It's interesting how everyone assumes we need a strictly assigned typically strong "defensive midfielder" on the field at all times.
Previously I've assumed it's the sort of player we need too.

But I think Arséne is showing us that it's not always necessary. Having a couple of tactically aware little guys in midfield can be just as good.
Our defensive record last season is evidence of that.

Arteta last season convinced me we don't necessarily 'need' a big tough tackling midfielder. Sure it wouldn't be bad to have one, but for the way we play it's not really necessary and just not the way we play.

Your record with mistakes leading to goals last season still raises questions.

Just as an idea of how much the squad has improved in the last 2 seasons:
Green = Strenghtened position
Red = Weakened position

2011/12 first 11:

2013/14 first 11:

2011/12 was also our worst year for injuries yet we still came third.
Really makes this season look promising if we can avoid injuries.

:lol::lol:

In the first half of the season. Second half of the season with Koscielny and Mertesacker as our starting CB pair that completely turned around.

One bad tackle/funny fall is all it takes, at Arsenal you know this well having Ramsay and Wilshire.

Depends how you set up. Playing away from home i'd assume you'd play with a shielding midfielder in front of the back four.

Nah. AW has never seemed to re-arrange the formation for away games.
He's focused on perfecting the one system.

Even if Giroud keeps fit, his form won't always be as good as it is now. Not having a good back up to replace him, or even an impact player on the bench will hurt you in the busy periods.

For anyone who's interested, Özil's first interview as an Arsenal player is now on the dotcom

i watched it and at first I thought why is speaking with a english accent:lol:

And the winner of the best description of the Özil transfer goes to...Jurgen Klopp

:lol: :lol: :lol:

He is experienced . He aged :lol: look he is inconsistent but he he is young ,he is the closet thing we have to a lehmann type of keeper . Hopefully us signing italiano alumina makes him more hungry

Joel Campbell just scored for Costa Rica against the USA. Apparently having an absolute stormer.

Would love to see Joel campbell make an impact with us . But in saying that he's got competition with sanago . Also apparently Wenger is keeping Dibs on Suarez . Also rumoured he is interested in Lars bender again .also rumoured he ordered a scout report on reus

Rumours were close to signing the Romanian forward who left schalke .. dear god would rather tgstel that him

That Viviano guy is Italy's no. 2 and is also (according to FIFA) as good as Sczcesney

He is at least no.4 for Italy. Buffon is no.1 then Marchetti and Sirigu are both above him.

That sounds about right, though it's not a bad thing to say because Marchetti in particular is a very good keeper.

Doesn't mean much, but a nice little comparison of Özil against the most creative players in the PL last season

I mean, I am sure on average premier league defenses are stronger, but the bottom stat in particular is very impressive. He also averaged 2.9 key passes per game last year in la liga which is pretty legit.

Would be interesting to compare these guys at a Euro/World cup level, where the playing field is more level.

Ozil had the equal most assists in World Cup 2010 with 3- don't think Mata or Silva featured prominently though.
Ozil/Silva tied for most assists with 3 for Euro 2012- Although Silva played more games.


In terms of chances created

2010 World Cup
Ozil-3.07 per 90min- Mata/Silva didn't create enough chances to make the list (not sure if Mata played at all, but Silva featured)
http://www.bigsoccer.com/community/threads/best-chance-creators-of-each-world-cup-1966-2010.1984730/

Euro 2012:
Mesut Ozil created 22 chances, the most of any player. Not sure how they quantify their data- but all players would still be rated accordingly no matter what they classify as a chance created. Silva was involved in 5 goals though 2 scored/3 assists- the most of any player.


Mata and Silva not on the list- not sure how reliable stats are- but multiple pages posted these in July 2012- happy to be proven wrong but they seem legit from what I can see (no point in making stuff up- its not like the stats were posted post Arsenal switch etc).

Edited by jlm8695: 9/9/2013 07:33:37 PM

Edited by jlm8695: 9/9/2013 07:35:36 PM

Right, I'm moist...

Both Mesut and Per scored for Germany overnight in a 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands. Mesut also provided the assist from a corner for Per's goal.

No injuries makes me happier

Rosicky has picked up a thigh injury- no word on how long he'll be out for but presumably will miss Sunderland.

Means we're likely to see Ozil start instead of coming off the bench \:d/ \:d/

Don't think we'll see Özil starting. Save that for Stoke at home the week after

Frimpong <3