Thinking a bit more of conclusions from yesterday - about the team in general, and some player specific stuff.
This was a bit of an isolated, lab-like game, more like a pre season than a regular on (at either the PL or CL). We could see various items in isolation, which perhaps help pointing at some options, or support some preferred solutions. But the single interesting one to me was what happens when there's no pressure, and subsequently - what do we learn from it, and could possibly do about it.
The contrast to me is staggering: it just looks like a different team altogether. sure - we could just shrug and say "yeah, play against a shit opponent, play without pressure - of course you'll do well". But that's just pointing at the obvious (which, I'm well aware, some will want to say that's what I am doing here).
But to me the real point here is just how much everything is connected to our inability to face that pressure. The players individually are not really a problem - not nearly as much as it seemed in recent weeks (perhaps months). Aaron, Ox, Santi - the heart of this team right now - they all seem to be doing very well. Defense when present - no problems (Kos and Debuchy in, Gibbo). Welbeck is no prolific striker, and Giroud not dynamic - but both have useful enough attributes. Poldi, when played right, is an Asset as well. So?
More than one thing, probably, but I'll just pitch the one I'm considering: The DM role is just so crucial to this team it's unreal. I know here I actually am stating the obvious to most, but still. I'd say common opinion is that, in contrast to the past where we held that "2-3 top players and we're challenging", nobody now believes we're that close.
The interesting thing about all this obvious talk is that I beg to differ: if we fix this defect in our machine, the results could be huge.
There's nothing we can do to diffuse the pressure weapon better than have a proper anchor to this team, and there's nothing we failed to do more in recent years.
But what can we do now - other than bitch about not having a monster DM? I'm not sure what's best, But I'd put a lot in trying to diffuse the pressure thing and establish our game from deep first and foremost. Play 2 deep, play Ox with Ramsey, try Chambers there (gradually) - depends on opposition and how it works in reality. Arteta surely still does have a role there in some games. But I'd be happy to see Flamini replaced ASAP.
As for personal musings from last night:
Could be harsh, but I just don't think Joel will make it here. forget talent - he's a mental case, and that will not go away ( at least I can't see it).
Poldi's an awesome finisher, waste of time playing far from the box. Nothing new here. So why not play him alongside Welbeck, who's all dynamic and a perfect partner for the pod, and keep the german close to the box all the time? Can't see it work with Giroud - sure, they'd combine well (and have) here and there, but G-man is way to static.
Bellerin is good news. For the first time I can say he'll be a good defender, not just a good player playing in defense. I was really surprised how well he took to the left side (though I heard some complaining about his positioning. pfft).
Debuchy and Chez look fine. Good news that.
Zelington looks like he grew a bit, but was too off to conclude anything. Was a great opportunity for him, a wide open game with little pressure - disappointing.
Niles looked good for a few minutes, daring, present, efficient. Then perhaps felt the occasion too much. I'd like to see more of him.
Yaya Sanogo is utter shit. I'm sorry, I don't normally say such stuff, but it's true, unfortunately.
I don't know what to make of Per's body language. I choose to just trust him he'll get over the recent slump and be again a tower next to Kos.
And finally the Ox. He's just wonderful. For all the drama related to Sanchez on one hand and Ramsey on the other, Alex is hands down our best player for over a month now. And can he play midfield? yes, he can.
Not talking about Ramsey here. that really is obvious.
