Windy woes in the West as Arsenal rue fine margins
Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show
Deep Dive
Why did Arsenal struggle to create chances in open play during the Fulham game?
Arsenal's expected goals (XG) from open play were significantly lower than from set pieces, with only 0.296 XG compared to 1.732 from set pieces. The team had six shots from open play and six from set pieces, indicating a lack of imagination and killer instinct in breaking down Fulham's defense.
What did the panel suggest as a solution to Arsenal's lack of creativity in open play?
The panel suggested that players like Saka and Martinelli should be encouraged to wander into central areas more often, as this could increase their goal-scoring opportunities. They also emphasized the need for unpredictability and chaos in the attack, which has been missing since Gabriel Jesus's decline in form.
Why did the panel feel Arsenal's defense was particularly vulnerable in the Fulham game?
Arsenal's defense was constantly changing due to injuries and absences, which disrupted their usual consistency. The back four that started the season strong has been frequently altered, leading to instability and a lack of cohesion at the back.
How did the wind affect the game between Arsenal and Fulham?
The wind caused difficulties for both teams, particularly with set pieces. Players struggled to read the flight of the ball as it wobbled in the air, affecting the accuracy and execution of corners and free kicks.
What was the panel's view on Arsenal's reliance on set pieces for goals?
While the panel acknowledged the effectiveness of Arsenal's set pieces, they emphasized that the team needs to master all avenues of scoring, not just set pieces. They highlighted the cyclical nature of success in different aspects of the game and the need for balance.
What did the panel say about Arsenal's chances in the Champions League?
The panel believed that Arsenal should focus on staying in the race for all competitions, including the Champions League, rather than prioritizing one over the other. They felt that the team is in a good position to advance in the Champions League if they can secure a win against Monaco.
What was the panel's opinion on Gabriel's importance to Arsenal's defense?
Gabriel has become one of Arsenal's most integral defenders, alongside players like Saliba and Saka. His improvement in channeling his aggression and emotions has made him a highly coveted center-back, and his absence is keenly felt by the team.
What did the panel think about the VAR decision that disallowed Martinelli's goal?
The panel acknowledged that the VAR decision was technically correct as Martinelli was offside, but they argued that the goal should not have been disallowed due to the lack of advantage gained from being marginally offside. They felt it was an unnecessary use of VAR in a situation that didn't impact the game significantly.
- Arsenal's XG from open play was significantly lower than from set pieces.
- Lack of attacking depth on the bench due to underperforming players.
- Concerns about manager's trust in certain players like Raheem Sterling.
Shownotes Transcript