We are playing against Everton tomorrow, Sep 17th and PSV on Sep 20th in Champions League group stage. We then have a North London Derby on Sep 24th and a game against Brentford in Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) third round on Sep 27th. we finish the month with an away game against Bournemouth on Sep 30th. That’s 5 games in 2 weeks, games with only 2 days gap and every game is important. Premier League games are always tough, we are back in Champions League after ages and can’t afford to take PSV lightly and Brentford in Carabao is a very tough opponent who won’t let you breathe for 90min.
Will we handle it comfortably? Time will tell but I seriously hope we do. The most important aspect to deal with these many games would be a concise and thought out rotation. A combination of changes that do not disrupt the team play while making sure no one is overplayed and picks up an injury. You can’t play Saka in all these 5 games and expect him to be on top of his form. Similarly, the load on Ben White at RB needs to be shared by someone else, while making sure it doesn’t cost us a game. Win these 5 and it will help in building confidence. Mess up couple of games or pick up any injury would not only cost us now but in the next games.
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Here’s the case – Arteta has shown very poor rotational skill in his Arsenal Managerial Career. Was it because he learnt it from Wenger to play the same playing XI till someone breaks, or was it that he didn’t have trust in the players on bench? It could very well be his demanding nature because he has told earlier that a player shouldn’t have any problem playing 70 games a year. Whatever it was, I don’t care now because it don’t apply anymore.
Playing the same playing XI every game results in drop in performance when the games come thick and fast. We have seen it with Ben White and Bukayo Saka last season. Mikel has a bench full of players he wanted, and we have spent some very serious money on them, so this is ruled out too. For the third expectation, I am sure he would have understood after seeing Partey break, Saliba / Zinchenko’s injuries and fatigue on the face of Odegaard, Saka, and Martinelli.
On top of that, we were literally playing one game a week last season. We will play a minimum of two per week this season.
I will take the liberty to answer my own question – rotation is a must now. This, not only shares the load between players, but also keeps them happy and in form and in case of injuries, there are back ups with enough game time and match fitness to continue where the injured player has left. Not every player is built like Saka or Xhaka, and can sustain being kicked and players falling on them.
Simples.
Now, lets look at the rotational options.
In the GK department, we have Raya and Ramsdale. Either can get the job done, doesn’t matter who the opponent is. It’s a fight between them to be better than the other, to feature in important games. Let them fight, it’s a good problem to have and we don’t need to worry here.
In defence, we have Ben White at RB. Tomiyasu can play and have played earlier. Cedric is back and most likely will feature in not-so-important games. Ben White has a superb fitness record, so I think RB shouldn’t be a problem. If needed, Kiwior can cover too. At CB, we have Saliba and Gabriel who would pick up most of the games, supported by Kiwior and Tomiyasu. At LB, Zinchenko is the automatic started while Kiwior has played there, Tomiyasu can play too if needed. The problem here is that, ny injury to any of the automatic started in White, Saliba, Gabriel and Zinchenko would mean either of the Tomi or Kiwior picks up the things. This, and along with the need to rotate because we are playing 5 games in 2 weeks would mean a lot of changes in back line. Loaning Tierney wasn’t a wise decision because he provided a sure shot cover at LB, and we needed to worry for only 3 places among White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomi and Kiwior.
Midfield should be fine. Partey / Rice for DM with Elneny in the worst case scenario, Havertz / Vieira / ESR for the attacking mid, Odegaard / ESR / Vieira on the right side; Jorginho can play in any of these positions and has an experienced head.
Front 3 looks fine too with the only problem at RB. At LB, we have Martinelli / Trossard and Nelson while Trossard / Eddie / Jesus can play up top. Saka is only experienced right winger and hasn’t any back up. Luckily, he hasn’t let that matter till now but again in worst case scenario, Jesus can play there, and Martinelli too while Trossard covers the LW. It isn’t a burning problem as such, and we will manage.
I’m nervous a bit with these run of games. Having not seen Arteta’s rotational skill yet adds to the worry. But, in a way it’s a good that this situation comes for him so early in the season and with somewhat less threating opponents. He will either do the right thing, or he will have to learn from it.
Right, short one today but I will be back again tomorrow with match day blog. Hope your weekend started on a happy side and hope it will end even better.
Cheers.
Killroy / KP
Vinai is a Oxford University graduate and has worked as a consultant at Deloitte. The endless number of shirt releases every season and the prices rising up to 12,000 INR from 4,000 were most likely his decisions if I have to guess. He kept the club afloat and in a good position during the Covid times, even when our most important source of income in Match Day profits were gone. I think he did well.
Most importantly, he climbed his way through the Arsenal hierarchy to be the CEO. Now, be ready for any x,y,z joining directly for the topmost position, without being attached to the club culture or even understand it.
Unless we get Bergkamp, and I will have no complaints!
Klopps bitching face after a loss is a delight. Hope Wolves don’t let go their 1-0 lead.
Ambarish
Waste of time , discussing rotation with this current cunt in charge, pal.
How long has he been in charge? The only thing he rotates are his arms from the touchline every fucking game.
As for the next CEO, he will be probably be a hard nosed shark and will probably come from a fashion and marketing background.
They will market more tut and in ramp it out on the socials in different colours.
We have had pink, we have had the puke colours, we even had the referees colour black.
My advice, stop buying the shite and get a little badge., with the old cannon and some latin on it.
Why grown men , normally fat fuckers want to wear a full blown kit is beyond me.
A sign of the times, I guess.
This cunt has not beaten Everton away, since he got he job.
I have little faith , that will change that tomorrow.
Rant over.
AF
He would have to now even if he don’t like it. It’s not practical to play same 11 for 5 games within 2 weeks.
As for the CEO, yes unfortunately the Americanism is penetrating into British football and soon it will be a pure business and not a culture. Hopefully the ownership understand this and let the people proud of the club, run it.
Ambarish
You have got it.
Same as the greatest game of the lot, cricket,
Just look at that IPL and the Hundred we have.
BASTARDISATIONS of the noble game of cricket.
I have supported the club for fucking donkey years,
I have seen the players, managers , badge, ground, kits , owners, training grounds, directors even the fucking rules have changed.
Don’ t recognise it any more.
Arsenal FC died years ago, but we do have this KSE Arsenal FC.com version, where they get all the spoils. They don’t share the profits now. They hoover them all up for themselves.
It died along time ago, pal.
Better give your cash to someone who really needs it and not these billionaire cunts.
Manure getting spanked at home by De Zerbi. Happy days
😂
Ambarish
I think De Zerbi is streets ahead of Arteta. Today, away to Manure mind, made 6 changes and if you add the 3 players Brighton sold that’s a collective of 9 changes.
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What happened? Nothing other than the Brighton squad all fitting seamlessly into De Zerbi’s footballing identity of free flowing football even when deploying a low block.
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There’s no sign of the wheels coming off anytime soon, so let’s hope Arteta can start trusting his bench.
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You’ve got to feel for ETH, nah not really. You make your bed and have to lay in it.
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Ten Hag is a good manager at a club in turmoil from top to bottom. Manc fans leaving at 71 minutes long may that happen 😂😂😂👀
KP good luck with Cardiff’s evening KO. 2:0 to the bluebirds- now there’s lovely boyo. 😎
Cheers Tony
You’re more confident than me but Cardiff are certainly due a win.
Fucking Spurs…
De Zerbi making Arteta and Hag look like the useless cunts and frauds they are again today.
The supreme irony of barcodes fans getting frustrated by Brentford’s time wasting after all the shit they got up to at our place last year. Barcodes vs Beeeezzzzzzzz! Snore fest.
Trippier is a diving cunt (Art – I hope you don’t mind me borrowing your favourite word). He should change his name to Dive-ier. Tottenham reject wanker.
Kronkephobe
By all means, use it.
De Zerbis Brightons team today cost £17 million and won again at Old Trafford.
But the real cunts are all the Arsenal supporters who back over Arteta over De Zerbi.
De Zerbi twatted ‘Tets’ 3 fucking nil last season at home.
Watch him get snapped up elsewhere now.
Cunts.
Tony….
I’m humbled. You called that south Wales derby 100 percent right. 2 nil. Cardiff have this young player called Ollie Tanner (who told Spurs to fuck off because he’s a Gooner!) who had a dream debut. Scored a Saka-esque cut in, then dribbled past the LB and won a pen. Which Rambo scored with nonchalance. Gooners dominating Swansea! Patino on the other hand did little of note for the Swans.
You invoked the pumpkin magic didn’t you… I’m very grateful. Check it on YouTube
Couldn’t be happier for you, KP, let’s hope Cardiff go on a run a good results.
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Tony Bloom has to be the best PL owner by a country mile. Could you imagine if he owned The Arsenal or any club with very few financial limitations? Tony could very well in the next 10 years bring BHA to City levels. Tony B & De Zerbi are a match made in heaven with their player conveyor belt.
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Brighton have become my underdog club. My pet club I enjoy watching play and work for each other. Even when a pacy player catches a RB or LB out and gets to the byline and chips in a cross, there is always at least one Brighton player cleaning up at the back post.
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On or off the ball every player in the squad know their instructions and play their hearts out for the manager and club.
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For tonight I think I’ll wait until I see the line up. We know what Dyche is going to attempt. Same blueprint every game, so we should have an easy win but could well end up with injuries from Dyche’s troglodytes.
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Art Fraud do you have a twin brother called Peanuts & Monkeys? Same clan perhaps? 🙂
When you look at De Zerbi’s work and league position leaves Arteta with zero excuses.
Tony
Peanuts and Monkeys?
You are getting confused with Edu and Arteta pal.
There are not many good coaches in the game these days but De Zerbi is one of them.
Imagine these cunts in charge of a club, where they actually have to do the basics, like sell a player for its going rate and still creating exciting teams?
No , nor can I.
£17 million his team cost yesterday. We paid 4 times that for that useless Chelsea cunt Havertz.
Germany dropped the cunt in the week and immediately won again.
Arteta should do that today.
Art Fraud
” Germany dropped the cunt in the week and immediately won again.
Arteta should do that today. ”
Agree fully. Every pundit says so , except those on the Club’s gravy trail.
Arteta should acquire some balls drop that cunt .😷
This year I would rate LiR as the best Arsenal Blog worldwide. Thanks to Pietro pussilamous behaviour the most intelligent posters have moved to London is Red and nowadays there is mostly bickering and naturally Le Grovelling there. If China moves over that place will only for name calling catfights.
Credit to Ambarish, well done boy.
The only way Arteta drops Havertz today is if he can do it under the guise of saving him for midweek and next week.
Arteta’s continuous comments about the fans supporting him etc (the fans at the stadium aren’t even giving him serious grief) means he knows he’s struggling and we’re seeing the same player from Chelsea.
Hi Marc
It raises an interesting point. From what I know of him, Havertz’s style of play is more, suited to Euroball than the PL.
He, Vieira, Jorginho, possibly White and a few others would be better candidates as CL starters, while the likes Eddie, Rice, Gab Mart and Gab Mag will possibly do their best stuff at home.
It remains to be seen. In a short while I’m sure we’ll all be wtf-ing when we see the team sheet.
Hoopah – nice words about Ambarish. I agree entirely. I hope all is well with you.
Rata starting – OK, why not.
Vieira in – I think we might be too lightweight in MF today with FV and MO starting, possibly against the likes of Onana and Doucoure.
Rata is Raya
You OK Kroenke?
Can’t make my mind up whether I’m surprised he’s dropped Ramsdale or not.
The Pooch really can’t get things to click at all for Chelsea – I didn’t expect them to be pushing at the top of the table but they’re really struggling.
Kroenke
Its not that we’re away against Everton its that we’re away against a Sean Dyche Everton. He’ll see that line up and tell them to go after FV.
Fine mate. All good with you too I hope. Rice has impressed me so far but he’s going to be doing a lot of the heavy stuff on his own today because Zinch isn’t exactly Van Bommel either is he?
Chelsea players don’t seem fully engaged do they? Fuck knows why they sold Kovacevic. Early days but we may see another season where Chelsea and Manure are seriously under par.
Evening all as Dixon of dock green would say. There’s a blast from the past.
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No Havertz and sadly no ESR, but Viera getting the nod after a decent 20 minute cameo. Vieira did ok in said cameo, so let’s see what he can do in place of Kai H. Hopefully, ESL will get some minutes.
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Party still out injured and Neketia up to keeping Jesus on the bench.
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Now I’ve seen the line up I’m going with 1:3 to us.
Marc-I feel for Poch, even though I loathe the former Chelski, as he’s got pratically a full starting 11 worth of injuries…can’t even imagine what our tactics would look like, with our resident MIT in charge, were we in a similar predicament
KP-agree with your midfield concerns today…minus Rice, it’s a lightweight group, considering the opposition…furthermore, not a fan whatsoever of Eddie getting the nod over Jesus, but I’m assuming this, plus the Raya selection, have more to do with our pending CL fixture mid-week
we’ve performed rather poorly against this side in recent times, so here’s hoping that our manager has the requisite onions to go full-bore attack mode against this bang average side…we need to create a scoreline before half that requires them to opt for a gameplan that doesn’t fit their personnel…today isn’t the day for inverted nonsense, even though I can see it happening due to our rather “light” midfield options, instead it should be overlapping runs galore on both sides…thus the big question on the day is can our manager learn from his mistakes…I wish I could answer in the affirmative with any confidence whatsoever
Paunchy Poch has to be feeling the pressure from Father Todd.
“we’ve performed rather poorly against this side in recent times”
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It’s all Dyche’s got to hang onto other than trying to kick lumps out of anyone slow enough to get caught, TRVL. You have a prediction to share? 🙂
Dyche’s presser full of cliches of a chancer doing a job no one wants to do.
I think if the ref is one of those characters willing to let a lot of marginal fouling (and worse) just go, and put it down to the physical side of ingerlish football, we might struggle. Passing has to be quick direct and we need to see some seriously high energy levels. And meet them physically head on. Good to see were playing in red up there for a change.
Tony-I very much doubt that’s the case, considering his present dearth of options and the fact that he doesn’t have a viable striker…I know you like Jackson, as I too admire his energizer buuny-like offerings, but he’s even less clinical than Eddie…he’s kind of a poor man’s Tammy, with a bit more in the tank, but less in his boots…as I stated in the run-up to the season, I still think they’re a year or so out from really competing for things and I kind of think the big headed fuck in charge realizes that this will require a bit of patience on his part…unless he’s got some Saudi money behind him that’s pushing buttons in the shadows
Isn’t that the fouling Z Cars signature tune?😂😂😂
Tony
I’d take it on for what he’s being paid!
Get fired get paid off blame the take over yada yada rinse and repeat in a new job.
TRVL
It’s a basket case of a club – at some point its got to settle down.
That’s a pretty strong bench – no more excuses for not being to change things up if needed.
Tony-it’s difficult to get a feel for this one, in that, on paper, this should be a 3 or 4 to 1 scoreline everyday of the fucking week, but that’s never transpired…I do think I would have been a bit more confident if we had started ESR and Jesus for Eddie and Vieira, as I like their physical attributes more for this sort of fixture…that said, I’m going to try and remain positive and say 3-1 for the good guys
Ode in the overlapping role just won’t cut it against teams in bus parking mode
Shame lovely finish by Martinelli but I think Nketiah was offside.
Everton are a really bad team.