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TopTopQuality 2,753 pts

Wenger is finished

Posted by TopTopQuality about 8 years ago · 74 replies

If you watched last night's shithousery against PSG, you know that Arsenal played like shit and a fair score would've been 5-1 to PSG (thanks to Cavani the donkey).

Here is a wonderful write up about why Arsenal are so shit. It's probably the best article I've ever read about Arsene Wenger's football.

https://theringer.com/arsenal-arsene-wenger-premier-league-efcbac78ec3d#.cfl6bds9q

Basically it doesn't matter who plays for Arsenal. Wenger is the problem. He could easily turn Messi and Luis Suarez into donkeys.

Wenger is the man of yesterday. His time is up. An old dog can't learn new tricks.

Here are some important extracts:

"Arsenal play with an improvisational, near-positionless form in possession. The players are allowed to move freely off of the ball, often roaming between spaces in search of the next opening rather than staying in their positions and waiting for space to open...

...It can make for some beautiful football if the players link up effectively...

...It’s extremely difficult to score goals like these without fluid positioning, but no team can reasonably expect to score 80 improvisational goals in a season — and that’s Arsenal’s problem....

...Without a clear and explicit guideline for their positioning, though, Arsenal’s shape often becomes disconnected. The problems appear as soon as they start bringing the ball out of defense. Despite playing with three central midfielders, without any positional directive, only one of them typically drops back to receive a pass from the center backs...

...This creates two problems: (1) the defenders don’t have as many options to advance the ball to, and (2) if the central midfielder does get the ball, he’s then disconnected from the other two midfielders, which then makes it harder for him to advance the ball.

... it’s fairly easy for any smart pressing team to cover the gaps between the Arsenal midfield... With the dropping midfielder alone in deep positions, Arsenal’s opponents can block his few passing lanes easily while also covering the two Arsenal midfielders higher up...

...Arsenal are able to create overloads due to their fluid movement, but they’re all too often arranged in a straight line, rather than a triangle, which negates all the advantages that come from overloading. As a result of these straight lines, the number of passing options is limited and, in some cases, the attackers simply get in the way of their teammates...

...Even with such a critical deficiency in their football, Arsenal can often rely on their individual talents to get by... Although Arsenal can still challenge in most games through their talent, it certainly seems like the lack of structured strategy limits the team’s potential...

.... In the open and fast-paced Premier League, the rarity of defensive compactness has suited Arsenal’s attackers, who can find space more easily and create the kinds of high-quality chances that expected goals loves. But part of the reason they haven’t advanced beyond the Round of 16 in the Champions League since 2010 is that continental teams don’t allow the same kind of space at the back...

...After a decade without clear evolution, will Wenger ever change? ... The likes of Xhaka and Pérez will undoubtedly improve their play, but Wenger’s free-form attacking structure will not get the most out of them. It hasn’t got the most out of anyone in a long time...

74 Comments

TopTopQuality 2,753 pts
Posted about 8 years ago by TopTopQuality

So much nonsense but whatever. I hereby swear to never visit this thread again.

Wow, that's such a well reasoned refutation.

Just proves that your views are baseless and aren't backed up by any facts or logic. But it doesn't stop you from being obnoxious.

Empty vessels make most noise.

poodris 2,818 pts
Posted about 8 years ago by poodris

Yes and even if he doesn't, that already is a tactical approach in itself.

Didn't you swear to leave this thread and never come back? Wtf

TopTopQuality 2,753 pts
Posted about 8 years ago by TopTopQuality

Not only does Wenger have a "one size fits all" approach to tactics, his one and only tactical set up is so deeply flawed, as it is described that article. Ever since I read that article, I keep seeing all that in every game, unless the opposition team is very poor.

I suppose it depends on your preferences. If you like helter-skelter improvisational football Wenger is your man. But the trouble is, not all teams allow Arsenal to play like that. Plenty of teams know exactly how to stop Arsenal from creating chances. And Wenger doesn't adjust his tactics to teams like that.

GOAT 185 pts
Posted about 8 years ago by GOAT

I cannot believe he is starting Alexis up top, Walcott on the wing, and coqzorla yet again. Why does he stick with these failed experiments for so long? It's clear xhaka was a signing made by the board. Wenger is using every pathetic excuse available not to play him, despite the fact that he is clearly the best option.

Agree Alexis up top doesn't work against quality opposition, but Walcott is reliving his 2011/12 season.

As for Coqzorla, Wenger is easing Xhaka into the squad match by match. Don't want to see Granit getting red do you?

Cazorla will play 1.5 matches max. More so with Coq out now. There's a long season ahead. Calma.

Both Lucas and Xhaka will get games as the season progresses. (Hoping they will start against Basel.)

Believe Wenger is a changed man this season. He knows time is running out. He's stubborn and that's why it took him this long.

btw Poodris I'd like to see that list of excuses. typical Wenger.

THE POLICE Arsenal Forever!!! 4,636 pts
Posted about 8 years ago by THE POLICE

How about his 20th anniversary game against Chelsea... He hit them on counterattack with pace and Chelsea were done............ Arsene is ready for the battle!!!!

Gunner Gunners fire long distance screamers at people 5,132 pts
Posted over 7 years ago by Gunner

Ernesto Valverdo is said to replace Wenger at Arsenal. Is he the right man to take the job?

TopTopQuality 2,753 pts
Posted over 7 years ago by TopTopQuality

I used to be a Wenger fan. Now I despise the man. I used to think the only reason he was underperforming was insufficient transfer funds.

But now I see that he's just a poverty manager, someone who is used to only scraping into top 4 against all odds. His tactics are outdated, he refuses to correct his mistakes or accept criticism, he's arrogant and complacent.

Every time he's questioned his only response is - "I've been in this job for 50 years!"

I haven't been watching Arsenal games for a couple of months now. Because when I watch them, all I feel is disgust, anger, frustration, contempt.

If he actually stays on as manager after this season, I will print an A0 portrait of him and film myself pissing on it, then burn it and upload it to ytoutube

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