Let's not fanny about here, this has been a pretty ropey season. Football has been mostly dire, fans are at each others throats and people are jizzing away more than I earn in a year hiring planes to announce they don't like some old man.
For me, one small ray of sunshine has been our brief foray into a new formation. I think most of us have been crying out for any kind of change and this has looked decent. I'd like to stick with it next season but it's not something which suits every player.
Under the assumption we continue with these tactics next season who do you keep, who do you cut and who would you like (realistically)?
For myself.
Keep
Goal - Cech/Martinez and bring back Chezzers
LWB - Monreal
RWB - Bellerin + AOC
CB - Koscielny/Holding/Mustafi/Gabriel
CM - Xhaka/Ramsey/Elneny/Santi/Özil
Forward - Alexis/Welbeck/Giroud (I know, I know)
Cut
Goal - Ospina
Defence - Gibbs/BFG/Jenkinson
Midfield - Wilshere/Coquelin
Forward - Walcott/Perez (reluctantly)
I should note that I don't want to get rid of the BFG or Perez. I think Mertesacker could actually suit the centre of 3 CBs where pace isn't such an issue but experience and reading the game is so vital. I also really like what I've seen of Perez and think he'd suit out new formation. I'm going to take the massive leap here and assume that Wenger will stay and seeing as he's not using either then I'll sadly say farewell. Would be great to have a captain who is actually on the pitch.
Obvious weakness in the team as it stands is on the left and up front. If we get Kolasanic as expected then hopefully that's one issue resolved. After that we need a forward capable of working with Alexis and Özil who is capable of that bit of magic that we've lacked in recent years. I'd keep Giroud as I think he's a useful squad player and great to bring on to chase a goal or when you need to mix things up and bring on some lumps.
I've actually liked what I've seen of Xhaka and Ramsey together in this new system but that's not to say it will work in all situations. I think we'll need to get a Wanyama/Kante/non-sh*t Coquelin in as well.
Shockingly I think this also suits Gabriel and Mustafi as well so I'll keep the faith in them. Got real high hopes for Holding but don't want to swamp him with responsibility too soon. For once I think our CB options are pretty decent.
I'd also switch managers but, meh, that ain't happening so why tease ourselves.
*disclaimer - apologies for the horrible hodge-podge train of thought style post. You guys get the gist though. Who do you keep, cut and want? Keep it realistic.
For me, one small ray of sunshine has been our brief foray into a new formation. I think most of us have been crying out for any kind of change and this has looked decent. I'd like to stick with it next season but it's not something which suits every player.
Under the assumption we continue with these tactics next season who do you keep, who do you cut and who would you like (realistically)?
For myself.
Keep
Goal - Cech/Martinez and bring back Chezzers
LWB - Monreal
RWB - Bellerin + AOC
CB - Koscielny/Holding/Mustafi/Gabriel
CM - Xhaka/Ramsey/Elneny/Santi/Özil
Forward - Alexis/Welbeck/Giroud (I know, I know)
Cut
Goal - Ospina
Defence - Gibbs/BFG/Jenkinson
Midfield - Wilshere/Coquelin
Forward - Walcott/Perez (reluctantly)
I should note that I don't want to get rid of the BFG or Perez. I think Mertesacker could actually suit the centre of 3 CBs where pace isn't such an issue but experience and reading the game is so vital. I also really like what I've seen of Perez and think he'd suit out new formation. I'm going to take the massive leap here and assume that Wenger will stay and seeing as he's not using either then I'll sadly say farewell. Would be great to have a captain who is actually on the pitch.
Obvious weakness in the team as it stands is on the left and up front. If we get Kolasanic as expected then hopefully that's one issue resolved. After that we need a forward capable of working with Alexis and Özil who is capable of that bit of magic that we've lacked in recent years. I'd keep Giroud as I think he's a useful squad player and great to bring on to chase a goal or when you need to mix things up and bring on some lumps.
I've actually liked what I've seen of Xhaka and Ramsey together in this new system but that's not to say it will work in all situations. I think we'll need to get a Wanyama/Kante/non-sh*t Coquelin in as well.
Shockingly I think this also suits Gabriel and Mustafi as well so I'll keep the faith in them. Got real high hopes for Holding but don't want to swamp him with responsibility too soon. For once I think our CB options are pretty decent.
I'd also switch managers but, meh, that ain't happening so why tease ourselves.
*disclaimer - apologies for the horrible hodge-podge train of thought style post. You guys get the gist though. Who do you keep, cut and want? Keep it realistic.
Could have sworn there was a shooting yourself in the head smiley on here. Meh, you get the idea.
