This could be a huge month for Arsenal with the toughest run of fixtures seen so far this season.
We got off to a good start in November with a superb team display seeing the Gunners overcome an on form Liverpool. What made the win even more impressive was the clean sheet, especially as Suarez and Sturridge have been proving quite deadly so far this season. It is interesting to note that our only other clean sheets have come in games where we have upped the tempo against ‘tougher’ opposition. (Spurs and Napoli respectfully) I don’t include Palace as they are crap. The statistics of clean sheets against tougher opposition is partially what makes supporting Arsenal somewhat frustrating! How many times do we see the boys turn up and not put in the effort required do dispatch of easier sides, we always seem to concede when we are not playing high tempo, attacking football. This begs me to state the old adage that “attack is the best form of defence”. Wenger take note. Haha, very likely.
Other tactical differences that showed greatly against Liverpool were that out of the midfield players involved, Arteta was the only player sitting in front of the defence. This makes much more sense to me as it frees up more players to do what we do best – attack. Flamini has been doing a great job so far this season but Arteta put in a very decent display on Saturday.
Another improvement, all be-it slight has been Sagna’s contribution when going forward. Is that two assists now this season? Well done! Normally he is so poor in the final third, constantly slowing down play and failing to deliver good balls into the box.
Next up, away games to Dortmund and Man United. Can’t say I’m too optimistic going into these games but you never know. If we take the games to these sides anything is possible.
Note to fans – well done for making some noise at the CorporateWengerdome on Saturday it made a difference.