I don't see what Captain is seeing, but the next game against Liverpool will be a good test for our newfound defensive organisation (or not, as the case may be).

otfgoon wrote:
Captain wrote:

It's been rubbish because as soon as the opposition turns it up, the midfield becomes non-existent. 😐

In what way? As in they don't press?

As in it takes 2 passes for the opposition to be in the final third isolated against our defensive four (who have been absolutely brilliant so far).

And yes, Arteta has been sound.

timBO! wrote:

Not sure why you've quoted me Rexy.

I agree with you that we look better defensively, more organised with better shape. But Arteta is absolutely key to making it work, and we have nobody else who can do that job.

I'll quote you if I like Tim.
There. I did it again! You didn't see that one coming, did you?!

We looked ok defensively in my opinion. Well organised and positioned. Both fullbacks have been well protected and the centrebacks screened. Done everything they've needed to do on the defensive front

I did actually. Swedes are easy to read.

Captain wrote:
otfgoon wrote:

In what way? As in they don't press?

As in it takes 2 passes for the opposition to be in the final third isolated against our defensive four (who have been absolutely brilliant so far).

The biggest sinners are Diaby and Gibbs for me. One is useless and the other has this annoying habit of being caught too high up the field. The shape of the attack is still a bit off too which doesn't help but those two have to man up defensively. We would've been screwed today without Arteta and Podolski.

So Klausie. I see you have a new pet hate. Nice Rosicky is off the hook for a bit at least...

Only reason you haven't noticed it before is because he only played 45 minutes last season. Was very happy with that.

We conceded a lot more goals as well. Even to Sunderland at home and Stoke away. Did you notice that? 🙂

Captain wrote:
otfgoon wrote:

In what way? As in they don't press?

As in it takes 2 passes for the opposition to be in the final third isolated against our defensive four (who have been absolutely brilliant so far).

And yes, Arteta has been sound.

I cannot remember any instances when that happened in today's game, let alone constantly enough for it to be an issue.

So I guess not much more can be said.

Bumper Rex wrote:

We conceded a lot more goals as well. Even to Sunderland at home and Stoke away. Did you notice that? 🙂

I did. My memory is a bit foggy but I don't think we did that because Diaby wasn't around to start counters for them.

Reaching there Klausie!

Stop bumping the thread, Rex.

I can't stop myself!
I think I may suffer from bumperitis. 🙁

otfgoon wrote:
Captain wrote:

As in it takes 2 passes for the opposition to be in the final third isolated against our defensive four (who have been absolutely brilliant so far).

And yes, Arteta has been sound.

I cannot remember any instances when that happened in today's game, let alone constantly enough for it to be an issue.

So I guess not much more can be said.

You know when you can't remember the opposition attacking or creating any chances but you rate the best performers as your defenders? Yeah.

Stop bumping the thread Capi.

Best performers were Arteta and Cazorla. Maybe Gibbs I suppose.

Hmm. Never had you pegged as a face bumper Peps.

Captain wrote:
otfgoon wrote:

I cannot remember any instances when that happened in today's game, let alone constantly enough for it to be an issue.

So I guess not much more can be said.

You know when you can't remember the opposition attacking or creating any chances but you rate the best performers as your defenders? Yeah.

Well yeah. Am I only supposed to rate them when they allow the opposition to create chances?