. Which they did to an astonishing tune of 59%. Ramsey, Jenkinson, and Arteta recycled the ball between them and kept it out of City’s hands throughout most of the first half.
The possession numbers were in Arsenal’s favor and so was the run of play. Early on, Gervinho was slipped in behind the City defense for a golden opportunity and running at full Gervinho speed, the Ivorian promptly booted his touch straight at a thankful Joe Hart. City would reply with a goal off a corner as Lescott rose slightly above Koscielny and past the flapping Mannone to head home. It was the first time an opponent had a headed shot on target this season, and it was the first goal Arsenal conceded off a header.
That Arsenal should have gotten something out of that first period, that City opened the scoring off the first headed shot on Arsenal’s goal, and that Mannone was found flapping at the punch elicited groans of “same old Arsenal” and prompted the pundits into a frenzy of hating the zonal marking system. Never mind that zonal marking concedes fewer goals and that the commentator on the stream I had in the States even admitted as much, the fault was the zonal marking. But it’s true, the best defensive system is always the one that’s the opposite of the one being used at the time Arsenal concede.
It’s telling that Mancini brought on Rodwell at the 45 minute mark to help break up Arsenal’s midfield dominance and that for the first 20 minutes or so it sort of worked. Man City won almost 40% of their duels (tackles/aerial challenges) during that period of the game. Still, Arsenal kept the ball in the City final third and so it was through swift counters that City generated as many shots in that 20 minute period as they had during the entire first half.
But that’s where Arsenal’s new found confidence in defense helped immensely. They were able to weather the storm and in fact the confidence they gathered from that period helped them believe that they could get something from the game — which they ultimately did.
There is a hunger in this Arsenal team that perhaps comes from competition for places and a bit of a ruthless twinkle in Wenger’s eye. Players like Arteta are always going to give you professional performances. They are always going to gladly shift from the shuttler role in midfield to the holding role. They are old pros and know what their jobs are on a team like Arsenal. Younger players, though, are a bit different. Ramsey is no longer a guaranteed first choice starter at Arsenal. He spent most of last season in the attacking midfield role and that has been taken away from him by the superb Santi Cazorla.
So, having dropped behind Diaby and Cazorla in Arsenal’s starting lineup, Ramsey played like he was auditioning for the club. And based on that audition and the drop in form of Diaby over the last few games, I’d have to say the Welshman might have earned his starting spot back. For now. But he has to keep that hunger.
This idea that there’s a new-found fire at the club might also explain why Arsenal are taking so many shots from distance. In the first five games of the season, Arsenal are averaging 8.2 shots per game outside of the box. And four of the first five games, more than half of their shots came from distance. Compared to the last five games of last season where Arsenal took just 5.2 shots from distance per game and where they had a game like Norwich where they took 21 shots in the box and just two outside.
I’m not suggesting that Arsenal should exclusively shoot from distance, but rather we saw what can happen when players try shots from distance. Cazorla’s speculative effort forced the corner from which Koscielny headed footed home for the equalizer. And more important than the simple chaos that long-range efforts bring to the offense, the reason Cazorla is trying those shots is that there’s a hunger there from Cazorla.
I get the sense that almost all the positions at Arsenal are still up for grabs and that’s a great thing at this point in the season. Mertesacker was hugely important against City as he read their passes with ease and kept Arsenal’s high line nice and tight. And despite the missed header by Koz to let Lescott score, it was the only header he missed all game besides which his goal set the record straight. The important thing is that after the match, Wenger spoke about his conundrum with center halves and how he needs to find a way to rotate between Koz, Mert, and Verm because they are all working so hard to earn a starting berth.
Starting keeper is also up for grabs, Mannone’s missed punch was dreadful but was it as bad as Szczesny’s dropped claim? Probably. But then you also have to credit the Italian for some special saves in the second half that ensured Arsenal the point. I even wrote a chant for Mannone after his last save: “when the ball hits his hands and he palms it to the stands, that’s Mannone.” Has he done enough to take Szczesny’s spot? Not yet. But he has done enough to warrant serious consideration. Let’s see how hungry he is against Chelsea.
And finally, I wondered earlier in the week whether Jenkinson could put in a performance that would qualify him to take the starting right back role away from Bacary Sagna. Many fans have been effusive about his performance against City but I think this is a case of dribblers getting preferential treatment. He had three successful dribbles (of four attempted) which is good for a fullback. He also had several spectacular plays which he will be rightly lauded – my favorite being the one where he basically shucked Gul Lescott to the ground and then played a perfect ball to Podolski who uncharacteristically skied his shot into row Z.
But the problem is that his performance was very much overshadowed by that of Gibbs. Gibbo had what was a nearly perfect game: 94% passing, 2nd in passes in the enemy third (20), created two goal-scoring chances to Jenks’ one, made both of his tackles (Jenks missed his only tackle), and had four interceptions to Jenkinson’s one. He also had more clearances, won more aerial duels, and didn’t commit a single foul all game. Someone complained that I didn’t include Jenkinson’s numkbers in my By the Numbers piece but the problem was: they were kind of pedestrian. In short, aside from the spectacular dribbles by Jenkinson it was Gibbs who looked the part of the solid starter for Arsenal.
This is not to denigrate Jenkinson, he had a good game against the reigning champs. Instead my point is that to get to Sagna’s level – the level of a finished first choice French international and one of the best fullbacks in the Premier League – he’s still got some work to do. I love the player and his commitment to the cause. I also love that Wenger is able to find these types of players and polish them. I just want to hold off on the open bus parade, for a little bit.
Of course, I simultaneously don’t want to hold off on any celebration. Seeing the team in that man pile after Koscielny’s equalizer, you could tell what it means to them. They are starting to look like a team that not only wants to compete against each other for roster places, but who want to fight for each other on the pitch. And that would be something we haven’t seen in a while at Arsenal.
Great post. With you on all points, except I disagree that Koscielny’s goal was a header.
sigh… you are correct. One of those things where I am thinking about a stat and then I make it come true (in my mind) because I was thinking about it.
Having just watched “Damned United” the night before, what really struck me about this team was how much they seemed to be enjoying themselves. Hell, even the interplay between Cazorla and Toure, when Santi picked him up off the ground, was an exercise in the lightness of being. These lads don’t just make me proud to be a gooner, they make me happy to be one, too.
Totally agree. In addition to being so tireless and creative, I feckin’ love the way Santi seems to enjoy what he’s doing so much. It’s infectious, good for the team attitude, and makes me smile just thinking about it. What an addition he’s been this year!
Thought the lads looked knackered by the end of the game, but I couldn’t bring myself to fault them for playing out the final minutes instead of going for the winner; they all put in a shift. Very proud of everyone.
First for first time?
I still feel we need a finished striker right now. Otherwise we are loosing points. Three points now are as important as three points after Jan. So please Giroud/Gerv come to the party.
It is amazing how you have the words for my thoughts. I would love to see a stat on how many times did Gibbs and podolski combined to create a goal scoring opportunity
I agree Gibbs had a good game overall, but wouldn’t call it a ‘great’ game… he needs to work on his crosses. I think it was the 1H where he really muffed a few badly after a few really promising build ups… I like his greater air of confidence, and his ability to dispossess the ‘enemy’ much better than last season. Both Jenks and Gibbs are coming along nicely. Gunners!
The game had me on the edge of my seat, not in a nervous, desperate way as it’s been during games from previous seasons when we looked like we could concede any second but because I thought we looked more like to score when we forayed forward. In other words, the right kind of nervousness.
Whatever you think of Carl Jenkinson’s status in the team (as far as a starter), what’s for sure is that we won’t have to rush Sagna back into the team as long as Jenkinson stays healthy and keeps playing well. We have to remember that both of Sagna’s legs have now been broken, and we will definitely need him for the run-in so it would make sense to take the time to integrate him fully back into the team.
You are absolutely right about shooting from distance. Shooting creates chances – plain and simple. Actually I don’t even think Santi’s shot was that speculative. Joe Hart saw it late and the save wasn’t as routine as he would’ve liked. We saw this from Santi before. So far his long distance shots have been fairly straight at the keeper. One of these days he is going to catch one off center and we will be marveling at his shooting prowess.
We are looking good. If we have one more bona fide scorer on the team, there is no doubt in my mind we will be challenging for the title.
Good post nycgunner.
“Whatever you think of Carl Jenkinson’s status in the team (as far as a starter), what’s for sure is that we won’t have to rush Sagna back into the team as long as Jenkinson stays healthy and keeps playing well”.
I love this kid. What an improbable story too. Plucked from a small market lower league team to play for the club he and his family have supported since birth. He’s living the dream and he shows it with every match.
I love the Bac too. The best right back in the Premier League by a good margin, but this Jenkinson kid has absolutely deserved his place.You are spot on with your idea that if Jenkinson stays the course, Sagna can take his time easing back into the squad.
Lengthy but interesting and valuable post-match analysis. This is one of the few Arsenal bloggers who, when he says a lot, actually has a lot to say.
For this fixture last year, in my Gooner heart of hearts I was hoping for draw but expecting a loss. This year I was expecting a draw but hoping for a win.
Unlike recent editions, this Arsenal side is looking like serious business. Genuine competition for places and still unbeaten with Chelsea (also unbeaten) next.
Maybe we are done with masks. This fluidity and flexibility may well characterize us in this campaign and mark us after so many years of “potential”, as genuine contenders.
We passed a big test on Saturday, but with C+/B. Had we three points to show for it, we would have had an A. But we passed. Next exam on Saturday. I’m confident Professor Wenger and Asst. Professor Bould will prepare their charge well…
BFG was a monster yesterday and definitely my MOTM. As for Carzola, he reminds me of the proverbial “old school” footballer who just loves the game and would be caught playing 5 a side in the parking lot in his spare time.
Give me all the minuses you want, but would it not have been nice to have RVP or Cavani or Falcao playing up front with this team. Oh well!!!!! One can only wish and hope can’t one?
Good one Tim and right on the money.
7 intercepts for the BFG!
Gervinho’s work rate was excellent yesterday – he ran like madman. If can just learn to be a consistent finisher…
That’s what I like about this team, everyone shows effort. Well, Walcott? Maybe he just doesn’t have the know how.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/4160/extra-time/2012/09/24/3399627/clichy-blanked-by-wenger-before-manchester-citys-clash-with
Waaaaaahhhhhh (:
Ummm… does the “Tunnel-Cam” show whether Clichy made any attempt to talk to Wenger either, or does Clichy believe that Wenger has nothing better to do before a match than to chit-chat with him?
Diaby didn’t have a bad game overall, but he was still frustrating. With all the comparisons between him and Yaya that have been made recently, this game showed that there is still a gulf between the two.
Diaby got caught dallying on the ball a couple of times, and twice passed up clear shooting opportunities in and around the box to pass it to someone else. He used to score quite a few from that position, I don’t know why he doesn’t fancy his chances much anymore.
Yaya by contrast is decisive. It wasn’t the greatest game he’s ever had either, but I think he shows the sort of efficient, purposeful mentality that Diaby needs to acquire before he can truly claim a spot in our starting lineup.
Confidence and full fitness. A good run of starts and competition from Ramsey and Wilshere will hopefully see him up his game.
Confidence is a weird thing with Diaby. He has a lot of confidence in his ability to dribble and keep the ball. Too much, perhaps.
But for a few years now, he has lacked confidence to shoot. At one point in the Citeh game, he had the ball at his feet, in the box, and had enough time and space to get off a decent shot. There might have been a guy blocking his way, but Diaby of all people has the skill to create space for his shot. In a season where we won’t have a dominant scorer like RVP or Henry, guys like Diaby need to bang in a few goals.
I don’t really know if we are seeing a different Diaby from the one of previous seasons – gifted, but not having the right mentality to apply his skills consistently. Don’t get me wrong, he’s long been one of my favourite players, it’s just frustrating waiting to see if he can become the player he should be.
Tim, Gibb’s stats are awesome and impressive. Yet, when I think back to the game about our two fullbacks these are the two things I remember and have stuck in my mind:
Gibbs unnecessarily heading the ball behind leading to the goal off the corner.
v.s.
Jenkinson hustling forward and out-muscling the bulky Lescott to get in a good cut-back.
That’s possibly why, despite the stats, that the reaction has been as it has.
Lots of positives with both fullbacks. With Ramsey adding the extra man in midfield, it meant the fullbacks had to provide much of the width which they did for most parts whilst negating (largely) City’s wide players. Sinclair is rubbish BTW.
Don’t forget Javi Garcia had to cynically wrestle Jenkinson to the ground to stop his break forward!
Most of us viewers tend to notice players’ offensive contributions the most. Gibbs was solid but relatively quiet at that end compared to at Southampton, whereas Jenkinson had a couple of very eye-catching attacking moments in this one.
There’s nothing wrong with a defender heading the ball out of play. Ever. If he’s unsure about where the attacking player is, it’s his job to head it out of play. It’s only the fact that Arsenal have had problems on corners that people get nervous about him doing so when no one was around.
As for your moment with Lescott, I guess I agree since I used that exact example.
Fans love take ons. And you should be really careful about that, because too much dribbling is bad for the game, it will make it like the NBA.
I am yearning for a fit and in-form Wilshere to be a part of this squad.
Thought we could have brought Giroud in for Podolski earlier (say ten minutes into second half when we knew they had effectively tightened up)
Also Coquelin for Diaby who was losing focus likely from being leggy following Montpellier.
Reading you out is like reliving those emotions again..! Nice one Tim…
Per wins the MotM for me too.. The maturity and calmness with which he deals things put you at ease…
Gervinho’s first touch is something which he will want to work on…but for me, the very fact that he gets into those positions where its too difficult for opposition to track him down is what is exciting.. Could be frustrating bit, but can also bring lots of goals..
The shooting from outside has to do with more of confidence than skill..it takes some brashness and opportunist approach to do that..i mean that in a good way…I think in Santi and Poldoll we have some players who have that gut in them..and have seen it succeed a lot. Also it takes some instinct to weigh up the options of shoot or pass. Ox has it…Theo doesnt have it…Denilson has it..Fabregas doesnt..