The problem with us though has been dominating possession and not releasing the ball quick enough, so that the players get bunched up outside the oppo penalty area. We pass sideways looking for an opening and one misplaced pass puts us completely on the back foot at it allows the oppo to counter. I'd rather see us keep our shape and play a few long balls and quick passes down the flanks, even if it means turning the ball over a few times. If we lose possession from this type of play at least we won't get caught on the counter.
In general I agree with you and think this season it's been one of our key problems. But it's more that we fail to play the possession game properly than it not being a good tactic Against utd however and there attacking talent I think reducing there chances and time with the ball in our half will be an important part of this game.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Sanchez, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Welbeck. Chambers at RB. Again. Monreal at CB. Again. And it looks like we're playing 4141. We're going to get smashed. 3-1 to United, with us scoring a late consolation.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Alexis, Welbeck Man Utd: De Gea, Smalling, McNair, Blackett, Valencia, Carrick, Fellaini, Shaw, Di Maria, Rooney, Van Persie
Utd are the rivals that I most want to beat, it'd be a real statement to beat them today and I'm excited for the game. We need to push ourselves above the teams like utd and Liverpool and start closing the gap on Chelsea and city (I mean in terms of quality rather than current league position). I really hope the players are up for this and don't put in what has become a customary poor performance against utd.
Over half our starting lineup are British. They should know what it means for us to beat utd. Really want a good result today and hope the players are in that mindset too. Welbeck k in particular should be fired up for this one.
I bet that's why he's been picked. Along with the fact that LVG actually thinks he can tackle...which he can't. All he does is give away cheap fouls as well as possession. Hate the prick I really do. So fcked off at his selection.
I was hoping for the 442 again. Would work with Arteta, if Wilshere was told to sit a bit more like he does for England. Also, Sanchez and Welbeck would have a field day against a back three. As it is, I'm hoping Alexis still has a field day against whichever wing back or centre back he faces up against.
Large bag of dry roasted peanuts, pack of chocolate digestive biscuits, bottle of 7up and a herbal smoke for a chilled out game today. Against utd we don't exactly have a great recent record so I'll steer clear of the alcohol! Bring on the football!
