I’ve been massively busy this week and still am, so it’s only a quick one.
As part of my research (ahem) into how best to watch games, I’ve actually seen quite a bit of football, albeit not full games.
And what I have seen leads me to believe that there’s something very strange going on.
I’ve heard some people say that the lack of crowds isn’t making any difference to results, but I really beg to differ.
Everton looked to be on a roll, but have lost three on the trot and we currently have Southampton leading. You could make a case that Southampton were not far away from being a good team anyway, but last season was one of two parts, where the home and away form couldn’t have been more different.
Just as much as I didn’t expect us to be leading the league, so I didn’t expect them to be and I don’t think it’s a coincidence.
Then again, things might just be settling down now, or maybe I’m just talking a load of rubbish, because if you actually look at the league table, the usual suspects, in Pool, Chelsea, Spurs and Leicester are all up there and those most of us thought would struggle (Sheff Utd, Burnley, WBA and Fulham etc) are at the bottom.
I’m rather killing my own argument, but my point is that I think any team can beat any other.
It’s probably why I’ve been too wary of predicting scores since the season started.
And today’s game is exactly the same.
I’ve spoken to people who are fairly confident that we can get something today and I can see why, because we have a very decent record against them away from home recently.
But then I think about our defence, which if it’s not protected by our midfield, seems frankly useless and prone to conceding at every opportunity the opposition creates.
Dean Smith might say that we haven’t suddenly become porous, but you could have fooled me. Our defence has never really had me convinced in the slightest and even during our finest hour for ages, against Pool, I was thinking we were lucky not to have conceded a few.
But then, if our midfield performs, we do actually look a very tidy outfit, probably because it masks our defensive weakness and we look capable of beating anybody.
We’ve looked poor in the middle over the last couple of games, so the obvious question is should we make changes in the side?
There are only two options for me.
First, Hourihane comes in to replace either McGinn or Barkley. I can understand why, as both have been poor. The plus side is that Conor has that wand of a left foot, which can get you a goal.
I get that. Totally.
But he’s usually so invisible in games that he becomes a liability. If the remaining Mid (McGinn/Barkley) is also invisible, I don’t see what we’ve gained. At least the usual incumbents can offer excellent shifts sometimes.
And the other option is to put Nakamba in for Luiz.
I like Nakamba, so wouldn’t mind that sub. It can always be reversed if it’s not working.
You could probably say the same with putting Conor in too, I suppose.
But I’m not convinced either move will happen, even if they probably should.
The last thing we want is players thinking they’re undroppable, but it’s my opinion that both McGinn and Barkley are much better players on their day and Dean Smith will see it that way.
Injury news is that Traore is out for a couple of weeks, so no doubt Trezeguet will start.
And I really can’t be bothered to see what’s happening at Arsenal. Everything seems a circus there lately and they’re not the club they were, are they?
Prediction time then and I’m laughing to myself because I really haven’t got a clue.
I really believe this could be something like 6-1 either way.
Let’s go with sensible ground and I’m going to say 1-1.
Not that I think that’ll really be the score.
Comments
55 responses to “Arsenal – Villa; Anything can happen”
A bit longer than I expected 🙂
I really don’t know what to think.
cheers badger 🙂 your always appreciated
good right up, its hard to predict how matches unfold before a balls been kicked. i do fancy us getting a positive result today, but it wont be a walk in the park. 2 1 villa i just think arsenal are a good team they are not lightening quick they tend to build slowly. i was impressed with chelsea yesterday pool are on form despite their hammering to us, i think the league will settle more after ten games crowd or no crowd its the same for both teams, i think players miss the crowd to pick them up when things are not going to plan.
Thinking along the same lines Badger. Luiz just hasn’t hit the form he showed after project restart and to my mind that makes us vulnerable at the back. Smith is in a difficult position – if he starts Nakamba and it all goes horribly wrong….
Same in midfield – Barkley & McGinn have to step up or Smith will have no choice other than to bring in Hourihane – who else is there?
Or maybe he starts Luiz and Nakamba and drops one of Barkley or McGinn – can’t really see him doing that though so maybe he drops Trezeguet for Nakamba? Another option might be to bring in Elmo for Trezeguet – he’s a good crosser of the ball and tracks back well.
The real problem, as you suggest, is where do the quality alternative choices come from?
Think we’ll be competitive today – famous last words – so I’ll stick with a draw which wouldn’t be a bad result.
Away wins seem a lot more likely since lockdown. That’s my only hope for a result today. Not that I think we will however. Badger hinted at what I posted previously, in that we aren’t spoilt for choices in our squad. I will predict team as Martinez, Cash, Targett, Mings, Konsa, Luiz, McGinn, Barkley, Grealish, Watkins and Trezeguet. The only other possible option barring injuries I don’t know about would be Elmo for Cash or Trezeguet. And there lies the problem for me. Too many players thinking they will be picked despite poor performances in previous two games. A predictable line up with a static approach to games. I still think if Grealish isn’t involved we look void of ideas in creating chances.
I maintain my earlier prediction of 3-0 to Arsenal. I really hope that I’m proved wrong.
I think the other clubs have worked us out and DS does not have another set of tactics or players to change it.
Sorry. 3 or 4. 1 to arsenal
Whatever Smith said at half time v Saints is what he needs to say before Villa walk out tonight. Watkins and the entire midfield were anonymous for two halves, starting HT v Leeds.
We do have to remember that David Luiz is a threat to whichever goal he is nearest – make sure we mark him in our box and be ready to pounce on a gaffe in theirs. Lacazette and Obamiang can’t be allowed time to shoot.
Arsenal do not appear to be high tempo team, if we can pound up and down the field like Leeds we will get something from this match.
Smith has a dilemma – if he replaces any of our lightweight four, or Mings, he may have to put an inferior player on. But it has to be done to maintain the boot up the backside for under performance.
Unchanged side (if you ignore the brief appearance of Traore last game).
Now there’s a surprise and pretty much reinforces what everyone is saying on here.
Ultimately this lack of depth in the squad will be our undoing this season so it’s likely we’ll see some attempt at strengthening in January – not ideal but needs must.
right us up next lol
pool city second half what a bore i almost fell asleep. that after a really good first half too, look like both teams made a deal to share the points.
anyways time for the real football game to begin
As predicted the team picks itself. What incentive is that for the team that starts and what motivation is it for the players who don’t start?
What about putting Jack and McGinn dead centre and using Ross on the flank?
Try a dedicated defensive midfielder a la Chelsea under Jose… JT should have a heads up on this format…
i hope they play two sitting enforcers mcgins and luiz with barkley just ahead or just behind watklins
Bloody hell, have that!
McGinn, 1-0
VAR says that doesn’t count, Our player is right in the goalie’s eyeline to my mind.
Offside
It’s ruled as offside.
Tough on us, but Barkley was definitely affecting play, to my mind.
Keeper still wouldn’t have saved it.
Totally agree Holte, but it doesn’t matter, imo.
Didn’t we get screwed last time at the emirates?
I really can’t remember, but it does ring a bell.
Poor backpass from McGin then.
Zonal marking looks terrible at times.
The space Willian had in front of the defence then …..
Holding our own though, so who knows?
Loads of messing about results in Trez scoring at the back post.
1-0!
Yes!!!!
McGinn looking much better and Barkley assists.
You can see why Smith stuck with them, can’t you?
Nobody has a good enough case to be picked over them.
Still waiting for VAR 🤔
Ah, it was Targett who assisted.
I think I’m going blind lol.
Bbc have it as an own goal.
As long as it’s in the onion bag I’m Mr Happy!
Yes, I think it probably was Bum Bum.
Targett found the target!!!!
What a wag I am!!!
Can we blow the final whistle now please!?!?
Should we make it to half time one up, it might be a canny move to change it up from what Arsenal expect… Would Smiffy do it????
I don’t see it happening.
Fresh legs, that’s all, imo.