It's pretty simple really you should write a letter to Webber to enlighten him. Just don't let in any goals and score first and your chances will be statistically higher of winning. If only Farke knew this too we would not lose so many games.
It's not quite that simple though. If you set up to avoid conceding, you also make it more difficult to score first. This is similar to the offensive/defensive balance in formations. The 3 man midfield is a slight shift towards the defensive side but if at least two of those midfielders are able to move forward to an AM role the balance is restored. Add to that the recruitment of 3 pacey counterattacking players means that we have more attacking options available without losing the overall balance. The key lies in the new players, particularly the 3 midfielders, adjusting to their range of responsibilities on both sides of the ball. It's an important tactical shift and it will take time for both new and old players to adjust to it.
Arsenal are still a massive club with players like Pepe costing over £70m. We are underdogs against probably 18 or 19 of our opponents. By saying no wonder you lose if you let in goals is mind sappingly obvious. We rarely score 1st and win 1-0 either which is the sign of a side that scraps away from relegation. .
It's not so much a matter of "setting up" as getting the priorities right. If you are the current Norwich, and your aim is to score the first goal, prioritising staying solid may actually be the most effective strategy. We didn't do that two seasons ago and conceded first in 70% of our matches in consequence. I remember DF saying repeatedly during Project Restart that our best hope was to take the game to the opposition and try and get the first goal -- despite the evidence piling up that that was actually a recipe for disaster. A background refrain was "We can do no other", again despite evidence to the contrary, provided by e.g. Man City (H) and Bournemouth (A).
And it should be mind sappingly obvious that that isn't what I'm saying. You say yourself that we "rarely" score the first goal. Exactly. How about asking yourself WHY we rarely score the first goal?
We don't score the first goal in previous encounters because we have an interior squad to most teams at this level . Why do we score the first goal against most Championship teams with the same manager and players ?
Most of our players have come exterior to the Premier League which may mean there is a higher chance that they will be inferior
Very important game. A point would be great, three would be wonderful - a signal that we are not going to be whipping boys this season.
Omobamidele gets the nod Tzolis and Dowell in . Big surprise Has to be the strongest bench in a few years too
Right decision to drop Gibson for me. I said before I thought he was as culpable as Giannoulis/Mumba. The renaissance man Rupp in a new role, suggests to me that he will get substituted early for Normann to get a run out.
Odd lineup for me, I felt sure that Cantwell would retain his place having not been away on international duty. Also was fairly confident that Normann would start Noe that we had our man! Great for Omobamidele to get his Premier League debut and excited to se what Tzolis can do!
That line up is, to say the least, unexpected. I am pleased that Dowell is given a chance, just hope that it comes off for us.The options of the bench are very intriguing and exciting.
I'm guessing Tod is getting punished for being a massive drama queen and nearly getting himself sent off for mouthing off at the ref . His head had completely gone after the disallowed goal showing his inexperience and petulant side. Omobamidele kept Ronaldo at bay for 90 minutes last week and Tzolis is our wonder boy . Not sure about Rupp as the holding player but he's improved recently. Dowell unlucky to be left out recently
Wow, interesting line-up that I would never have predicted from someone who is normally as conservative as Farke. Like Duncan, I'm a bit worried about Rupp in that position, but let's see.
