We look a shambles at the back but that was a nailed on pen

[WES]

It's the main strategy, WES.

There was an example yesterday when ESR ran towards the box when he could have taken on the defender but chose to pass to KT who was marked. It would have been less risky to take the defender on or shoot. It is a managerial instruction.

Holding missing a sitter? Ball to the far post, nodded back by Mari, Holding misses a sitter from 4 yards out.

Another example

And working it out wide and getting it 'into the mixer' is hardly new or undesirable. As you suggest, it just needs to be balanced with playing centrally and it would be nice if we had the option on the right side as well. But for that we need a RB, something many of us have been screaming for for some time.

We created more than enough to score yesterday, we just need a striker and some patience as some players are out of form (Saka, Pepe)

[IUFG]

Holding missing a sitter? Ball to the far post, nodded back by Mari, Holding misses a sitter from 4 yards out.

Another example

And working it out wide and getting it 'into the mixer' is hardly new or undesirable. As you suggest, it just needs to be balanced with playing centrally and it would be nice if we had the option on the right side as well. But for that we need a RB, something many of us have been screaming for for some time.

We created more than enough to score yesterday, we just need a striker and some patience as some players are out of form (Saka, Pepe)

www.premierleague.com/match/66352

Those chances come from corners?

Winning 9 corners whilst only having 6 shots suggests there were a fair few crosses.

Agreed, we need to mix it up. I also accept that Chelsea are 2 or 3 levels better than us at the moment, but we found it so difficult to play through midfield whilst they just cut through ours in the first half. They didn't even start Kante.

It is the predictability and slowness of our play that really stinks the place out imo.

[WES]

www.premierleague.com/match/66352

Those chances come from corners?

Winning 9 corners whilst only having 6 shots suggests there were a fair few crosses.

Agreed, we need to mix it up. I also accept that Chelsea are 2 or 3 levels better than us at the moment, but we found it so difficult to play through midfield whilst they just cut through ours in the first half. They didn't even start Kante.

It is the predictability and slowness of our play that really stinks the place out imo.

I have to admit that I am starting to have real doubts about the helmet haired one.

But we also need to be realistic. We had 9 players out, no strikers and have invested mostly in younger players recently as that is the strategy. And we were playing the CL champions and a team built on the back of Roman's billions. And there were long periods of play where we controlled the ball well and got into good positions.

I'm betting that if the entire game was played exactly as it occurred but Holding stuck that header away and Saka hadn't screwed up the 3v2 we wouldn't be talking about how boring or deliberate or predictable or sh1t our play was.

[Pat Vegas]

I have to admit that I am starting to have real doubts about the helmet haired one.

But we also need to be realistic. We had 9 players out, no strikers and have invested mostly in younger players recently as that is the strategy. And we were playing the CL champions and a team built on the back of Roman's billions. And there were long periods of play where we controlled the ball well and got into good positions.

I'm betting that if the entire game was played exactly as it occurred but Holding stuck that header away and Saka hadn't screwed up the 3v2 we wouldn't be talking about how boring or deliberate or predictable or sh1t our play was.

This new investing in young players strategy is rather new. latest gimmick from the club.

If they are so interested in youth then why did he bin off Saliba and Guendouzi, Nelson never gets a chance and we sold Willock.

but 12 months ago we signed Willian to a 3 year deal

[Eboue's Boutique]

This new investing in young players strategy is rather new. latest gimmick from the club.

If they are so interested in youth then why did he bin off Saliba and Guendouzi, Nelson never gets a chance and we sold Willock.

but 12 months ago we signed Willian to a 3 year deal

Raul signed Willian and got fired 2 days later

[WES]

Raul signed Willian and got fired 2 days later

No question there's been some baffling personnel decisions in the last few years. Selling Matinez at the top of that list imo.

But that's hardly new, is it? Even in Wenger's glory years when he was arguably the best manager in football there was no shortage of significant mistakes. You could say the same about that red nosed Jock c*nt up in Manchester i.e. Juan Veron.

Ultimately, this squad still looks pretty good to me, I see young talent all over the place. And they play hard for Arteta. The rest of it will take time. I'd still give him to the end of the season provided he doesn't lose the dressing a la Emery.

[IUFG]

I'd still give him to the end of the season provided he doesn't lose the dressing a la Emery.

the rumour that we are willing to listen to offers for Auba might be an indication that the dressing room is heading that way imo

[Eboue's Boutique]

No question there's been some baffling personnel decisions in the last few years. Selling Matinez at the top of that list imo.

But that's hardly new, is it? Even in Wenger's glory years when he was arguably the best manager in football there was no shortage of significant mistakes. You could say the same about that red nosed Jock c*nt up in Manchester i.e. Juan Veron.

Ultimately, this squad still looks pretty good to me, I see young talent all over the place. And they play hard for Arteta. The rest of it will take time. I'd still give him to the end of the season provided he doesn't lose the dressing a la Emery.

I agree! Reckon we might need another older head around the youngsters though.

Hope we can sell enough deadwood and get a good RB in before window closes.

Feel comfortable with the idea that we wanted Tammy (but couldnt get rid of Laca), I believe more in that profile of player than Auba or Laca. Gives us a clue what we might go for next summer in that position.

Biggest risk this season is injuries to few of the key players and that Auba really need to step up. A bit too much goal scoring responsibility lies with Laca & Auba atm I'm afriad. Perhaps a few of the younger guys can add some.

[Pat Vegas]

Raul signed Willian and got fired 2 days later

Wouldn't be surprised that something dodgy went on with Saliba.
Got to be more with his situation than Arteta not liking him.

Maybe there are more videos to emerge.

[Eboue's Boutique]

Wouldn't be surprised that something dodgy went on with Saliba.
Got to be more with his situation than Arteta not liking him.

Maybe there are more videos to emerge.

Yeah! I recall it being reported that Raul didnt include the board in some decisions which sounds about right.
Many of the deals & contracts seem back loaded with bonuses and high wages, to get around KSE not being ready to invest in enough transfer fees. That makes players more difficult to sell and had us overspending on players like Torreira & Pepe.

We've been a mess for last 5-8 years but reckon this summer will set us up alright even though we might not feel like it, as its not as optimised for short term success as previous windows have been.