I would think that playing a high line would entail getting the ball off the opposition quickly in midfield, a la Barcelona. I feel a high defensive line and midfield need to work together to deny the opposition any space in our area of the pitch. Unfortunately our workrate is shocking. This is a manifestation of a deeper problem which has to do with mental acuity and alertness which highlights an area of growing concern at Arsenal, something is missing and it has nothing to do with defenders or even strategy. Sad as it is to say, I think the problem lies with Wenger (and I'm not one of the Wenger-out brigade), he has to take the blame for the mental fragility of our side which extends to all aspects of the teams play. I believe the team is hungry to win trophies, I'm not sure they have any confidence in their own ability apart from one or two players and Wenger does not convince me when he says they do believe in themselves. A prime example of this is the win over Barcelona, followed by our subsequent collapse, you could see their new found confidence draining away by the minute. I'm not sure this is something that can be remedied overnight. I feel the solution may lie in the removal of Pat Rice, and entry of someone younger and more tactically astute. Sorry for the long post, just my opinion.
I am glad for you guys after today's result - this will lead Wenger to make up his mind to buy some defender.
The problem is not in the singular vein. As you say it is deeper and I feel our style of play so inflexible in nature, is all too easily read by the opposition. It falls to Arsene to do something about it and you are right, perhaps a starting point is the departure of Pat Rice. I actually thought he had gone. Our defenders do not seem to know how to defend. There is no co-ordination and as suggested too, some defenders do not work well together. New eyes, new approach. Wenger stays but he needs to change the technical team. He could start by seeking proven winners like Steve Bould who should perhaps be promoted from his U18 responsibilities. We should have resigned Patrick Viera but that is too late now. My 2c
Squillaci was at fault for the first goal, but Djourou was really unlucky with the second. Squillaci getting robbed when there was no pressure and the fact that it led to a goal, is unforgivable. Djourou actually got into a really good position to defend the second goal, he made the tackle, but the ball bounced off of his other knee, wrong footed Mannone and presented the striker with an open goal - bad luck, not bad defending.
For players like Squillaci, this is about the most effective thing he could do. Our philosophy is to play the ball on the ground, keep possession and pass our way out of defence. But to do that effectively, we need ball playing skillfull defenders. That's why I hope we don't buy Samba.
Do you reckon the likes of Chesney,Wilshire,Ramsey,RVP,Vermaelen,all cheer each other in French on the pitch ?
Some photos that I took yesterday: http://s523.photobucket.com/albums/w360/plymouthgooner/Emirates Cup 2011/ Not sure why they appear in reverse order.
