After a disappointing end to the 2023–24 season, where our Gunners lost the title race on the final day of the season by just 2 points, there are high hopes that the upcoming season could be better. We need to see a better version of Arsenal next season.
We want our Gunners to perform at their best, so here are some simple fixes that could help them:
Odegaard has primarily played as an RCM, but we should consider using him flexibly and occasionally deploying him at LCM, as he could significantly improve the struggling Arsenal left side. The left-footed playmaker is amazing on the right, but he could literally be unstoppable on the left.
That said, while at RCM, Odegaard should be making underlapping runs in the RHS and using his right foot (he rarely uses it) for first-time balls, which could make him more effective. The Norwegian should also try occupying the width so that Saka can operate on the RHS.
If Rice continues as a 6, he needs to work on his deep buildup and be bold enough to make progressive passes.
At times, Declan Rice played and impressed as an LCM, but given how two-footed he is, should we also consider playing him at RCM more often? It could unleash another dynamic in our engine room.
Many are convinced Gabriel Jesus could be up for a role change; capable of playing all across the attack, why can’t we count on him as Saka’s RW cover next season? He could be the one to ease the Hale End graduate’s workload.
We should never try Kai Havertz as a midfielder again. It became obvious he’s less impactful in the role; he’s a striker, and that’s where he should stay.
What do you think?
Jack Anderson
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Havertz, striker? Perfectly Yes!
o.k. I’ll be the first one – move Bukayo to LB 😂 Wrighty you out there?
It never ceases to amaze me why Arteta is reluctant to play Saka as a conventional left winger where his ability to cross on the run could pay dividends, especially with a tall CF like Havertz lurking in the box.In the same way I can’t remember him starting Jesus on the RW, where he has performed well for Brazil.While I credit our Manager for the improvement which was clearly evident last year, he can never be accused as being innovative as far as tactics are concerned, as he has basically followed the routines carried out by his mentor at City.Perhaps he will display more imagination in our pre season matches when there is little at stake?
And yet when he played Partey at RB he was lambasted despite that being innovative!
Though I have some sympathy with using Saka on left and getting crosses in from the byline. Not sure Havertz is the best head of the ball though and not many other tall forwards so that why he probably uses him on LW
I would like to see interchange between the wingers during matches of we find it hard to break down the low block
Well Neil,I would describe the decision to play Partey at RB as plain stupid and anything but innovative.
You could’ve knocked me over with a feather when I first saw the lineup on that one. Then the match proceeded and I became nauseous while watching. imo, it boils down to some ideas working out and some not no matter who the manager is. That said, it’s still nice to have someone who is not afraid to put a wrinkle into things for the opposition to contend with. Now, on with putting Odegaard in goal.
I believe Jesus can become an excellent AM, be it the left or right mezzala
I still remember his beautiful Cruyff turn in a tight space. Nobody else at Arsenal can use that skill in EPL and UCL yet
Unfortunately, Odegaard and Rice would most likely become our main AMs next season
@Gai Jesus can do well as a striker if Arteta can instruct him to keep his role as a striker in front of goals. And stop marauding in midfield.
The strikers role is the only position available for him. LW & RW are already taken.
Realistically, if he doesn’t improve his goal scoring form he will remain second to Havertz. I don’t see Arteta changing Havertz role as a striker soon unless Arsenal buys s new CF.
I guess Arteta wants his CF to drop back and help the midfield
Unfortunately, the huge EPL CBs easily pushed Jesus
I can’t believe I haven’t even thought of that before. Jesus does have some excellent qualities that could lend themselves well to playing off the striker and he does press well (I think). I suspect the issue is that arteta prefers one of those “AMs” to be more of a box to box midfielder with some defensive instincts – rice and xhaka are the only ones who’ve made it work so far and I think merino could fill that position well if he joined. I would be interested to see how jesus performed in odegaard’s role, if the opportunity ever came up.
What are you smoking . without partey in that midfield we are weak that period his makes the whole team play better .
Yes Jesus is very good in tight spaces and I think his defending skills aren’t bad as a striker
@Ken1945
Carrying on from the other article.
So do you now acknowledge that your constant regurgitation about “Arteta having having been backed to the Hilt to the tune of more than £600 million” is just another one of your sneaky contradictory / hypocritical talking point off the assembly line sticks to beat Arteta. You’ve gone through quite a few of those since 2020.
What I wanted to do was to expose the hypocrisy from the usual Arteta bashers. One minute they are saying that Arteta agrees with them about the need to spend more in strengthening the squad, but then it’s the same individuals that have not shut up about “How he has spent more than £600 million since 2019”.
And you are absolutely correct that Arteta said he want to spend more in strengthening the squad farther. As you keep pointing out it’s a FACT. The same FACT you seem to be supporting this window. Right?
But then don’t turn around and start using that same Fact as another stick to beat him with later on. You have been going on about.
It’s the sneaky / slimy contradictory hypocrisy that I can’t stand. You either are not on board with his £600 million spending or you are on board. Can’t be talking from both ends.
That’s all.
Lols
Now let’s address another one of your points:
6. “Wrongest individual and proven wrong on every big and controversial decision?” Well Goonster, a few examples might help me answer yet another flowery comment that means nothing without context – let’s see what you come up with.”
1) Terminated Deadwood contracts and giving them away for free order to rebuild and create harmony..
The sensationalistic “Wanting Arteta gone since 2020/21 season: You guys wanted him gone just 9 months into the job. The constant pile ons..
2) The Shirt Selling Genius (Ozil) saga.
3) Guendouzi saga.
4) Auba Saga.
5) Him choosing the long term route of squad building.
The constant negativity towards Arteta, Edu and fans that kept asking you guys to calm down and give Arteta a bit of time to steady the club and get in his own players? Anyone that even suggested patience was shouted down by the likes of yourself and others. We were labelled as accepting lower standards all to cover for Arteta / Edu etc..
You always seemed to end up on the sensationalist, negative, pessimist oppose Arteta on nearly everything side..
Hence why I said you guys have been some of the Wrongest individuals when it comes to Arteta..
Now let’s discuss some of those and may be later I will bring up more..
👍🤞
Lols
If we can get another top class Winger then Havertz, Jesus, Trossard will be enough at CF
The spending is what it is because the success failure rate is pretty much 50/50. A lot of money wasted on mediocre players. Few managers have had Arteta’s carte blanche to get it right through on the job training. In reality we should only be looking for one huge buy this season, but there are at least three positions from Arsenal’s last season starting line up that look vulnerable and I’m not even looking at Raya yet who will inevitably cost us points.
Let us be totally honest we haven,t had a great striker since the days of Henry. Bergkamp, Van Persie, Wright or Anelka. Why are desperately searching for someone we can convert to this role ??
Surely it would be better to buy one fewer player and use the extra cash to buy a top class striker !!!
I could really wish to see the wingers interchanging in games varying it a little bit rather than the , cut inside , shoot or cross. Go to the byline and cross, Tierney used to do that, white as well albeit occasionally . We need the opposite franks to be doing that more often. But I guess every manager has his way . And we don’t have a Giroud like striker . How I miss those diving headers!