only the first one was checked by VAR, and they likely decided it wasn't an obvious error by the ref that needed to be overturned. it was more of an 'orange' challenge, not an obvious straight red - also better to keep 11 players vs 11 if it's borderline - so don't default to a red. VAR can't intervene in yellow cards so couldn't do anything for the second one - which the on pitch ref got wrong.
Grinding out a 1-0 win against a strong team that will punish you for any lapse in concentration is something this arsenal team has lacked. This was a mark of maturity in my book. Also suprised you guys didn't touch on the subtle tactic that led to the goal, Tomayasu making a forward run to join Havertz and create a dual target for long balls. I've never seen Tomayasu do this before, but he made that run multiple times before it ended up leading to the goal. Also Martinelli was always covering it, at one point falling into the back line when Tomi couldnt get back fast enough. Alot of the pundits called it a gamble, and a bit of luck, but that looks like a training ground tactic to me.
Yeah, it was said that when doku switched wings to get away from tomiyasu and target Ben white who held his own, arteta gave tomi the license to just push up because there’s no threat on his side as everyone else was narrow. Was a gamble as it left Gabriel to cover the whole left by himself however him and saliba were unplayable yesterday. Tomi then makes a penetrating run backed up by Havertz and opens up Martinelli
Saying Arsenal are playing too defensively would have been unfair, considering that Pep did the exact same thing with City. No one ever accuses Pep of playing too defensively. We have two brilliant managers, looking to neutralize each other. Arsenal started finding more opportunities in the 2nd half and looked the better team, ever so slightly.
Honestly it was like watching a chess match. Both managers thinking along the same lines. I think the modern premier league is so focused on 4 goal wins that any game that is 1-0 is considered boring.
It's not unfair. They backed it up by saying that last season Arsenal would take risks on offense. Risk almost worked winning a league title but teams catched up. If you paid close attention when Arsenal's collapse that happen in the latter stage of the season. Teams would exploit Arsenal's left zone of Zinchenko and Gabriel Malghaes. Teams would often score goals in that zone. On Pep's side. He changed his system last season from being a very possession team to a more defensive set up and Pep won the league title. Having CB"s like Ake coming in as a left back to add more defense and having John Stones come in central midfield. We saw Jack Grealish be more defensive compare to other seasons. Arsenal are building a squad similar to Cites last season. Mikel is trying to balance a system.
@@saniakshay12 I'll just say, today the new generation of viewers and the way media coverage goes on about modern football. It is soo focus on goals, assists, offense and judges the best players in the world of what they do on the ball and very offense centric. Especially the last 16 years with Messi and CR7 who both were brilliant players. We lost and are out of touch what Football is. Football is a complete sport. As much as goals are fun to watch. Defense also wins you games, goalkeepers wins you games. Prior to 2008. It would be common to see Centerbacks, fullbacks, midfielders, goal keepers win Balon D'or. Label players like Pablo Maldini who absolutely bosses the backline and the most important player for a squad. As much as people have said Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal's super star you come back say William Saliba is Arsenal super star as well. What he does on the defensive side of shutting down the PL best goal scorer last season while partnering up with Gabriel and working as a team, spraying balls from the back, being press resistant with his touches, dribbling out of the backline. Saliba has been equally crucial for Arsenal this season like Bukayo has. It's just a shame how today we overhype or over value offensive players that we dont acknowledge backlines or goalkeepers.
Arteta won the game with his subs. Pep made changes to try and solidify the stalemate, but Arteta sent players with instructions to try different things. Martinelli was all over the place, and Tomiyasu was breaking lines from behind, fighting aerial duels with the CBs, same with Havertz. The goal was made from one of those duels.
Foden/Haaland were in the back lines pocket all game. They look average without Rodri and KDB. Arsenal looked much sharper in the 2nd half when Marty came on. If he doesn’t add his aggression and pace, I think arsenal lose. Crazy how conservative both teams have to play without their best players.
Would have been different if Ake scored that goal scoring opportunity in the 1st half or Eddie Nhketiah scored that shot as well in the 1st half. Both teams didn't play conservative. They cancel each other out due to spacing and formations from the way Pep and Mikel set ups. Even if De Bruyne, Rodri, Saka played. All 3 would still have the same issues. Rodri probably win tackles and win fouls to slow Arsenal's momentum. Perhaps KDB gives Haaland a couple goal scoring opportunity or takes some shots on target. Perhaps Saka does the same and wins fouls, gets a shot or creates an opportunity for someone. The fact is the substitute changes from Mikel worked brilliantly and change the tactics compare to Pep's substitute changes that costed the game.
@@javierlandaverde4108 no question Ake scores it changes the entire game. But you look at Gvardiol he didn’t have to work all game. Look at how walker was pushing the ball up in the first half vs the second half when Marty came in. Let’s not forget Kov should’ve been sent off on the second challenge. That was bad.
@@mikesingh6099 Gvardiol was good. His match up vs Jesus was a reason why Pep shifted him as a LB. He was physical vs Jesus, he won the physical match up, he won any balls that were kicked to Jesus. He made Jesus frustrated and threw him off his game. He was winning that match up. I don't think Pep instructed him to go up and join the attack as long as he won his match up. Jesus was fairly quiet in that game on offense. Walker on the other hand is a traditional RB / Wing Back. He was probably given the green light to join the attack.
@@javierlandaverde4108Rodri has better ref decisions for some reason and makes the refs not want to call the cynical stabs just after the other players pass the ball
Arsenal have been able to play a front three of Martinelli-Jesus-Saka a total of 23 min so far this season. They are dealing with a revolving door of injuries. Last season, Arsenal started the season with a settled eleven and front three that could build chemistry, while this season has, so far, been about controlling games, yes, but also to better handle 3-5 key players being out at the same time. Results have been good overall, and territorial dominance and possession is significantly better than last season, but they look very disjointed in attack so far. Let's see how much of it is tactical, or if it's primarily injury-related. The left 8 position has been ineffectual offensively so far, so Havertz, or someone else, need to find a solution to the attacking struggles. Arsenal played into City's hands last season and, while they looked the more threatening team in the early stage of the game because they naively attacked recklessly, City absorbed the attacks and then ruthlessly countered. This time, Arsenal set up like City, and forced them to break Arsenal down. Instead, it became a tactical battle that Arteta won due to a bit of luck, a very astute defensive game plan, and smart subs. It was a pragmatic win for Arteta.
Arsenal haven't yet played first front 3 together and is a contributing factor to a slow start. Its refreshing though to see we can now play with even 2 big players out, bodes well looiing foward.
Just to point out a few facts of city to counter this. City have been forced to change their attacking routine as well. City don't have a settled attacking formation due to obvious reasons for example KDB injury, Rodri suspension, Grealish still trying to get back to top form from his injury likewise Stones. The main focus point of this game in every season would be the midfield and with both teams having that part of the pitch rather unsettled, the attacking outlets would receive less of the ball. Trossard for many reasons was not receiving much and doing even less when he eventually got it meant the ball was mainly being sent to Jesus. Perhaps even tactically, as Jesus has more "big-game" premier League experience. Gvardiol himself did incredibly well in his own right. Now when City did attempt to progress the ball, the width was being held by Walker and Gvadiol. With both Foden and Alvarez infield to try overload that area. However while they did do it effectively, this then also resulted in there being not much room for Haaland to pull any defenders with him. A trait Haaland perhaps needs to work on if it is compact. Not sure we can credit Arteta to the extent that you're doing it. As with all things considered, the long ball was uncharacteristic and more of gambling than strategy. Havertz + Tomiyasu did well enough to cause just enough trouble for Walker + Dias and release Martinelli for a shot however, from a couple of reverse TV angles Ederson was already moving the way of the shot so it was incredibly fortunate that Akes head was in the right place and position for that deflection. Ake missed a sitter in the the first ten minutes only for him to be the recipient of an unlucky deflection putting it in his own net in the last ten minutes. Fine margins all of over the pitch, a number of questionable decisions taken by Michael Oliver could've, would've and should've changed the game. But overall both coaches set up as pragmatic as possible and neither one would've been upset with what was probably going to be a point each. The reverse fixture with both squads hopefully settled and at full strength the odds probably swing back to Man city as with KDB + Rodri back they "should" produce more big game moments. In my personal opinion Arsenal have regressed slightly with the addition of Havertz as far as output and goals are concerned perhaps why they are still looking to bring in the likes of Ivan Toney etc. To Arsenals credit though, City did manage to win a premier League title without an established goal scorer a few seasons back so there still is a chance. However we all know and are aware of the "City Surge" and with all guns firing Arsenal won't have enough firepower to see it through to the end...again.
@@Emeraldcity123 The point was to simply counter the narrative Arsenal have intentionally scarified their attacking play. We're playing worse and scoring less goals because simply our usual front 3 have barely played together.
@@CoCLord that’s such a narrow and limited view of football, I pity you. People don’t watch if they’re not entertained. Some people get the entertainment through investment, others through the virtuosity, but probably the most universal is the entertainment value.
Tactically really well explained but the move that lead to the goal was a spectacle. Tomiyasu was marked by Foden in a position that normally fits the inverted full back. But he quickly glances over at Foden, makes a darting run towards City's box, and meets Parteys ball from deep for the pre-assist. It was a thing of beauty watching that unfold. Havertz with the assist as well. Proves that even with structure, it's important to be slightly unpredictable. Deserved win. COYG!
that type of improvisation is exactly what we needed against lens in the champions league and i think we rlly learned from that game to be more direct and to take a chance
Arteta kept it stable until late on and then by subbing on Tomiyasu and Havertz, both tall and aerially capable players, and instructing Tomiyasu to switch to the left 8 spaces and for both to look for long balls to them, he planned for a late knock out punch that Pep didn't anticipate.
Hi, love your videos and the in-depth analysis (it's far better than anything on TV these days). However, I do think it's inaccurate to suggest that Arsenal didn't press high. This wasn't a situation like in the United game, where they knew that United's only route of attack was Onana's direct long-balls to wide runners (and so, they completely stood off and let United dictate play). Here, Arsenal were indeed careful to not get 'baited' and leave central areas exposed, but when the ball went down to Ederson, they pressed quite high up, and actively (although with far less intensity than, say, the Spurs game). Also - Zinchenko was positioned in his usual faux-LB/ centre mid role throughout the first half. They did change tack in the second half (still dunno what led to this). I think the major difference this season is that Arsenal are prepared to vary their usual playstyle to match/ counter the opposition. And there is a degree of variation in their press each game. They are being quite smart about it.
This is the same Michael Oliver that gave Martinelli two yellow cards in 7 seconds for two very minor petty infractions. Still, it’s pretty sweet they still beat 11-man City
I think this was a pretty extreme version of what we want to do OOP due to the fact it was City. We haven't hit real fluidity yet in attack because we've had some changes in midfield but also we haven't had our front 3 (Jesus, Martinelli and Saka) play together yet! It'll come..
I'd just like to say thanks for the adept, non-partisan tactical analysis... something that is woefully absent from the mainstream football punditry nowadays!
@@kunimitsune177 and when they DO get analysts in the panel as guests, they talk over them, or cut their sentences short to make some jokes. That's something I dislike.
the simple fact that arteta built a squad that is like water (bruce lee reference). can mould itself into whatever system he wants to beat the opponent. that’s what i find entertaining.
You need that unpredictability, they have a more defensive style for man city which makes the game 50/50 they also have a style for man United which is let them have the ball around the back since they’re useless with it and just stop the counter attack. And the rest of the mid table teams just do the usual and pin them in with the inverted fullback and rice and overload the midfield dominate possession and whatever happens happens like the 4-0 against Bournemouth
@@perfectman3077at the end of the day…we haven’t lost, and we just beat city..we’re doing exactly what we couldn’t do last season and that’s not losing games with our alternative team. we beat city without saka and timber…lol shove that xG up ⬆️
@@omother6950it’s not that they’re unpredictable, it’s that arteta is adapting to what he has available at the moment and the reason why we’re joint top is because of the players arteta chose to sign, players who can adapt to any position. if timber was fit, we’d have a set starting 11. i think it’s more about adapting rather than unpredictability…
City's new signings need time to adapt to the team and to Pep's requirements. Rodri himself struggled so much in his first season at City with mistaked upon mistakes especially in big games. People including the media criticized Rodri by saying he was not the player to fill in Fernandinho's shoes. Look at him now. Once these new signings have fully adapted, then City will unlock an even higher level. People like to write off City whenever they start off slow or are in a poor form momentarily. Yet City always know how to bounce back when ut really matters.
I think this analysis was based only in the first half. Where City was doing a better press and more man to man press rather than the zone press of Arsenal, even forcing Arsenal retreat from City's have to Arsenal's keeper. The change of Martinelli made Raya no longer play the ball short but start playing ling balls being City's defensive line avoiding the press and reduce losing the ball in Arsenal's own field. That is how the goal arrived and most of Arsenal's attacking situations.
@@micah0190 true, but this season we’ve quite often been forced wide and then had to pass it back and around to the other wing. We aren’t very dangerous directly from the wide areas when teams sit deep against us
Saying that Arsenal is boring this season is a naive thing to say. The fact is most teams last season saw that if they take risks they will be punished and get scored on. Last seasons teams left a lot of space for arsenal to attack, that is why players like Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus looked like bargains for what we paid. Now every team uses a low block vs Arsenal and try to counter, but when teams take risks and don't sit in a low block you get to see just how powerful Arsenal is attacking, take the PSV UCL game as an example. They went over to the Emirates and wanted to take the game to Arsenal, PSV ended up getting picked apart and the game was over in the first half. So rather than saying Arsenal isn't as fun as last season, take a look at how teams setup against Arsenal.
Should be mentioned that Arsenal haven't had their starting front 3 in a single game this season when talking about their lack of chance creation. Also Vieira/Havertz have way more potential but aren't currently better than Xhaka in that midfield role, largely due to learning a new system/role and having to adapt. Disagree they play more defensive, they want to create chances the same way as last time but just haven't had the personnel so far.
This was a strange video. Especially the xG comment. it's probably too early to try find any meaningful info or trends in an 8-game sample but if you will, why not also look at xGA? The trade-off has been almost total control in every game & barely giving up chances. A solid base, esp with the Martinelli-Jesus-Saka front 3 yet to get meaningful minutes.
As an Arsenal fan, I absolutely love to hear people theorising about whether we're too good defensively 😂 Plenty of evidence - start with Bmouth and PSV - that when the opportunity presents itself we can go all out and just kill a team. Also fun fact: our front 3 of Saka, Jesus, Martinelli has played 21 minutes together all season. But we've received so much criticism for allowing games like Everton and Palace away to become too open and exciting in the past. Killing them as occasions and trusting we will find that moment for the win is super professional and will take us far.
With all due respect to Tifo , I am an Arsenal fan with Mancity being my 2nd favourite team. Yes it was by no means box to box blockbuster but it was a tactical battle from both the coaches nullifying each other by any means possible. If you are neutral fan, or an experienced watcher of Champions league type matches, it was amazing. Big, physical and technical players going head to head alongside Pep knowing what Arteta does and vice versa. Liverpool, Spurs, Brighton & Newcastle going the adventurous way and teams like Mancity and Arsenal preferring the tactical and slower way.
I wonder how this will change how teams play against Man City because now teams know it’s much better to give Haaland space rather than marking him tightly or playing him off, the attack and midfield at times is very far apart, and Rodri is the link so he’s who you should keep off the ball and marked.
Arsenal haven’t even left 3rd gear yet going forward . Seen a few people critical of us not having that fluidity going forward. I get that , I think some of it has been sacrificed for more defensive prowess. Also got to consider that our ideal front 3 of martinelli , Jesus and saka haven’t started a game together yet this season
I think man city has losed balance after gundogon has gone, stones injured, Kevin de bruyne is not available and rodri same as well but problem here is, that they don't have some who provide service to halland, grealish is not playing stead doku is playing but he is one dimesional
Toney and Neto are needed for The Arsenal to really compete for Major Honours. Toney terrorises Defenders both Home and Away, and also convert chances. Plus he is a smart tactical Player with superb movement, and great Link up play with all his Teammates; even the GK (Raya). A Left Footed Winger has to be brought. Neto. Comfortable at LW or RW, which would give the Team more wersatility and unpredictability. Neto, like Toney, is another great link up Player.
When I watched Gazzeta football Italia it was exactly like this. Back then though English teams were horrendous, kick and rush headless chickens and I marvelled at how the Italian teams were so technical and the players movement protected the ball with such grace. It wasn't exciting but I could see how they beat us so regularly. I just loved their technical and tactically superior game. I am very pleased that the Premier league has kept a lot of the excitement but added technique, skill and tactical nous. I will always miss watching Ronaldo rip Italian teams to peices though.
Honestly I thought it was an Arteta masterclass paired with exceptional play from Rice and Saliba. Saliba locked up Haaland in multiple 1v1 opportunities for the striker. Arteta didn't get baited into burning his teams energy pressing the whole game. And then lastly, the subs had significantly more impact for Arsenal. Also if you found the game boring, just remember Arsenal give up 8 shots per game at home typically, and City only had 4 shots the entire game. It was more of a City bus park if anything. I think Pep was just satisfied with going for the 1 point while playing into hoping Arsenal either make a mistake, or press to high allowing a gap in the defense.
As ever great analysis, but something to consider about the lack of ‘fun’ is that Arsenal have not been able to start with their preferred front three of Gabi, Jesus and Saka (which is fun times) Also Timber great versatility but I think he was going to play inverted right back to give greater unpredictability and Zen remain at left back. As Timber can do Ben Wrights role as hybrid CB to FB but inverted like Zen. I think the fun times will return but it’s encouraging that this team will be able to attack and lock teams down.
The front 3 that played so many matches together for Arsenal last season has not played once together yet this season We have replaced a major midfielder in our squad and are still trying to adopt to it Almost all of our penalties are last ditch attempts to cut down a final cutback/a shot.
When the man said ‘Declan Rice is probably the best in the world in these kind of areas’ I thought ‘wow imagine if he was in a team with Jude Bellingham’ Then I remembered that he is! Cmon England! (And Arsenal)
Just a shame Southgate doesn’t play Ben White alongside Stones at CB for England. Then they’d finally have an amazing spine all the way through the team
It may interest people to know that this referee who had just come back from dubai where he was paid handsomely 20,000 to ref a game by the same sheikh who owns Man City, this referee has admitted that he has broken the rules of the game because he didnt want to impact the occasion by giving a 2nd yellow, 😮 do you think these referees should be allowed to be employed by Premier league Team owners?
A typically interesting video, but one of the last statements that Arsenal aren't good when attacking from wide just blatantly ignores that Saka and Martinelli are two of the best in the world at attacking wide. Saka missed the match and Martinelli only had 30 minutes in him. So Arteta made the best choice with the players available to him. If Saka/Martinelli are fully fit, I wonder how that changes the strategy. Also, besides Declan Rice the biggest difference between this match and previous years was William Saliba. He (along with Gabriel obviously) entirely took Haaland out of the match and in particular, Saliba bodying up on him and brushing him aside early set the tone. Haaland is used to just physically dominating opposing centerbacks with power and speed. Saliba can match him.
What was he supposed to do? He is missing his 2 best players, and the centerpieces of his team. He also lost Gundo in the summer and Stones was just coming of an injury. Its not like he would actually play Kalvin Phillips
They're not scoring as many goals as well because key attackers have been out injured also. Jesus had a spell out, Martinelli, Saka, now Trossard got a slight hammy hence why he was brought off after half time. Truth be told we need more end product from Havertz, and Smith Rowe needs to be involved in the campaign if we have any chance of winning the league
kai havertz has been very passive and i feel hasn't let the attacking flow that well. when saka, jesus and matinelli are the front 3, things will be different eddie presses well but hasn't proven to be a regular scorer.
can u guys at least talk about the process of the goal, 'cause it's pretty obvious that Tomiyasu suddenly making that overlapping run was by instructions of Mikel Arteta, all 4 subs contributed to the only goal of the match.
Great video but re arsenal being less attacking. I don’t agree its the personal additions - its the fact that their front 3 are yet to start a game together this season coz of injuries!!!
all excitement for beating city aside,i have a feeling like in the recent games city "respected" us somehow i dont know if its due to our coach and how we seem like some sort of replica of them philosophy wise, but they did not press as highly as usual the team was like split in two with their midfield not being as dominant as usual so it was mainly defenders who shone on both sides and it allowed us to play and the absence of most of their spine was visible,the same game with them i am not so sure the outcome is a win for us kovacic's tackles showed he is not a dm it was very clumsy good and top class dm's know how to repeat strong tackles before maybe even getting a yellow a top dm has that in his locker to repeat tackles which are agressive but in the right limit and make himself "invisible" to the ref until some point,i wonder why pep did not trust either stones or kalvin there,it was quite lightweight with rico and kovacic,its as if we went to city with jorginho and vieira as double pivot and city had 99 per cent of their best eleven,they'd have hammered us surely
Definitely due to your coach. Coach comes first with your recent improvements. Pep has always respected mikel and believed in him since his first season
@@ImaybeNormal exactly,and even haaland,credit to gabriel and saliba who have most of the time handled him fairly well since they play against him,but i am sure he'd have done better than he did if city played their usual vibrant high pressing way so many times he dropped back to get the ball and try to build but there was rarely anybody on the same wave length they were often miles apart whereas city's real game is like they are 15 on the field since they always manage to get people available even bernardo silva at some point was like the dm,makes no sense it could have worked against a burnley or a sheffield but an almostcomplete arsenal without only one of the main players nahhh
@@masterchief1520 yes,thats my point maybe they felt like if they played as usual which he knows very well he might counter fast with the electric pace of martinelli for example
Tbh the tactical analysis here is exactly why City 'respected' us because we complete shut down the spaces and bored them to death with Raya slowing the game down to nanoseconds. It was ingenious to make them rot like this and disrupt their rhythm. 😂
Not to take away from Arsenal's win, but I really feel City are a different side without Rodri and had he played the outcome would have been different.
Disagree with that final take. I think injuries have dampened our attack more than anything. Haven't started our preferred Jesus, Martinelli, Saka yet. Also we don't HAVE to play through the middle. We have elite wingers.
Is it just me who thinks pep lost this game rather than arteta winning it? Changing his whole system because rodri was out (Bernardo in cdm, Lewis in the 10 and Alvarez on the wing) seemed far too cautious. City had no width and refused to play long despite that clearly being the best way to beat arsenal. I think pep was too cautious and stubborn and effectively cost city the game, and arsenal just got a lucky goal at the end.
@@Qlicky I do agree to an extent.. I just think a lot of people are saying city look bad without rodri and kdb, which whilst true, I think Pep made this worse by changing the formation/player positions so much.. I think if he’s just swapped rodri for Philips or Lewis city would have won
Right, yeah but by that logic we can’t debate anything hypothetical? So there’s no way of knowing if anyone ever makes a mistake? It’s pretty obvious to me that if city play their normal team and system they beat arsenal comfortably. Based on the fact they’ve beaten them 12 times in a row for 6 years and are a better team and arsenal won by a lucky goal, it’s not an unreasonable assumption and is definitely more likely than not
@@cameronpilling6675 Entire tournaments were won by a 'lucky' goal. There is nothing obvious about an assumption. Otherwise it wouldn't be called as such, now would it? If Arsenal were actually lucky, they would have played vs 10 men for most of the game. But I don't see you including that in your 'obvious' and 'reasonable' assumptions.
That was NOT a boring game ffs. As one of the major influences on the modern fan, please stop pushing the "goals/chaos = good game" nonsense. This was a good game of football. Full stop.
Mmm good and boring can coexist because they're not polar opposites. Good/bad and exciting/boring would be the pairs. As one of the commentators said during the game, it wasn't lunch and counter punch. It was pinch and counter pinch. This game was tense, tactical, finely balanced, nuanced... but it wasn't exciting you'd have to agree?
You said they played almost exactly the same and you make arsenal responsible for the game being boring. If it is boring, you have to make both coaches responsible. You can't win in this scenario, if you lose you are terrible, if you win you are defensive with more goal attempts and better control.
They've only played 8 games how can you say with certainty their attack isn't as good as last season. They did well getting into the box from wings against city they just didn't square it early enough. Jesus had that issue a couple of times just himself. They often attack wide with Ben white as an overlapper either as a decoy to create space for saka inside by dragging a defender away or by white himself then crossing. Also i have to say that foden and other city players made so many good runs in behind especially in the first half and city should've attempted those passes way more. Could've scored one. Not enough directness and risk taking. Liverpool vs brighton had lots of moments like that, for example march driving forward to win the free kick which brighton scored from. Just have to take risks. Foden did that for city after arsenal scored but obviously it was too little too late
Xhaka has left quite a big hole it seems. Wish Arsenal had managed to snag Gundogan who would have offered that central threat in a way none of the options as the second 8 appear to (yet?).
I think there were number of runs foden or haaland made but city simply couldn’t use those runs. Silva’s class but he’s awful in those situations for some reason
I'm a gunner, and I might be biased but I think we played way better than City after the first 15ish minutes, and it kept getting better. First 5-10 minutes were hard to watch, my heart was skipping a beat every time Raya got the ball (almost capitulated the game on one occasion) but they found their bearings and honestly completely outplayed City's offensive. Frankly, this is one of the worst City performances I've witnessed in a long time.
That’s part of the game… last season rob holding started against City. Saka and Timber were missing for Arsenal, Martinelli and Rice were off the back of recent injury. It definitely goes both ways.
Arsenal played with Nketiah and Jorginho. That City team was more than good enough to win and they didn't. This KDB/Rodri excuse is actually embarrassing.
@@3bladeninja21 I am a diehard Arsenal fan but let’s face it, KDB is the best player in the PL. I still remember his world class goal against us last year, him and only him was more than enough to destroy us… not add to that the best DM in the world protecting him…. Yeah full squad Arsenal with Saka, Timber, everyone can’t match treble winning Man City. It’s not an excuse, these are facts. Any club having Nketiah as their main striker are not serious about winning.
They finally beat City because this is the worst midfield they’ve put out vs them in years while Arsenal added Rice. Rodri, KDB, Gundogan & Stones won them the treble for a reason.
@@joellemm9229 matches likes this are entirely dependent on the midfield battle. They’re low scoring affairs with few chances. So yeah, not having 3 of the 5 best midfielders in the world is pretty massive. Not to mention a top 3 ball-playing CB in Stones.
How can you tacticaone lly arrange or plan a deflection. I think Arteta and Pep have found the cure for insomnia. Beautiful Game - try ugly and be more entertaining and exciting. Bill
Last season when arsenal was 10 points ahead i said city would win the league and arsenal fans reading my comment all disagreed This season arsenal will win the league Simply because now they can focus on their own games without fearing to lose 6 points to city I think even if arsenal loses at etihad its fine All they need to do is to win their own games City just lacks that sharpness in attack this season because haaland is starting to show hes a bit outdated for modern football and kdb is gonna be injured the majority of the season
The baldie has always loved putting down Arsenal but he is clever enough to hide it just enough...ive noticed that pattern after watching his Videos for a while
That 4-1 wasn’t some tactical master class they just exploited rob holdings awful defending. We might not of beat them but we don’t lose 4-1 with Saliba instead of rob holding
Guys, we’ve only dropped 4 points this season and we’re joint top; so far Arteta’s recruitment has worked…and it’’s not as if the old players aren’t there (Xhaka excluded), so we can still play a more “fun” brand of football when needed. 🙄
How Kovacic got away with those two high-boot contact tackles, despite the VAR checking them, is beyond me.
only the first one was checked by VAR, and they likely decided it wasn't an obvious error by the ref that needed to be overturned. it was more of an 'orange' challenge, not an obvious straight red - also better to keep 11 players vs 11 if it's borderline - so don't default to a red. VAR can't intervene in yellow cards so couldn't do anything for the second one - which the on pitch ref got wrong.
It was just clarified last week how that should be called every time. Ridiculous it wasn’t a direct red.
how so? Curtis jones initially received a yellow card against Spurs, but then VAR intervened, didn't they?@@spectaxxx
Simple ans: corruption
Bigger news than the match. If city had won it would have been an investigation
Grinding out a 1-0 win against a strong team that will punish you for any lapse in concentration is something this arsenal team has lacked. This was a mark of maturity in my book. Also suprised you guys didn't touch on the subtle tactic that led to the goal, Tomayasu making a forward run to join Havertz and create a dual target for long balls. I've never seen Tomayasu do this before, but he made that run multiple times before it ended up leading to the goal. Also Martinelli was always covering it, at one point falling into the back line when Tomi couldnt get back fast enough. Alot of the pundits called it a gamble, and a bit of luck, but that looks like a training ground tactic to me.
Yeah, it was said that when doku switched wings to get away from tomiyasu and target Ben white who held his own, arteta gave tomi the license to just push up because there’s no threat on his side as everyone else was narrow. Was a gamble as it left Gabriel to cover the whole left by himself however him and saliba were unplayable yesterday. Tomi then makes a penetrating run backed up by Havertz and opens up Martinelli
Couple of other football youtubers also talked about this point and some said that is what won u the game.
Kovacic perfectly filled the Rodri role of committing horror tackles and getting away with it
I think you mean casimero
@@shanky1751 3 red cards since August last year but yeah, Casemiro somehow is a master of getting away with it.
Casemiro got away with it in La liga, not here, Rodri gets away with it all the time@@shanky1751
@@nont18411lol acting like he only played in united 😅😂 lololol.
@@nont18411 if var didn't favour penchester united casimero would have well over 3 red cards
Saying Arsenal are playing too defensively would have been unfair, considering that Pep did the exact same thing with City. No one ever accuses Pep of playing too defensively. We have two brilliant managers, looking to neutralize each other. Arsenal started finding more opportunities in the 2nd half and looked the better team, ever so slightly.
Honestly it was like watching a chess match. Both managers thinking along the same lines.
I think the modern premier league is so focused on 4 goal wins that any game that is 1-0 is considered boring.
Plastic fans think this was boring. @@saniakshay12
City literally plays with 5cbs 6 when stones steps in mid pretty defensive if you ask me
It's not unfair. They backed it up by saying that last season Arsenal would take risks on offense. Risk almost worked winning a league title but teams catched up. If you paid close attention when Arsenal's collapse that happen in the latter stage of the season. Teams would exploit Arsenal's left zone of Zinchenko and Gabriel Malghaes. Teams would often score goals in that zone. On Pep's side. He changed his system last season from being a very possession team to a more defensive set up and Pep won the league title. Having CB"s like Ake coming in as a left back to add more defense and having John Stones come in central midfield. We saw Jack Grealish be more defensive compare to other seasons. Arsenal are building a squad similar to Cites last season. Mikel is trying to balance a system.
@@saniakshay12 I'll just say, today the new generation of viewers and the way media coverage goes on about modern football. It is soo focus on goals, assists, offense and judges the best players in the world of what they do on the ball and very offense centric. Especially the last 16 years with Messi and CR7 who both were brilliant players. We lost and are out of touch what Football is. Football is a complete sport. As much as goals are fun to watch. Defense also wins you games, goalkeepers wins you games. Prior to 2008. It would be common to see Centerbacks, fullbacks, midfielders, goal keepers win Balon D'or. Label players like Pablo Maldini who absolutely bosses the backline and the most important player for a squad. As much as people have said Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal's super star you come back say William Saliba is Arsenal super star as well. What he does on the defensive side of shutting down the PL best goal scorer last season while partnering up with Gabriel and working as a team, spraying balls from the back, being press resistant with his touches, dribbling out of the backline. Saliba has been equally crucial for Arsenal this season like Bukayo has. It's just a shame how today we overhype or over value offensive players that we dont acknowledge backlines or goalkeepers.
Arteta won the game with his subs. Pep made changes to try and solidify the stalemate, but Arteta sent players with instructions to try different things. Martinelli was all over the place, and Tomiyasu was breaking lines from behind, fighting aerial duels with the CBs, same with Havertz. The goal was made from one of those duels.
Foden/Haaland were in the back lines pocket all game. They look average without Rodri and KDB. Arsenal looked much sharper in the 2nd half when Marty came on. If he doesn’t add his aggression and pace, I think arsenal lose. Crazy how conservative both teams have to play without their best players.
Can't lose if your opponent doesn't take any shots.
Would have been different if Ake scored that goal scoring opportunity in the 1st half or Eddie Nhketiah scored that shot as well in the 1st half. Both teams didn't play conservative. They cancel each other out due to spacing and formations from the way Pep and Mikel set ups. Even if De Bruyne, Rodri, Saka played. All 3 would still have the same issues. Rodri probably win tackles and win fouls to slow Arsenal's momentum. Perhaps KDB gives Haaland a couple goal scoring opportunity or takes some shots on target. Perhaps Saka does the same and wins fouls, gets a shot or creates an opportunity for someone. The fact is the substitute changes from Mikel worked brilliantly and change the tactics compare to Pep's substitute changes that costed the game.
@@javierlandaverde4108 no question Ake scores it changes the entire game. But you look at Gvardiol he didn’t have to work all game. Look at how walker was pushing the ball up in the first half vs the second half when Marty came in.
Let’s not forget Kov should’ve been sent off on the second challenge. That was bad.
@@mikesingh6099 Gvardiol was good. His match up vs Jesus was a reason why Pep shifted him as a LB. He was physical vs Jesus, he won the physical match up, he won any balls that were kicked to Jesus. He made Jesus frustrated and threw him off his game. He was winning that match up. I don't think Pep instructed him to go up and join the attack as long as he won his match up. Jesus was fairly quiet in that game on offense. Walker on the other hand is a traditional RB / Wing Back. He was probably given the green light to join the attack.
@@javierlandaverde4108Rodri has better ref decisions for some reason and makes the refs not want to call the cynical stabs just after the other players pass the ball
Arsenal have been able to play a front three of Martinelli-Jesus-Saka a total of 23 min so far this season. They are dealing with a revolving door of injuries. Last season, Arsenal started the season with a settled eleven and front three that could build chemistry, while this season has, so far, been about controlling games, yes, but also to better handle 3-5 key players being out at the same time.
Results have been good overall, and territorial dominance and possession is significantly better than last season, but they look very disjointed in attack so far. Let's see how much of it is tactical, or if it's primarily injury-related. The left 8 position has been ineffectual offensively so far, so Havertz, or someone else, need to find a solution to the attacking struggles.
Arsenal played into City's hands last season and, while they looked the more threatening team in the early stage of the game because they naively attacked recklessly, City absorbed the attacks and then ruthlessly countered. This time, Arsenal set up like City, and forced them to break Arsenal down. Instead, it became a tactical battle that Arteta won due to a bit of luck, a very astute defensive game plan, and smart subs. It was a pragmatic win for Arteta.
Arsenal haven't yet played first front 3 together and is a contributing factor to a slow start. Its refreshing though to see we can now play with even 2 big players out, bodes well looiing foward.
Just to point out a few facts of city to counter this.
City have been forced to change their attacking routine as well. City don't have a settled attacking formation due to obvious reasons for example KDB injury, Rodri suspension, Grealish still trying to get back to top form from his injury likewise Stones. The main focus point of this game in every season would be the midfield and with both teams having that part of the pitch rather unsettled, the attacking outlets would receive less of the ball.
Trossard for many reasons was not receiving much and doing even less when he eventually got it meant the ball was mainly being sent to Jesus. Perhaps even tactically, as Jesus has more "big-game" premier League experience. Gvardiol himself did incredibly well in his own right.
Now when City did attempt to progress the ball, the width was being held by Walker and Gvadiol. With both Foden and Alvarez infield to try overload that area. However while they did do it effectively, this then also resulted in there being not much room for Haaland to pull any defenders with him. A trait Haaland perhaps needs to work on if it is compact.
Not sure we can credit Arteta to the extent that you're doing it. As with all things considered, the long ball was uncharacteristic and more of gambling than strategy. Havertz + Tomiyasu did well enough to cause just enough trouble for Walker + Dias and release Martinelli for a shot however, from a couple of reverse TV angles Ederson was already moving the way of the shot so it was incredibly fortunate that Akes head was in the right place and position for that deflection. Ake missed a sitter in the the first ten minutes only for him to be the recipient of an unlucky deflection putting it in his own net in the last ten minutes.
Fine margins all of over the pitch, a number of questionable decisions taken by Michael Oliver could've, would've and should've changed the game.
But overall both coaches set up as pragmatic as possible and neither one would've been upset with what was probably going to be a point each.
The reverse fixture with both squads hopefully settled and at full strength the odds probably swing back to Man city as with KDB + Rodri back they "should" produce more big game moments.
In my personal opinion Arsenal have regressed slightly with the addition of Havertz as far as output and goals are concerned perhaps why they are still looking to bring in the likes of Ivan Toney etc. To Arsenals credit though, City did manage to win a premier League title without an established goal scorer a few seasons back so there still is a chance. However we all know and are aware of the "City Surge" and with all guns firing Arsenal won't have enough firepower to see it through to the end...again.
What major club hasn’t dealt with injuries this season?
@@Emeraldcity123 The point was to simply counter the narrative Arsenal have intentionally scarified their attacking play. We're playing worse and scoring less goals because simply our usual front 3 have barely played together.
Perfect explanation
Don’t care how boring it was. I really liked the part where we won
Thats a silly way to approach football, this is the entertainment industry.
for a fan who cares, we're not all in the football intelligentsia@@leonthethird7494 lmao
@@leonthethird7494what a silly comment. It's not a film. It's a sport where the goal is to win.
Maybe go watch Goal?
@@CoCLord that’s such a narrow and limited view of football, I pity you. People don’t watch if they’re not entertained. Some people get the entertainment through investment, others through the virtuosity, but probably the most universal is the entertainment value.
@@no8839 zero nuance, boring af
Tactically really well explained but the move that lead to the goal was a spectacle. Tomiyasu was marked by Foden in a position that normally fits the inverted full back. But he quickly glances over at Foden, makes a darting run towards City's box, and meets Parteys ball from deep for the pre-assist. It was a thing of beauty watching that unfold. Havertz with the assist as well. Proves that even with structure, it's important to be slightly unpredictable. Deserved win. COYG!
that type of improvisation is exactly what we needed against lens in the champions league and i think we rlly learned from that game to be more direct and to take a chance
Arteta kept it stable until late on and then by subbing on Tomiyasu and Havertz, both tall and aerially capable players, and instructing Tomiyasu to switch to the left 8 spaces and for both to look for long balls to them, he planned for a late knock out punch that Pep didn't anticipate.
Hi, love your videos and the in-depth analysis (it's far better than anything on TV these days). However, I do think it's inaccurate to suggest that Arsenal didn't press high. This wasn't a situation like in the United game, where they knew that United's only route of attack was Onana's direct long-balls to wide runners (and so, they completely stood off and let United dictate play).
Here, Arsenal were indeed careful to not get 'baited' and leave central areas exposed, but when the ball went down to Ederson, they pressed quite high up, and actively (although with far less intensity than, say, the Spurs game).
Also - Zinchenko was positioned in his usual faux-LB/ centre mid role throughout the first half. They did change tack in the second half (still dunno what led to this).
I think the major difference this season is that Arsenal are prepared to vary their usual playstyle to match/ counter the opposition. And there is a degree of variation in their press each game. They are being quite smart about it.
This is a much better analysis than the “it wasn’t fun to watch” nonsense they kept spewing out in the video
Very good analysis.
This was great analysis
This is the same Michael Oliver that gave Martinelli two yellow cards in 7 seconds for two very minor petty infractions. Still, it’s pretty sweet they still beat 11-man City
I think this was a pretty extreme version of what we want to do OOP due to the fact it was City. We haven't hit real fluidity yet in attack because we've had some changes in midfield but also we haven't had our front 3 (Jesus, Martinelli and Saka) play together yet! It'll come..
I'd just like to say thanks for the adept, non-partisan tactical analysis... something that is woefully absent from the mainstream football punditry nowadays!
@@jamesmccaul2945 especially when this channel is known to be partial in what they promote.
@@jamesmccaul2945 I think you might need to look up the definition of non-partisan! 🙈😅
Glad it was good enough for you this free content. Shouldn't you be watching Ole ruggers?
Punditry? Almost none of the people you're referencing are experts i.e. not pundits. These guys for example are just aficionados (afaik), NOT pundits.
@@kunimitsune177 and when they DO get analysts in the panel as guests, they talk over them, or cut their sentences short to make some jokes. That's something I dislike.
the simple fact that arteta built a squad that is like water (bruce lee reference). can mould itself into whatever system he wants to beat the opponent. that’s what i find entertaining.
Water = have less xG than West Ham? What a joke.
You need that unpredictability, they have a more defensive style for man city which makes the game 50/50 they also have a style for man United which is let them have the ball around the back since they’re useless with it and just stop the counter attack. And the rest of the mid table teams just do the usual and pin them in with the inverted fullback and rice and overload the midfield dominate possession and whatever happens happens like the 4-0 against Bournemouth
@@perfectman3077Too bad XG is not worth anything.
@@perfectman3077at the end of the day…we haven’t lost, and we just beat city..we’re doing exactly what we couldn’t do last season and that’s not losing games with our alternative team. we beat city without saka and timber…lol shove that xG up ⬆️
@@omother6950it’s not that they’re unpredictable, it’s that arteta is adapting to what he has available at the moment and the reason why we’re joint top is because of the players arteta chose to sign, players who can adapt to any position. if timber was fit, we’d have a set starting 11. i think it’s more about adapting rather than unpredictability…
I don't get how it was a boring match
I was thinking about how good the match has already been 30 minutes in
There was a drop in quality in the second half when players started to get desperate. First half was okay.
Same! I was glued to it the whole time. Really enjoyed watching the off the ball defensive movement. Lots of interesting plays!
City's new signings need time to adapt to the team and to Pep's requirements. Rodri himself struggled so much in his first season at City with mistaked upon mistakes especially in big games. People including the media criticized Rodri by saying he was not the player to fill in Fernandinho's shoes. Look at him now. Once these new signings have fully adapted, then City will unlock an even higher level.
People like to write off City whenever they start off slow or are in a poor form momentarily. Yet City always know how to bounce back when ut really matters.
It was complex game for city, they can't take possession like before
But we did take possession what you on about bruv?
@@jontellieman city don't share 50-50 possession often
I think this analysis was based only in the first half. Where City was doing a better press and more man to man press rather than the zone press of Arsenal, even forcing Arsenal retreat from City's have to Arsenal's keeper. The change of Martinelli made Raya no longer play the ball short but start playing ling balls being City's defensive line avoiding the press and reduce losing the ball in Arsenal's own field. That is how the goal arrived and most of Arsenal's attacking situations.
“Arsenal don’t suit wide attacking play” whilst having 2 of the brightest wingers on the planet
Arsenal having some long outlet balls and getting it working was honesty more instructive than a lot of the rest of the game.
Their strengths are more technique than pace though
Who both cut in
@@charlieshhh2030But can go both ways…
@@micah0190 true, but this season we’ve quite often been forced wide and then had to pass it back and around to the other wing. We aren’t very dangerous directly from the wide areas when teams sit deep against us
Goals win you games. Defense win you titles.
What titles
It could refer to either team. So in city’s case, it has lead to a UCL and multiple league title
@@masterchief1520 a treble
@@masterchief1520liverpool didn't win until they have van dijk
@@suiro8455 right they should have sold salah 👀
I enjoyed the fact that even VAR , which i will consider a seperate entity this time, tried to stop Arsenal with Man City and still failed
Saying that Arsenal is boring this season is a naive thing to say. The fact is most teams last season saw that if they take risks they will be punished and get scored on. Last seasons teams left a lot of space for arsenal to attack, that is why players like Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus looked like bargains for what we paid. Now every team uses a low block vs Arsenal and try to counter, but when teams take risks and don't sit in a low block you get to see just how powerful Arsenal is attacking, take the PSV UCL game as an example. They went over to the Emirates and wanted to take the game to Arsenal, PSV ended up getting picked apart and the game was over in the first half. So rather than saying Arsenal isn't as fun as last season, take a look at how teams setup against Arsenal.
you speak my mind
Should be mentioned that Arsenal haven't had their starting front 3 in a single game this season when talking about their lack of chance creation. Also Vieira/Havertz have way more potential but aren't currently better than Xhaka in that midfield role, largely due to learning a new system/role and having to adapt.
Disagree they play more defensive, they want to create chances the same way as last time but just haven't had the personnel so far.
Completely agree. How do they not mention Martinelli being out and having to carry Havertz as possible reasons for less fluidity and threat.
I might be in the minority, but i didn't find any of the game boring at all
Nope absolutely awesome game to watch tactically
This was a strange video. Especially the xG comment. it's probably too early to try find any meaningful info or trends in an 8-game sample but if you will, why not also look at xGA? The trade-off has been almost total control in every game & barely giving up chances. A solid base, esp with the Martinelli-Jesus-Saka front 3 yet to get meaningful minutes.
As an Arsenal fan, I absolutely love to hear people theorising about whether we're too good defensively 😂
Plenty of evidence - start with Bmouth and PSV - that when the opportunity presents itself we can go all out and just kill a team.
Also fun fact: our front 3 of Saka, Jesus, Martinelli has played 21 minutes together all season.
But we've received so much criticism for allowing games like Everton and Palace away to become too open and exciting in the past. Killing them as occasions and trusting we will find that moment for the win is super professional and will take us far.
With all due respect to Tifo , I am an Arsenal fan with Mancity being my 2nd favourite team.
Yes it was by no means box to box blockbuster but it was a tactical battle from both the coaches nullifying each other by any means possible.
If you are neutral fan, or an experienced watcher of Champions league type matches, it was amazing. Big, physical and technical players going head to head alongside Pep knowing what Arteta does and vice versa.
Liverpool, Spurs, Brighton & Newcastle going the adventurous way and teams like Mancity and Arsenal preferring the tactical and slower way.
Playing fun and open was something City was fundamentally better at than us. We adjusted and grinded it out the hard way I LOVE IT!!!!
I wonder how this will change how teams play against Man City because now teams know it’s much better to give Haaland space rather than marking him tightly or playing him off, the attack and midfield at times is very far apart, and Rodri is the link so he’s who you should keep off the ball and marked.
Arsenal haven’t even left 3rd gear yet going forward . Seen a few people critical of us not having that fluidity going forward. I get that , I think some of it has been sacrificed for more defensive prowess. Also got to consider that our ideal front 3 of martinelli , Jesus and saka haven’t started a game together yet this season
I think man city has losed balance after gundogon has gone, stones injured, Kevin de bruyne is not available and rodri same as well but problem here is, that they don't have some who provide service to halland, grealish is not playing stead doku is playing but he is one dimesional
Didn't city spend a bunch of money signing 4 top players??? How can they be missing players?? What kinda excuse is that
Lost*
That Walthamstow FC kit is class!
Our front 3 have played a total of 20 odd minutes together
Toney and Neto are needed for The Arsenal to really compete for Major Honours. Toney terrorises Defenders both Home and Away, and also convert chances. Plus he is a smart tactical Player with superb movement, and great Link up play with all his Teammates; even the GK (Raya). A Left Footed Winger has to be brought. Neto. Comfortable at LW or RW, which would give the Team more wersatility and unpredictability. Neto, like Toney, is another great link up Player.
A key part of the game was how the goal came. The subs and Tomiyasu presence high up in attack was something worth mentioning.
I adore JJ Bull, without him this channel would be unwatchable
football! SOCCER!
Reminded me of the sterile Serie A games of old. Two team trying not to lose rather than trying to win.
When I watched Gazzeta football Italia it was exactly like this. Back then though English teams were horrendous, kick and rush headless chickens and I marvelled at how the Italian teams were so technical and the players movement protected the ball with such grace. It wasn't exciting but I could see how they beat us so regularly. I just loved their technical and tactically superior game. I am very pleased that the Premier league has kept a lot of the excitement but added technique, skill and tactical nous. I will always miss watching Ronaldo rip Italian teams to peices though.
Honestly I thought it was an Arteta masterclass paired with exceptional play from Rice and Saliba. Saliba locked up Haaland in multiple 1v1 opportunities for the striker. Arteta didn't get baited into burning his teams energy pressing the whole game. And then lastly, the subs had significantly more impact for Arsenal. Also if you found the game boring, just remember Arsenal give up 8 shots per game at home typically, and City only had 4 shots the entire game. It was more of a City bus park if anything. I think Pep was just satisfied with going for the 1 point while playing into hoping Arsenal either make a mistake, or press to high allowing a gap in the defense.
All those teams were quality,
even the lesser ones like Sampdoria, Lazio and Parma. All had some outstandingly gifted players.
Rare Tifo L. Not mentioning Tomiyasu's role in the goal and the spot on substitutions.
One of the most exiting games I’ve ever seen. Watching the scales shift.
this channel rocks
As ever great analysis, but something to consider about the lack of ‘fun’ is that Arsenal have not been able to start with their preferred front three of Gabi, Jesus and Saka (which is fun times) Also Timber great versatility but I think he was going to play inverted right back to give greater unpredictability and Zen remain at left back. As Timber can do Ben Wrights role as hybrid CB to FB but inverted like Zen.
I think the fun times will return but it’s encouraging that this team will be able to attack and lock teams down.
The front 3 that played so many matches together for Arsenal last season has not played once together yet this season
We have replaced a major midfielder in our squad and are still trying to adopt to it
Almost all of our penalties are last ditch attempts to cut down a final cutback/a shot.
When the man said ‘Declan Rice is probably the best in the world in these kind of areas’ I thought ‘wow imagine if he was in a team with Jude Bellingham’
Then I remembered that he is! Cmon England! (And Arsenal)
Just a shame Southgate doesn’t play Ben White alongside Stones at CB for England. Then they’d finally have an amazing spine all the way through the team
Arent they both right sided centerbacks?@@EldenRingClipsAndCriticalHits
It may interest people to know that this referee who had just come back from dubai where he was paid handsomely 20,000 to ref a game by the same sheikh who owns Man City, this referee has admitted that he has broken the rules of the game because he didnt want to impact the occasion by giving a 2nd yellow, 😮 do you think these referees should be allowed to be employed by Premier league Team owners?
A typically interesting video, but one of the last statements that Arsenal aren't good when attacking from wide just blatantly ignores that Saka and Martinelli are two of the best in the world at attacking wide. Saka missed the match and Martinelli only had 30 minutes in him. So Arteta made the best choice with the players available to him. If Saka/Martinelli are fully fit, I wonder how that changes the strategy.
Also, besides Declan Rice the biggest difference between this match and previous years was William Saliba. He (along with Gabriel obviously) entirely took Haaland out of the match and in particular, Saliba bodying up on him and brushing him aside early set the tone. Haaland is used to just physically dominating opposing centerbacks with power and speed. Saliba can match him.
Where do I get the usual classic football shirt prints from the background ?
Pep is doing his experiments again without Rodri, like the beginning of last season when Bernado was playing Quarterback.
Quarterback? 🤮 go away
Qatarback
What was he supposed to do? He is missing his 2 best players, and the centerpieces of his team. He also lost Gundo in the summer and Stones was just coming of an injury. Its not like he would actually play Kalvin Phillips
Ew
Halfback not Quarterback 😂
They're not scoring as many goals as well because key attackers have been out injured also. Jesus had a spell out, Martinelli, Saka, now Trossard got a slight hammy hence why he was brought off after half time. Truth be told we need more end product from Havertz, and Smith Rowe needs to be involved in the campaign if we have any chance of winning the league
arsenal need a killer striker fr
Holding on Haaland... 😅😅😅 Oh my days, that's beyond tactical at that stage
kai havertz has been very passive and i feel hasn't let the attacking flow that well. when saka, jesus and matinelli are the front 3, things will be different eddie presses well but hasn't proven to be a regular scorer.
Can I just say I missed the name cards in this one? ):
Otherwise, great analysis! I now always look forward to these after the gameweek!
Imagine talking about Arteta getting players who`re good between the lines and not mentioning Havertz?
😂😂😂😂It's called BIAS.
Once you hate a player, you can't seem them
I don’t think Tito hates Havertz lol, Rice was mentioned because they were talking about the more defensive aspect of Arsenals summer signings
What does "who're" mean?
@@singalexsongwho are, presumably
@@singalexsong"who are", but you knew this already
They just can't give arsenal any real props 😭😭😭😭
impressive win for arsenal against man city and dubai-owned michael oliver
As long as Nketiah continues to start, those expected goals will continue to be horrendous lol
can u guys at least talk about the process of the goal, 'cause it's pretty obvious that Tomiyasu suddenly making that overlapping run was by instructions of Mikel Arteta, all 4 subs contributed to the only goal of the match.
VAR has decided that potentially ankle-breaking tackles from behind are only yellow. Will they be consistent on this for the rest of the season?
Great video but re arsenal being less attacking. I don’t agree its the personal additions - its the fact that their front 3 are yet to start a game together this season coz of injuries!!!
I dont care how we did it, im just happy we finally won a league game against city
I think you explained how Arsenal didn't lose to Man city rather than how they beat Man city.
all excitement for beating city aside,i have a feeling like in the recent games city "respected" us somehow i dont know if its due to our coach and how we seem like some sort of replica of them philosophy wise, but they did not press as highly as usual the team was like split in two with their midfield not being as dominant as usual so it was mainly defenders who shone on both sides and it allowed us to play and the absence of most of their spine was visible,the same game with them i am not so sure the outcome is a win for us
kovacic's tackles showed he is not a dm it was very clumsy good and top class dm's know how to repeat strong tackles before maybe even getting a yellow a top dm has that in his locker to repeat tackles which are agressive but in the right limit and make himself "invisible" to the ref until some point,i wonder why pep did not trust either stones or kalvin there,it was quite lightweight with rico and kovacic,its as if we went to city with jorginho and vieira as double pivot and city had 99 per cent of their best eleven,they'd have hammered us surely
Definitely due to your coach. Coach comes first with your recent improvements. Pep has always respected mikel and believed in him since his first season
@@ImaybeNormal exactly,and even haaland,credit to gabriel and saliba who have most of the time handled him fairly well since they play against him,but i am sure he'd have done better than he did if city played their usual vibrant high pressing way
so many times he dropped back to get the ball and try to build but there was rarely anybody on the same wave length they were often miles apart whereas city's real game is like they are 15 on the field since they always manage to get people available
even bernardo silva at some point was like the dm,makes no sense it could have worked against a burnley or a sheffield but an almostcomplete arsenal without only one of the main players nahhh
@@masterchief1520 yes,thats my point maybe they felt like if they played as usual which he knows very well he might counter fast with the electric pace of martinelli for example
Tbh the tactical analysis here is exactly why City 'respected' us because we complete shut down the spaces and bored them to death with Raya slowing the game down to nanoseconds. It was ingenious to make them rot like this and disrupt their rhythm. 😂
Not to take away from Arsenal's win, but I really feel City are a different side without Rodri and had he played the outcome would have been different.
How they won the game? Another fluke deflection. Both teams were shocking and city missing huge players. Nothing Arteta did at all
As an arsenal fan, it was an incredibly fun game to watch!
Love that shirt 😍 my son plays for Walthamstow 💪🏻
Disagree with that final take. I think injuries have dampened our attack more than anything. Haven't started our preferred Jesus, Martinelli, Saka yet.
Also we don't HAVE to play through the middle. We have elite wingers.
Is it just me who thinks pep lost this game rather than arteta winning it? Changing his whole system because rodri was out (Bernardo in cdm, Lewis in the 10 and Alvarez on the wing) seemed far too cautious.
City had no width and refused to play long despite that clearly being the best way to beat arsenal. I think pep was too cautious and stubborn and effectively cost city the game, and arsenal just got a lucky goal at the end.
I think Pep lost it AND Arteta won it.
Simple really.
@@Qlicky I do agree to an extent.. I just think a lot of people are saying city look bad without rodri and kdb, which whilst true, I think Pep made this worse by changing the formation/player positions so much.. I think if he’s just swapped rodri for Philips or Lewis city would have won
@@cameronpilling6675 Or they could have lost by a bigger margin.
It's pointless debating what ifs after the game is gone.
Right, yeah but by that logic we can’t debate anything hypothetical? So there’s no way of knowing if anyone ever makes a mistake?
It’s pretty obvious to me that if city play their normal team and system they beat arsenal comfortably. Based on the fact they’ve beaten them 12 times in a row for 6 years and are a better team and arsenal won by a lucky goal, it’s not an unreasonable assumption and is definitely more likely than not
@@cameronpilling6675 Entire tournaments were won by a 'lucky' goal.
There is nothing obvious about an assumption. Otherwise it wouldn't be called as such, now would it?
If Arsenal were actually lucky, they would have played vs 10 men for most of the game. But I don't see you including that in your 'obvious' and 'reasonable' assumptions.
Arsenal had won the league if they beat City once last season...
Does anyone know what kind of software are the using for the tactical board?
Guys.. just bring back the podcast 😞
That was NOT a boring game ffs. As one of the major influences on the modern fan, please stop pushing the "goals/chaos = good game" nonsense.
This was a good game of football. Full stop.
Spot on comment 👌🏻 so true
Mmm good and boring can coexist because they're not polar opposites. Good/bad and exciting/boring would be the pairs.
As one of the commentators said during the game, it wasn't lunch and counter punch. It was pinch and counter pinch.
This game was tense, tactical, finely balanced, nuanced... but it wasn't exciting you'd have to agree?
mmm, lunch. seriously though, finally someone gets it. @@owenrodgers8020
what a load of confused nonsense.
You said they played almost exactly the same and you make arsenal responsible for the game being boring. If it is boring, you have to make both coaches responsible.
You can't win in this scenario, if you lose you are terrible, if you win you are defensive with more goal attempts and better control.
Other teams have been causing Arsenal trouble by crowding the middle, so Arteta uses the tactic against City. Well done.
What is this software you guys use to show the tactics?
Can we have a video On Girona in Laliga and how they are 2nd in the league as a newly promoted side?
Do a video on liverpool currently!
We all know how they beat Man City. A deflected shot off the defender Ake's face. Without this moment, it would've been a draw.
Exactly haha. Didn’t do anything significantly right or wrong just got a lucky deflection (again)
@@bifftannen2696Didn't get anything significantly right, apart from winning you mean?
Yup we were just as fortunate with the deflection as you were with Kovacic staying on the pitch. Stop whining.
The whole match is a 4d chess , it looks like a snooze fest but the way they changing the direction of the game is really great
They've only played 8 games how can you say with certainty their attack isn't as good as last season. They did well getting into the box from wings against city they just didn't square it early enough. Jesus had that issue a couple of times just himself.
They often attack wide with Ben white as an overlapper either as a decoy to create space for saka inside by dragging a defender away or by white himself then crossing.
Also i have to say that foden and other city players made so many good runs in behind especially in the first half and city should've attempted those passes way more. Could've scored one. Not enough directness and risk taking.
Liverpool vs brighton had lots of moments like that, for example march driving forward to win the free kick which brighton scored from. Just have to take risks.
Foden did that for city after arsenal scored but obviously it was too little too late
Haaland was in saliba pocket
Xhaka has left quite a big hole it seems. Wish Arsenal had managed to snag Gundogan who would have offered that central threat in a way none of the options as the second 8 appear to (yet?).
I think there were number of runs foden or haaland made but city simply couldn’t use those runs. Silva’s class but he’s awful in those situations for some reason
is that a walthamstow kit? its lovely!
I'm a gunner, and I might be biased but I think we played way better than City after the first 15ish minutes, and it kept getting better. First 5-10 minutes were hard to watch, my heart was skipping a beat every time Raya got the ball (almost capitulated the game on one occasion) but they found their bearings and honestly completely outplayed City's offensive. Frankly, this is one of the worst City performances I've witnessed in a long time.
Because KDB and Rodri were non available… that’s your answer! You’re welcome
That’s part of the game… last season rob holding started against City.
Saka and Timber were missing for Arsenal, Martinelli and Rice were off the back of recent injury. It definitely goes both ways.
Arsenal played with Nketiah and Jorginho. That City team was more than good enough to win and they didn't.
This KDB/Rodri excuse is actually embarrassing.
@@3bladeninja21 I am a diehard Arsenal fan but let’s face it, KDB is the best player in the PL. I still remember his world class goal against us last year, him and only him was more than enough to destroy us… not add to that the best DM in the world protecting him…. Yeah full squad Arsenal with Saka, Timber, everyone can’t match treble winning Man City. It’s not an excuse, these are facts. Any club having Nketiah as their main striker are not serious about winning.
It was far from boring... The intensity and chess moves between the teams.
so you think chess is exciting? you don't even understand the words you're using, lmao.
No Rodri, no De Bruyne, this is answer to this question
yes because losing saka/one half of gabi wasnt a big deal at all !!
That William Morris kit tho 😍
They finally beat City because this is the worst midfield they’ve put out vs them in years while Arsenal added Rice. Rodri, KDB, Gundogan & Stones won them the treble for a reason.
Okay. Last season Rob Holding started against City
You've cracked it there. Let's not bother with the 17 minute video then.
@@joellemm9229you can do the same analysis for all previous games and all of them would be 20+ mins. Doesn't change the result.
@@joellemm9229 matches likes this are entirely dependent on the midfield battle. They’re low scoring affairs with few chances. So yeah, not having 3 of the 5 best midfielders in the world is pretty massive. Not to mention a top 3 ball-playing CB in Stones.
Arsenal had Jorginho in the midfield lol
Mikel has finally cracked peps code
So even if City's 'best' players were on the pitch i.e Rodri, KDB and Stones, and Arsenal had Saka, the game would've still played out the same way?
Finally the video is out now
How can you tacticaone lly arrange or plan a deflection. I think Arteta and Pep have found the cure for insomnia. Beautiful Game - try ugly and be more entertaining and exciting. Bill
City had 0.00 xG on target(xGOT)
As a gunner, I loved this game haha
Last season when arsenal was 10 points ahead i said city would win the league and arsenal fans reading my comment all disagreed
This season arsenal will win the league
Simply because now they can focus on their own games without fearing to lose 6 points to city
I think even if arsenal loses at etihad its fine
All they need to do is to win their own games
City just lacks that sharpness in attack this season because haaland is starting to show hes a bit outdated for modern football and kdb is gonna be injured the majority of the season
The baldie has always loved putting down Arsenal but he is clever enough to hide it just enough...ive noticed that pattern after watching his Videos for a while
That 4-1 wasn’t some tactical master class they just exploited rob holdings awful defending. We might not of beat them but we don’t lose 4-1 with Saliba instead of rob holding
Guys, we’ve only dropped 4 points this season and we’re joint top; so far Arteta’s recruitment has worked…and it’’s not as if the old players aren’t there (Xhaka excluded), so we can still play a more “fun” brand of football when needed. 🙄
I miss xhaka