Where did it all go wrong for Arsenal?

Mark your calendars people, the annual Arsenal meltdown is here. It hasn’t come as early as last season’s Unai Emery disaster but its a lot sooner compared to the usual February capitulation that coincided with the yearly Champions League exit in the late Wenger years. Following Arsenal’s 2-0 thrashing by rivals Tottenham Hotspur, they sit 15th in the league and have lost 6 of their last 9 games in the Premier League. This is the worst start to an Arsenal season in 45 years, and rock bottom just keeps on getting deeper and deeper. The quiet optimism of the summer has dwindled away, replaced by the eventual resignation and acceptance of Arsenal’s mediocrity. Mikel Arteta was declared a genius in August post his fantastic FA Cup success, but just 4 months later there are already some doubting his credibility.

It has been a worrying November for the Arsenal (Credits: Sky Sports)

And if the losses aren’t bad enough, the football being played is even more worrisome. Tottenham were comfortable winners on Sunday night as Arsenal failed to register more than 2 shots on Target despite attempting 44 crosses throughout the game. The week before that Wolves dominated Arsenal in their 2-1 victory at the Emirates and were comfortably the better side, as were Leeds United and Aston Villa in their respective meetings with Arsenal in November. When Arteta first took charge of the squad in December 2019 there seemed to be a revitalised hunger amongst the squad which was evident from their pressing and intensity on the pitch. Cut to today, the pressing is a shadow of what it was and the body language of most players stink. Arsenal is approaching games as relegation contenders, happy to nick a 1-0 but just content with defending. It feels like creative expression has been outlawed on the pitch and it does not look like it is getting any better.

The numbers are bad. Arsenal has scored only 10 goals this season, and only one from open play in the last 7 games. Forget scoring, even a shot on target is a rare occurrence at Arsenal matches these days with the Gunners averaging just 3 shots on target in the league this season (ranked 17th amongst PL clubs). With no Mesut Ozil in the side, Arsenal is also struggling on the creative front. The Gunners average only 15 Shot Creating Actions Per 90 (ranked 16th amongst PL clubs) and 6 Key Passes per 90 which are both indicators of relegation form. Arsenal is also laboured in possession and they struggle to get the ball up the pitch. This is indicated by the fact that Arsenal has the 2nd most touches in the league in their own defensive penalty area but rank 11th in the league for touches in the attacking third. This shows that Arsenal is happy to keep the ball in their own half but struggle to convert their possession into chances. These indicators show that Arsenal’s league position is no fluke or temporary problem, the numbers are bad, and Arsenal are bad.

So who is to blame for this catastrophic disaster. The answer to that is unfortunately not as simple as it should be. This has been a 10-year gradual slide towards mediocrity. The guilty parties include the owners the Kroenke’s, Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta, Ivan Gazidis (Ex-CEO), Raul Sanllehi (Ex-Director of Football), Vinai Venkateshem (Current CEO) and Edu Gaspar (Current Technical Director). It’s a collective cataclysmic failure from each of these individuals that lead to where Arsenal are today, a shadow of their former self. The final dagger was Tottenham Hotspur, a team they finished ahead of in the league for 21 seasons between 1995 and 2016 beating Arsenal to go 11 points clear of them within 11 games of the season.

There have been many mistakes made by Arsenal over the years but the more you look at it this summer was a complete failure for the club. Arsenal failed to offload any of the excess weight in the squad and was hamstrung by the mistakes made in previous windows. They desperately needed to sell some of the underperforming players and free up funds but the only significant sale made was Emiliano Martinez. They failed to find suitors for wantaway midfielders Torreira and Guendouzi and were forced to loan them out on deadline day. Mesut Ozil was completely omitted from the squad and has been earning 350k a week to send shots to Piers Morgan on Twitter. They failed to orchestrate a loan move for William Saliba who was signed for 30 million in 2019 and he has been stuck playing with the under-23’s. On top of that despite struggling to create chances last season the only attacking signing brought to the club was a 32-year-old Willian on a free transfer. Yes, the pandemic has affected all European clubs but Chelsea and Tottenham were able to significantly improve their squad in the off-season but the same can’t be said about Arsenal. The reality is that for the time being Arsenal possess a squad of overpaid players that are mid-table at best.

So where do Arsenal go from here? Hitting the reset button and sacking the manager is not going to change anything. There are deeper issues at the club currently that Arteta simply walked into. A new manager will be left with the same set of players (Lacazette, Xhaka, Bellerin, Holding, Mustafi, Luiz) who struggled under Wenger’s reign, down tooled under Emery in 2019 and are doing the same now under Arteta. This is the toughest period arguably in the clubs 135-year history and changing the manager solves none of the problems at hand. Yes, Arteta picks the team and the tactics and does deserve the blame for recent results. But he needs time to develop his philosophy and actually buy the players that he believes can carry out his vision. The scars of the mistakes made by previous managers and executives are still very much prevalent and it will take time for them to heal and be corrected. Unfortunately for Arsenal and Arteta, he needs to apply the bandages soon because the clock is already ticking and the time may well run out.

What Arsenal Can Learn From Liverpool’s 5 Year Journey To The Top.

“Liverpool are becoming Tottenham, think they are a big club, but the real big clubs are not too worried about them and what they are going to do and who they are going to buy. At this moment Liverpool think we are a big club but we are not.”

The iconic moment live on air which led to Carragher’s impassioned rant

These are the words echoed by Jamie Carragher as Liverpool sacked Brendan Rodgers on the 4th of October 2015 in the Sky Studio. Liverpool were heading nowhere, 25 years since they won the League and only a League Cup to show in the previous decade. Their squad too was an indictment of where they were and carried the likes of Christian Benteke, Steven Caulker and Alberto Moreno to name a few. Liverpool and FSG seemed to be sailing a rudderless ship and the cycle of disappointment looked set to continue.

However 4 days later their fortunes were set to change as they appointed a bespectacled German Coach named Jurgen Klopp and the rest as they say is history. It got worse before it got better and his first season included 2 Cup Final losses and Liverpool finishing 8th in the league. But 5 years later Liverpool have won the Premier League while losing only 2 games in 2 years, reached 2 back to back Champions League finals and won the tournament in 2019. This has been nothing short of a 5 year miracle that has been a product of astute management, planning in the transfer market and a clear identity and a winning culture that starts from the owners and spreads to the guys cleaning the Kop after a match-day.

Klopp has been the influential cog on Merseyside and has developed a style of football that is both attractive to watch and effective. He has transformed his front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino into world beaters, created a midfield trio of marathon runners and has demonstrated the impact of full backs on the modern game. But this transformation is much more than just the manager.

Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s director of football and the man behind the scenes has had as much of a role in the rise of the club in recent seasons. To get to where they are today Liverpool have done as much right off the pitch as they have done on it. Their scouting network and money-ball based transfer policies have worked wonders. They unearthed diamonds from relegated clubs like Newcastle and Hull by signing Robertson and Wijnaldum. As Gary Neville said they turned 30 million pound players like Mane and Salah into 130 million pound players. And finally when they had to go big they bought the finished article in terms of Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson to complete their team.

But it does not end there, Liverpool have done all this while being a selling club and have had a net spend of only 107 million pounds across this 5 year period. They have been able to squeeze out every single penny from the transfer market. Benteke and Mamadou Sakho were sold for a total of 52 million to Crystal Palace, Dominic Solanke and Jordon Ibe were shipped off to Bournemouth for a total of 35 million and Phillipe Coutinho was sold for a massive fee in excess of 100 million. Since that fateful night in October 2015, Liverpool have hardly put a foot wrong in these last 5 years and are now set up to dominate England and Europe for the foreseeable future.

That same day, Arsenal beat Manchester United 3-0 at the Emirates. Ozil and Sanchez were in the prime of their careers, Coquelin and Cazorla controlled the midfield and Arsenal finally had a reliable keeper in the form of Cech. Coming off back to back FA Cup wins it seemed as if Arsenal had turned a corner and could supplement their consistent Champions League finishes with a sustained title push. But as Liverpool’s fortunes rose with the emergence of Klopp, Arsenal’s light grew dimmer and dimmer. The 5 years that followed included the entire Wenger Out shenanigans, the Emery fiasco and the growing divide among the fan-base as demonstrated weekly on AFTV. To add to that there has been a complete failure at board level in the last 5 years. Ozil and Sanchez were allowed to run down their contracts, Aaron Ramsey was let go on a free, the transfer strategies are highly questionable and now it seems like Arsenal’s transfer policy is dictated by super-agents.

So that is where we are now, in 2020. Arsenal are facing a situation not too dissimilar to what Liverpool found themselves in during 2015. A managerial change, the fans dissapointed with their board and American owners and the club slowly losing its identity and brand. It would be naive to think that Arsenal are a big club. Yes Arsenal are a huge organisation, with history, values and a huge stadium and a global fan following. But are Arsenal really challenging? Do the likes of City or Liverpool or Chelsea really care what Arsenal do in the transfer market or are worried that the Gunners will catch up with them or be a force to be reckoned with? Much like how it was for Liverpool in 2015 the answer unfortunately is no.

Arsenal currently sit 10th in the Premier League (as I write this) and are set for their worse Premier League finish since its inception. Their star striker and captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang only has a year left on his contract and could leave North London this summer. Mesut Ozil is earning 350k a week and is nothing more than a shadow on match-days. And finally the defensive issues at Arsenal are perfectly encapsulated by David Luiz who Arsenal have offered a 1 year extension.

The youngsters have impressed this season for the Gunners

While things do look despondent at the club, its never as bad as you think and its isn’t all isn’t doom and gloom yet. Arsenal now have a manager who like Liverpool and Klopp, the fans can believe in and rally behind. There is a promising set of youngsters emerging from the Hale End academy such as Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock that Arsenal can build around. Signings such as Martinelli, Saliba, Pepe and Tierney also do show some promise. Football moves in cycles, and there will come a time in the future where Liverpool will drop off, Guardiola will leave City and United and Chelsea might have to evolve. That time will come, and Arsenal and Arteta need to set themselves up now so they can take advantage of the changing of the guard when it comes and be in a position like Liverpool are in today.
In the age of spending and oil money, Liverpool have been able to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea on a much smaller budget. They have shown clubs like Arsenal what the way forward is, and what direction they need to take. It is now down to the Arsenal hierarchy to follow their footsteps, and bring the glory days back to Islington.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Belgium – Preview and Line Up

Belgium arrive in Russia with their greatest group of players in the country’s history. However they still are far from being the favorites to lift the trophy, and are still not part of the 4 elite nations (Esp, Fra, Ger and Bra) who most people are predicting to win the tournament.

Nevertheless they still have an embarrassment of riches in terms of attacking talent and one of the most complete squads in the tournament. In Roberto Martinez, they have a manager who has not had much success at an elite level but is still a shrewd tactician and capable of guiding the Red Devils to glory.

Here is how I think Belgium will line up in Russia:

FIFA World Cup 2018: England – Preview and Line Up

England failing in major tournaments is akin to the sun rising in the east and setting in the west; something we all know will happen.

Since 1996, England have failed at every major tournament they have played in and have not even reached the quarter finals of a World Cup since 2006. Their golden generation of Lampard, Gerrard and Beckham failed all those years ago, and now the hope of this great footballing nation lies with a youthful and inexperienced group of players.

However, Gareth Southgate (the new England Manager) has changed the English system and has seemed to bring a breath of fresh air and a new lease of life to these perennial under-performers. And maybe, just maybe there is a tiny flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.

Here is how I think England will line-up at Russia 2018:

There is a great debate over who will get the Number 1 jersey for England and I have chosen Jordan Pickford over Jack Butland as he is better with his feet and realistically has the chance to be England’s keeper for the next 10 years.

They are playing in a wing back system and hence the 2 wing backs would be the boys from Tottenham; Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier.

At Right Center Back is Kyle Walker in his new adapted position, next to him is John Stones; the man who has all the talent in the world but is yet to showcase it and on the left side is the rugged and physical Harry Maguire of Leicester.

Playing CDM is Eric Dier, and beside him is the team’s wild card Ruben Loftus Cheek. Having Jordan Henderson in the midfield is more of the same and England are crying out for a fearless youngster to come out and take the game by the scruff of the neck and I believe RLC is that man.

Playing in front of them are Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling, the latter has had his best ever season, scoring 20+ goals as Manchester City went on to dominate the Premier League. Delli Alli on the other hand has a great relationship with Harry Kane which will be key to England’s success in Russia.

Up front is the English Captain, winner of 2017’s Golden Boot and arguably the best striker in the world at the moment; Harry Kane. Majority of the hope of the three lions will be based on how well he performs and how clinical he can be in the opposition penalty area.

Most Important Player: Harry Kane

Unsung Hero: Kieran Trippier

My Prediction: They will continue to disappoint and lose to a team they’re supposed to beat.

Yesterday’s Preview: Spain

Tomorrow’s Preview: Belgium

FIFA World Cup 2018: Spain – Preview and Line Up

Watching Spain play their tiki taka football is like watching poetry in motion, and is the most joyous and aesthetic style of football played by any team in the world. The silky one touch play and quick passing manoeuvres they pull off in all areas of the pitch are simply jaw dropping.

They enter this World Cup on the back of 2 indifferent major tournaments however they are one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Their manager Julen Lopetegui has not lost a single game as coach of their senior team or during his time as manager of their u-23 team.

They in my eyes, have the best back 5 of the tournament and that goes a long way in winning titles and major tournaments. And of course they have buckets of talent in attack and midfield.

Here’s how I think they should line up in Russia:

FIFA World Cup 2018 Predictions:

This summer, the biggest sporting carnival in the world returns as 32 nations will fight it out in Russia for football’s biggest prize; the FIFA World Cup.

The entire world will be watching as the likes of Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar grace the biggest stage and look to bring glory to their countries.

The World Cup has provided us with some of Footballs most iconic moments such as Maradona’s hand of God, Roger Milla’s Celebration and Zidane’s Headbutt. In 2018 the tournament will have no shortage of such action and is going to be one of the most closely competed World Cups yet.

Making predictions for such a tournament is so difficult as any team on their day can outgun their opposition, nevertheless here are my predictions on how this World Cup will go down:

Reacting to My Premier League Predictions for 2017/18:

On the eve of the Premier League season 2017/18 I made some footballing predictions on how this year would pan out: My Premier League Predictions 2017-18

9 months later, we probably have had one of the most one sided Premier League title races ever, with Manchester City being first since the 14th of September.

Nevertheless I made some bold predictions last August, lets see how things actually panned out:

My Football Predictions for 2018

2018 is a massive year for football, we have the carnival of the World Cup taking place in Russia in June and July, English teams are on the rise and could be in contention of winning the Champions League and it could be possible that for the first time in 10 years a player other than Ronaldo and Messi could win the Ballon D’or.

Here are my predictions on how 2018 will pan out in the world of football:

My Half Term Premier League Report

The Premier League has reached its halfway stage and there have been plenty of memorable moments in the first 19 games of the season. Manchester City have played some of the best football, Burnley and Watford have impressed immensely and the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal have played some scintillating football.

There have been many teams and players who have lived up to the expectations, while some have been woeful.

Here is my Half term Premier League Report:

Team Of The Season- Manchester City: Pep Guardiola’s team have treated the Premier League as childsplay as they sit on a 15 point cushion at the top of the table. They have obliterated teams with their quick passing and movement and have scored some of the best goals of the season so far. They have won 18 out of 19 games so far and are capable of going the entire season undefeated if they continue their current form.

Manager Of The Season – Sean Dyche: The Burnley gaffer has done a stellar job in helping Burnley reach 7th place with such limited resources. Considering the fact that they lost their top scorer and best defender in the summer, Dyche has done an excellent job to take a team like Burnley to 7th.

Player Of The Season – De Bruyne : He is the person that makes Manchester City tick and every attack flows through him. He has reached a new level this year and has elevated as a player. He has every attribute you need as a central midfielder and could go on to be one of the best midfielders who have graced the Premier League.

Goal Of The Season – Wayne Rooney’s goal from the half line against West Ham United.

Match Of The Season- Arsenal vs Manchester United : This game had everything Goals, Drama, a red card and some world class saves from the best Goal Keeper in the world. It ended 3-1 to the side from Manchester but Arsenal registered 33 shots in the match, a Premier League record. As an Arsenal fan, this game sent me through a whirlwind of emotions and was definitely the most pulsating and exciting game of the season.

Worse Team Of The Season- West Bromwhich Albion: They have failed to win in their last 18 games and look destined for relegation.

Worst Manager Of The Season- Ronald Koeman: He spent over 140 Million Pounds in the summer and failed to make any impact with the players and managed to get sacked 8 games into the season.

Signing of the Season -Mohamad Salah

Worst Signing Of The Season- Victor Lindelöf

Are Liverpool The Most Unbalanced Team In The Premier League?

Liverpool will never win the Premier League for the foreseeable future, well not until they fix their defensive issues. As their 5 Premier League games have shown, they have possibly the best front three in the Premier League but have one of the poorest defenses.

Liverpool have already conceded 9 goals this season, almost 2 a game. This probably shows why Liverpool will not win the Premier League. A potent attacking force may win you games, but a strong defence wins you the league, as shown by Chelsea last year. Even when Liverpool had their best attacking force in years with Luis Suarez, their poor defense ensured they did not win the Premier League.

Liverpool have created the most chances (77) in the Premier League but conceded the 2nd most amount of goals and this highlights the unbalance in their side. Here is an in-depth look at their side to really see where they are struggling.

Goalkeeper: Since Pepe Reina left, Liverpool have failed to find a suitable replacement and have had a string of average goal-keepers since. I doubt their current keepers Karius and Mignolet inspire any confidence in Liverpool fans and they will definitely not win you games like a world class keeper like De Gea would.

Defense: Jurgenn Klopp has only bought 2 defenders in his 4 windows as manager which speaks a lot about his mindset as a coach. He plays an attacking style of football that simply leaves his defenders vulnerable since they play such a line. This system is one of the reasons that Liverpool concede so many goals. That being said, the personnel playing in this system are not of the highest caliber as well. If Liverpool are serious about being challengers then defenders like Moreno or Klavan need to be shipped out and replaced. But more importantly their system needs to be amended for them to stop conceding goals.

Midfielders: Liverpool have a bunch of good ball playing midfielders like Henderson, Can or Wijnaldum but none of them are what they need. Ideally they require one Central Defensive Midfielder who can sit in front of the defence and two box to box players who may aid in attack and defense. When you look at title winning sides like Chelsea their central midfielders Kante, Matic and Fabregas had some X-Factor, however this Liverpool midfield does not look like it possesses that.

Attack: Liverpools front three are probably the most dangerous the Premier League has seen in a while. Salah and Mane are two of the quickest players in the league and are filled with trickery while Firmino is a very underrated player. Coupled with the X-Factor that Coutihno brings or the potential of Dominic Solanke, they are extremely well endowed in front of goal.

Liverpool’s attack may be compared to a Lamborghini Aventador and their defence could be likened to a 1980 Fiat, and until they find a balance between the 2, it will be a long time till they can lift their 19th Premier League Trophy.

 

 

 

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