Look. I don’t particularly like blowing my own trumpet. It doesn’t give me great pride to be self-congratulatory and say to myself “well done David. You were proven right yet again. You truly are a genius and people need to know this. You’re the hero Gotham needs, but not the one it deserves right now.”
But you know, I was proven right again.
On Sunday, Arsenal gave a masterclass in defending and counter attacking as they beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad stadium. And they did all without a £30 million, 6 foot plus defensive midfield signing that everyone seemed to believe was the only way Arsenal would ever win again against the big teams. Who would have ever thought that was even possible?! Oh that’s right, me, last time I was here.
In all seriousness, this isn’t a blog about saying how right I was; that’s not for me to say and the performance speaks more than my words ever could. But, there are solutions to team’s problems that don’t involve breaking the bank for a new signing, and Arsenal proved my point against Manchester City. Instead of chucking a new player into a system that repeatedly failed, Arsene Wenger found a solution to the porous midfield and the lack of protection for the back four.
The whole team played deeper, not allowing the space in behind that saw them destroyed last year. The full backs were more measured, picking their moments to go beyond the ball in attack. Cazorla and Ramsey played closer to the defensive midfielder, Francis Coquelin in this case, and screened the back four. The wingers tucked in as well, forcing City to put in crosses that were easily dealt with. Manchester City found it difficult to get the ball into Aguero’s feet and there was no space for him to run into. Silva barely got a kick. Arsenal controlled the space and made City play into areas that Arsenal were totally comfortable with them playing in. It was a brilliant performance.
All of which is to say that there are solutions. Don’t be blinded by the January transfer window hype. Instead, look a bit closer at what is happening and you might be able to find solutions. True solutions. Not just answers to the wrong questions.
honestpro 