The Busby Babe - Storystream: Manchester United 2-1 ArsenalWhere it's always squeaky bum timehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51377/tbb-fav.png2012-11-06T05:48:33+00:00http://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/rss/stream/33535292012-11-06T05:48:33+00:002012-11-06T05:48:33+00:00Tactical Analysis: Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>This used to be an explosive fixture that had tension, drama, and a plethora of brilliant moments. Not so much in this match. Here's an analysis of Manchester United's 2-1 defeat of Arsenal on Saturday. </p> <p>Between 1997-2005, this was arguably the best fixture in the world. Not so much now. Neither side played particularly well, but it's quite clear <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> are a far superior side to Arsenal these days. Here's an analysis of the relatively drab affair at Old Trafford on Saturday.</p>
<p><b>OPENING LINEUPS AND FORMATIONS</b></p>
<p><i><b>United</b></i><b>: </b>The lineup is perhaps noteworthy only for the reason that manager <span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span> rarely names an unchanged side in league. He did, though, for this match as his starting XI, and even general approach, was similar to the one he took last weekend at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>. In a 4-4-1-1/4-2-3-1ish system, David de Gea was in goal, <span>Rio Ferdinand</span> and <span>Jonny Evans</span> were the center-back duo, and <span>Patrice Evra</span> and Rafael were the full-backs. In midfield, <span>Michael Carrick</span> balanced the shape as the deepest-lying midfielder, <span>Tom Cleverley</span> had an active role as a box-to-box sort of player, while <span>Wayne Rooney</span> played in behind lead-striker <span>Robin van Persie</span> but dropped deep into midfield when United were out of possession. <span>Antonio Valencia</span> hugged the right touchline in attack while <span>Ashley Young</span> was the left-sided attacker.</p>
<p><i><b>Arsenal</b></i><b>: </b>The Gunners typically play in a 4-2-3-1 shape when in possession, and in a 4-4-1-1 when out of possession. However, in this match, playmaker <span>Santi Cazorla</span> played deeper than usual and Arsenal were in more of a 4-1-4-1 shape. In the back, <span>Vito Mannone</span> was in goal, captain Thomas Vermaelan and Per Mertsacker were the central-defenders, and <span>Andre Santos</span> and <span>Bacary Sagna</span> were the full-backs. In midfield, <span>Mikel Arteta</span> was the deep-lying player, <span>Jack Wilshere</span> added a vertical dimension as a box-to-box player, and Cazorla was the most advanced midfielder. <span>Aaron Ramsey</span> played a narrow role in attack on the right while <span>Lukas Podolski</span> based his position wider on the left but broke centrally in the attacking third. Olivier Girourd was the lone striker.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://this11.com/boards/abDFrU7aih.jpg"></p>
<p><b>Arsenal seemingly had no clear plan</b></p>
<p>When Arsenal traveled away to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> easier this season, they took a reactive approach -- they defended in two relatively deep banks of four and effectively counterattacked through Cazorla in the space between the opposition's midfield and defense lines. When they traveled away to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>, a much more proactive approach was taken as they pressed and looked to gain control higher up the pitch. Against United though, it's not entirely clear what <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal's</a> plan was.</p>
<p>Cazorla dropped deeper than he usually does and when out of possession, Arsenal were in a 4-1-4-1 shape with the Spaniard often level with Wilshere in terms of vertical positioning. The Gunners pressed at times and they closed down in midfield but it was done with little cohesion nor effectiveness. When the ball was won, they seemingly had no real plan. Giroud was isolated with Cazorla not able to link the midfield and attack due to the deeper positioning of the latter and no one from midfield was breaking forward with any sort of urgency -- perhaps <span>Theo Walcott</span> starting on the right could have provided a bit of drive in attack. The Arsenal midfielders would mostly pass the ball around with no real purpose and it would often end up being passed back to the defenders. Mertesacker attempted the most passes in this game for Arsenal (101) -- it was clear that United were allowing the German international time on the ball as it seemed it was actually being funneled toward him -- while Vermaelen attempted the third most (73). The Gunners had more of the ball, but they did nothing with it.</p>
<p><b>United concentrate their attack down the right</b></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2012/10/31/3579350/tactical-analysis-chelsea-2-3-manchester-united">United's approach wasn't too different to the one they took at Stamford Bridge the weekend before</a>-- stand off the Arsenal center-backs, close down when the ball reaches the midfield, and then quickly break down the right side when the opposition's shape is out of sorts. Santos is generally a lunatic with his positioning at left-back and United's opening goal came after he was dragged out high by Valencia, the winger brilliantly flicked the ball into the space that he just vacated, and Rafael was free to motor forward after he surged past left-winger Poldolski. The Brazilian sent in a poor cross but Vermaelen's miscue just prior to van Persie's clinical finish and the totality of this attacking move did well to highlight Arsenal's weak left-side in defense and United's eagerness to exploit it.</p>
<p><b>Rooney contains Arteta</b></p>
<p>Playing at Old Trafford, along with Arsenal not being of the same quality as Chelsea, resulted in United playing slightly more positive this game. Against the Blues, United played in a 4-1-4-1 shape with Rooney dropping into the midfield. Versus the Gunners though, Rooney pushed up a bit higher in United's 4-4-1-1/4-2-3-1 shape. Rooney went hot and cold with his distribution in the attacking third but he contributed hugely in this match by getting tight to Arteta and limiting his influence. The Spaniard is the man who sets the tone and tempo for Arsenal with his metronomic distribution from deep. Ahead of this match, he led the Premier League with 93 completed passes per game and in this match, he only completed 60. This is another reason Arsenal looked out of sorts and Rooney deserves a lot of credit for it. The United playmaker certainly understood the importance of his role:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"They are a fantastic football team but if you stop their playmakers then you have a chance, especially when you win the ball. If you win it high up the pitch you can break off them and create chances."</p>
<p align="right">- Rooney | Source: <i>Sky Sports</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Cazorla moves slightly higher after HT, but Arsenal's plan is still murky</b></p>
<p>Perhaps surprisingly, no personnel changes were made at half-time for Arsenal -- Walcott would have been an obvious one with Arsenal trailing 1-0 (this change was made though in the 52nd minute for an injured Ramsey) -- but they did push Cazorla slightly higher up the pitch and Giroud wasn't as isolated as much. This resulted in Arsene Wenger's side playing more in a 4-2-3-1 shape. Arsenal improved slightly after this adjustment and it wasn't a big surprise with this shape being much more familiar to this particular side. However, they still seemed to lack a clear plan.</p>
<p>United weren't playing very well at this stage of the match though and they themselves were looking disjointed at times -- particularly in the attacking-third. United generally did well to get the ball forward quickly but attacks were sputtering with Rooney and Valencia not being particularly sharp. Arsenal improved slightly, United were no longer dominating the match, but the match was mostly uneventful and the home side still looked comfortable</p>
<p><b>Ferguson takes off Cleverley, Wenger doesn't bring off Wilshere</b></p>
<p>Cleverely was warned in the 59th minute by referee Mike Dean after a rash challenge and with the young midfielder already sitting on a booking, Ferguson smartly took him off in the 61st minute for Anderson. Wenger was in a similar situation with Wilshere but he was never substituted off -- he did, though, pick up a second booking in the 69th minute (just after Evra put United up 2-0) and the match was essentially over at this point. Had Ramsey not been forced to come off earlier with an injury, Wenger could have moved him inside and had Walcott come on for Wilshere. <span>Francis Coquelin</span> was an option off the bench but with Arsenal down, perhaps the Arsenal manager wanted to avoid bringing on the more defensive-minded midfielder. Not much happened after this as the tempo of the match slowed and Rooney dropped in deeper to help fortify the center of the park.</p>
<p><b>Conclusion</b></p>
<p>After the dramatic start of van Persie scoring against his old club in just the third minute, the match ended up being fairly rubbish. United executed their plan well but they lacked a sharpness in the attacking third and after the match, Ferguson was clearly not pleased. Arsenal lacked a clear plan (or an effective one if there was one) and as a result, they played poorly. This wasn't too interesting from a tactical point of view either and perhaps the one obvious takeaway from this match is how mediocre Arsenal has become and how far they are off from the elite now. United were far from their best this game but they were clearly miles ahead of the Gunners in talent.</p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/6/3602396/tactical-analysis-manchester-united-2-1-arsenal-united-are-simplyGene Um2012-11-04T07:00:06+00:002012-11-04T07:00:06+00:00Statistics & Post-Match Quotes | MUFC 2-1 Arsenal
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>Statistics and post-match quotes from Sir Alex Ferguson, Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, and Arsene Wenger. </p> <p align="center"><b>TEAM STATISTICS</b></p>
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<p><span></span> <span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">The Busby Babe</i></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><b>United<br></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;"><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Shots (on target)</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Total Passes Completed</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Passing Accuracy</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">88%</span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Ball Possession</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Tackles won</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">10</span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Interceptions</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 112.5pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="113"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">20</span></font></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" align="left" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">12</span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Fouls</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">15</span></font></td>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Corners</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px;">Offsides</p>
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<td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; font-size: 11px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 16px; width: 81pt; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; margin: 0px;" valign="top" width="81"><font style="font-size: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" size="3"><span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">1</span></font></td>
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<p> </p>
<p align="center"><b>MUFC PLAYER STATISTICS</b></p>
<p align="left"><b>* David de Gea (goalkeeper): </b>7/10 passing (70%), 1 goal conceded, 1 save</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Rio Ferdinand</span> (right-center-back): </b>40/48 passing (83%), 6/11 long balls, 0 tackles, 1 interception, 6 clearances (3 effective), 1 shot blocked, 0 fouls</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Jonny Evans</span> (left-center-back): </b>52/58 (90%), 6/8 long balls, 3 tackles, 1 interception, 6 clearances (4 effective), 0 shots blocked, 0 fouls</p>
<p align="left"><b>* Rafael (right-back): </b>44/56 passing (79%), 0 chances created, 1/4 crosses, 1/3 long balls, 0 successful dribbles, 1 tackle, 2 interceptions, 3 clearances (1 effective), 0 shots blocked, 2 fouls</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Patrice Evra</span> (left-back): </b>48/49 passing (98%), 2 chances created, 1/2 crosses, 2/2 long balls, 0 successful dribbles, 3 tackles, 1 interception, 5 clearances (4 effective), 0 shots blocked, 0 fouls, <i><b>1 goal</b></i></p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Michael Carrick</span> (central-midfield): </b>65/77 passing (84%), 1 chance created, 0/0 crosses, 8/12 long balls, 0/1 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 0 fouls won, 3 tackles, 6 interceptions, 1 shots (0 on target)</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Tom Cleverley</span> (central-midfield | substituted off 61'): </b>40/41 passing (98%), 0 chances created, 0/1 crosses, 7/7 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 1 successful dribbles, 2 fouls won, 3 tackles, 0 interceptions, 0 shots</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Antonio Valencia</span> (right-winger | substituted off 82'): </b>30/35 passing (86%), 2 chances created, 0/3 crosses, 0/1 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 4 successful dribbles, 1 foul won, 3 tackles, 0 interceptions, 0 shots</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Ashley Young</span> (left-winger): </b>28/34 passing (82%), 2 chances crated, 1/6 crosses, 2/3 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 9 successful dribbles, 4 fouls won, 1 tackle, 1 interception, 0 shots</p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Wayne Rooney</span> (central-attacking-midfielder): </b>50/61 passing (82%), 2 chances created, 1/7 crosses, 6/9 long balls, 1/2 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 0 fouls won, 4 tackles, 5 interceptions, 4 shots (1 on target), <i><b>1 assist</b></i></p>
<p align="left"><b>* <span>Robin van Persie</span> (striker): </b>26/30 passing (87%), 1 chance created, 1/3 crosses, 1/1 long ball, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 4 fouls won, 4 shots (4 on target), <i><b>1 goal</b></i></p>
<p align="left"><b>* Anderson (central-midfield | substituted on 61'): </b>26/28 passing (93%), 0 chances created, 0/0 crosses, 2/2 long balls, 1/1 through balls, 2 successful dribbles, 0 fouls won, 0 tackles, 1 interception, 1 shot (0 on target)</p>
<p align="left"><b>* Nani (right-winger | substituted on 82'): </b>5/6 passing (83%), 0 chances created, 0/1 crosses, 0/1 long balls, 0/0 through balls, 0 successful dribbles, 0 fouls won, 0 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 shot (0 on target)</p>
<p align="center"><b>POST-MATCH QUOTES</b></p>
<p align="left"><b><span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span> | MUFC manager </b>(courtesy of <i>MUTV</i>)</p>
<p align="left">(Overall thoughts...) "</p>
<p>"It looked as if it was going to be self destruction. <a href="http://www.manutd.com/en/MUTV-New.aspx"><i><b></b></i></a>It only takes a second to lose a goal. They had some possession without really threatening us, but thank god we got the second one because the fact they scored right on full-time would have been an embarrassment [if we'd only have been 1-0 up]. It was a strange game and the chances we missed... well, we should have put the game to bed a long, long time ago. If you see the scoreline you'd think it was a close game, but it wasn't. There was a lack of urgency in our game throughout. We were far too casual. It was an unusual <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>/Arsenal game. There were a lot of bookings but it never really got anywhere near the Manchester United/Arsenal games of the past. I was just really disappointed in our ability to hammer home the advantage. I spoke about goal difference to the players at the start of the season. We lost [the title] on goal difference last season and I don't want to see that again. We had an opportunity to add to the goal tally today."</p>
<p>(On van Persie...) "It was good for Robin to get the goal and he took it very well. I thought he was fantastic today - his movement and his penetration were brilliant. He did the right thing [not celebrating his goal]. He had eight great years at Arsenal and he respects that and I thought the Arsenal fans were fine too."</p>
<p><b>Robin van Persie | MUFC striker </b>(courtesy of <i>Sky Sports</i>)</p>
<p>(On not celebrating after his goal...) "I think it speaks for itself. <i></i>I played there [at Arsenal] for eight years. I had a fantastic time there and I respect the fans, the players, the manager and the whole club. So that’s why."</p>
<p>(Overall thoughts...) ""It was a special day and in the end it was quite a game, I think we played well. We were a bit sloppy with chances and should have scored two or three more. But in the end we are happy with three points because that is all that matters."</p>
<p>(On the goalscoring chances that he had...) "Yes I did have an easy chance in the second half. I didn’t expect so much time on the ball to be fair. I thought that <span>Thomas Vermaelen</span> was a bit closer to me so I decided to shoot quickly. It was a bad choice because I could have taken one more touch and finished it. I should’ve scored two but I am happy with one."</p>
<p>(Final thoughts...) "As I said, it was a special day. It was the first time I have ever played against my former club because I only have three. It was a special day but in the end it is about the game, which we won so I am pleased with that."</p>
<p><b>Wayne Rooney | MUFC attacker </b>(courtesy of <i>Sky Sports</i>)</p>
<p>(On his missed penalty...) "I don’t know what happened but these things happen. Obviously, I am disappointed with the penalty but I will move on because we won the game and that is the most important thing. It’s something that is gone now for me."</p>
<p>(Overall thoughts...) "We had plenty of chances. Obviously, it was a poor penalty from myself but we should be taking care of games and we had a lot of chances late doors, especially when they went down to 10 men, to kill it off and we didn’t do it. That could cost us in the future. We need to make sure we are more clinical to finish games off. We tried to stop them playing. They are a fantastic football team but if you stop their playmakers then you have a chance, especially when you win the ball. If you win it high up the pitch you can break off them and create chances. We did that quite well and the led to a lot of chances for us. It certainly was our game-plan – to stop them playing and press them high."</p>
<p>(On the results...) "We knew we would go top if we won before the game. It is important to us after dropping two points on the first game of the season. We have done well and dug in at times to grind out some results whilst playing some good football. It’s nice to be top of the league, it might not be for long but we are happy to be there."</p>
<p><b><span>Arsene Wenger</span> | Arsenal manager </b>(courtesy of <i>Arsenal.com</i>)</p>
<p>(Overall thoughts...) "I’m disappointed of course, because we had a lot of the ball but we were not very efficient in our final third or in their final third. You feel it was a bit [of] an illusionary domination. We had a lot of the ball but they created more chances and deserved to win the game. Part of that is down to the fact that we gave an early goal away. In a game like that, that’s a massive advantage [for Manchester United]. Then they defended well, were sharper than us in the duels and the consequence is you lose the game."</p>
<p>(On van Persie scoring...) "Honestly, that doesn’t bother me at all. That doesn’t matter. What you want is to win the game. You don’t care about who scores in their team. What is most important is that you don’t make a mistake at the back and you don’t give chances away."</p>
<p>(On what he said to van Persie at half-time...) "Nothing special."</p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/4/3597372/statistics-post-match-quotes-manchester-united-2-1-arsenalGene Um2012-11-03T15:46:00+00:002012-11-03T15:46:00+00:00RVP strikes against his old club in 2-1 win
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>A fairly dull affair was decided by two goals in each half for Manchester United. Robin Van Persie scored (Of course he did) against his former club in the opening three minutes. The second took forever to come, but Patrice Evra popped up in the second half to score his second headed goal of the season. Santi Cazorla grabbed a consolation with the last kick of the game for the 10 men of Arsenal after Jack Wilshire picked up a couple of bookings.</p> <p>After the heart attack inducing affairs against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> in the last week, a rather drab match was just the ticket for my ticker this afternoon. Goals from Robin Van Persie and <span>Patrice Evra</span> was enough to sink a very poor <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> side at Old Trafford and send <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> top of the Premier League, clear of Chelsea who are playing as I write at the Liberty Stadium. It took until the dying embers of the game for Arsenal to get a shot on target, and that was a fair reflection on the quality on offer from the North London side.</p>
<p>The opening goal came quickly. <span>Rio Ferdinand</span> played the ball forward for <span>Antonio Valencia</span> who flicked wonderfully for Rafael to run onto down the right hand side. You could forgive the Brazilian for playing a tired ball in after playing 210 minutes of football this week. Arsenal skipper <span>Thomas Vermaelen</span> made a real hash of it however as he swung a leg at it, knocking the ball all of three inches. The ball skipped up beautifully into the path of RVP who finished with aplomb first time on his right peg.</p>
<p>United largely dominated the first half. <span>Tom Cleverley</span> enjoyed one of his better games in a united shirt, protecting the ball and using it wonderfully. <span>Wayne Rooney</span> was finding pockets of space everywhere, and he could have made it 2-0, had it not been for a wonderful save from <span>Vito Mannone</span>. He had an even better chance on the stroke of half time. A short corner to <span>Ashley Young</span>, followed by a cross by the England winger was blocked with a raised hand by <span>Santi Cazorla</span>. Clear penalty. You cannot block the ball with your hand when it is raised like this. You would have never have thought that Rooney would have pulled his effort from 12 yards wide. But that was exactly what he done. At half time and 2-0, it would have already been game over. Yet with that added momentum, there was still a chance Arsenal could get back into it.</p>
<p>Yet the second half played out much like the first. Antonio Valencia should really have doubled the lead shortly after the break when RVP found him with a square pass. Yet the South American shanked his effort from 6 yards. RVP himself should have scored after Young found him with a delightful pass. Yet, this time on his strong left foot, he shot tamely enough for the keeper to get a hand on it.</p>
<p>Just when Arsenal were enjoying their best spell of the match (During which Oliver Giroud struck a post) United sealed the match.Patrice Evra, up for a corner, stayed after the initial ball was cleared. The ball in from Rooney was on the money and the Frenchman snuck in unnoticed. Almost a carbon copy of his goal at the "Toon".</p>
<p>Arsenal then were reduced to 10 after Jack Wilshire picked up a second yellow. Neither of his offences were mallicious, but the card happy Mike Dean (A little too card happy for my liking) had to be consistent with his earlier decisions and he had to go. Maybe Arsene Wenger should have pulled him off, much like <span>Sir Alex Ferguson</span> had done a little earlier with his own young English midfielder Cleverley, who was walking his own tightrope.</p>
<p>David De Gea enjoyed probably his quietest game in a United shirt. He saved well late one when he stuck out a leg to deny Giroud. Yet he could do nothing with Cazorla's effort. Two blocked attempts had frustrated the Spaniard. But the ball fell to his right foot and he rammed it home. A goal of high quality with the last kick of the game.</p>
<p>The win sends us top by two points and there were some positives for sure. I thought Patrice Evra was outstanding throughout, as was all the United defence. The distribution from the center backs was sublime. Rafael worked hard despite his "long" week.</p>
<p>Micheal Carrick was slightly disappointing. He is usually so careful in possession but his radar was not on song today. He still worked hard in defense however. Antonio Valencia must have fancied his chances against the poor <span>Andre Santos</span>. He played solidly, yet I feel he is over complicating his game somewhat. He is getting into good crossing positions and then hesitating. Maybe RVP needs to get into the box quicker so he can feed off of Valencia's normally excellent service. Give it time and I am sure they will click, much like Valencia and Rooney have in recent seasons.</p>
<p>All in all a decent afternoon for the Red Devils. They would have liked more goals, yet the fixtures now look kind for us. We travel to face Braga in European competition on Wednesday night. Join us then!</p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/3/3594870/post-match-reaction-manchester-united-2-0-arsenalRB19902012-11-03T11:45:04+00:002012-11-03T11:45:04+00:00Live Match Thread: Manchester United vs. Arsenal
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<figcaption>Michael Regan</figcaption>
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<p>If you're not at Old Trafford for the match, this live thread is the next best place to be for Manchester United's clash with Arsenal. </p> <p align="center"><b>KO: </b>12:45pm GMT, 8:45am EST | Old Trafford</p>
<p align="center"><b>LIVE TV: </b>Sky Sports 2 (U.K.), ESPN2 (U.S.A.)</p>
<p align="center"><b>WEATHER: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://uk.weather.com/weather/today-Old-Trafford-%28Manchester%29-UKOL0028">Old Trafford</a></p>
<p align="center"><b>MATCH PREVIEW: </b><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2012/11/2/3589352/preview-manchester-united-vs-arsenal">The Busby Babe</a></i></p>
<p align="center"><b>ARSENAL Q&A: </b><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2012/11/2/3589186/arsenal-q-a-with-the-short-fuse">The Short Fuse</a></i></p>
<p align="center"><b>REFEREE: </b>Mike Dean</p>
<p align="center"><b>ODDS: </b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> 8/13, Draw 14/5, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> 9/2</p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/3/3591788/live-match-thread-manchester-united-vs-arsenal-fcGene Um2012-11-02T18:00:08+00:002012-11-02T18:00:08+00:00Preview: Manchester United vs. Arsenal
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<figcaption>Mike Hewitt</figcaption>
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<p>A preview of Saturday afternoon's tie between Manchester United and Arsenal: team news, lineup projections, tactical keys, TV information, refereeing appointment, and odds. </p> <p>On Saturday afternoon, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> will host Arsenal FC at Old Trafford for a Premier League tie. These two sides met twice last season and in this same fixture in August 2011, the Red Devils exploded for an incredible eight goals at the 'Theatre of Dreams'. In the reverse fixture at the Emirates in January, United once again emerged victorious and this time by a 2-1 scoreline thanks to a late <span>Danny Welbeck</span> winner.</p>
<p><b>MANCHESTER UNITED</b></p>
<p><i><b>Form Guide</b></i><b>: </b>Sir Alex Ferguson's side enters the weekend sitting second in the league table with twenty-one points from nine matches. Their most recent match occurred on Wednesday when <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> defeated United 5-4 in a Capital One Cup tie. Last weekend though, against the same Chelsea side, United were 3-2 victors in a league game and that had been their fifth successive victory across two competitions. The Red Devils currently top their group in the UEFA Champions League with a 100% record from three fixtures.</p>
<p><i><b>Team News</b></i><b>: </b><span>Chris Smalling</span> is nearing a return but he's still out for this tie. Nemanja Vidic, <span>Phil Jones</span>, and <span>Shinji Kagawa</span> are unavailable as well. (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2012/11/2/3590590/nemanja-vidic-out-untill-christmas">Full Team News Report</a>)</p>
<p><b>ARSENAL</b></p>
<p><i><b>Form Guide</b></i><b>: </b>Arsene Wenger's side come into the match sitting sixth in the league table with fifteen points from nine matches. The Gunners most recent match was a wild midweek affair as they came back from a 0-4 deficit to defeat <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/reading">Reading</a> 7-5 in a Capital One Cup contest. Overall though, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal's</a> recent form has been somewhat shaky. Before last weekend's tense 1-0 defeat of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/queens-park-rangers">Queens Park Rangers</a> in league, they had lost two successive matches to Schalke '04 in Europe and to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/">Norwich City</a> in league. The North London side currently sit second in their Champions League group with six points from three matches.</p>
<p><i><b>Team News</b></i><b>: </b><span>Wojciech Szczesny</span>, Lukas Fabianski, <span>Kieran Gibbs</span>, Gervinho, <span>Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain</span>, <span>Abou Diaby</span>, and <span>Tomas Rosicky</span> are all unavailable.</p>
<p><b>PROJECTING LINEUPS</b></p>
<p><i><b>United</b></i><b>: </b>The first thing to consider is trying to figure out which system Ferguson will go with -- he can choose from a 4-4-1-1, 4-3-3, and a midfield diamond. In goal, David de Gea is likely but <span>Anders Lindegaard</span> is certainly possible. <span>Rio Ferdinand</span> and Jonny will form a center-back partnership while Rafael and <span>Patrice Evra</span> are expected in the full-back positions.</p>
<p>You never know with Ferguson but a midfield diamond seems like the least likely possibility. If a midfield duo is deployed in a 4-4-1-1, then <span>Michael Carrick</span> will be partnered by either <span>Tom Cleverley</span> or Paul Scholes. If a midfield trio is used, then all three of those players are in contention as is <span>Wayne Rooney</span> and Anderson. Out wide, <span>Antonio Valencia</span> is almost certain on the right while <span>Ashley Young</span>, Danny Welbeck, and Nani are in contention on the left. Up front, Robin van Persie will start and if he has a partner, any of Rooney, Welbeck, or the in-form <span>Javier Hernandez</span> (Chicharito) are possible.</p>
<p><i><b>Arsenal</b></i><b>: </b>For Arsenal, injuries are limiting Wenger's options and the starting XI appears somewhat obvious. Expect to see <span>Vito Mannone</span> in goal, <span>Per Mertesacker</span> and <span>Thomas Vermaelen</span> as the center-backs, <span>Bacary Sagna</span> over <span>Carl Jenkinson</span> at right-back, and <span>Andre Santos</span> at left-back. In their 4-2-3-1 shape, <span>Mikel Arteta</span> and <span>Jack Wilshere</span> are expected in the double-pivot but <span>Aaron Ramsey</span> is possible. Ramsey is probable as the right-sided player in attack, though, while <span>Lukas Podolski</span> is expected on left-side. Oliver Giroud is anticipated to be the lead striker while <span>Santi Cazorla</span> will be in behind in a No.10 role.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://this11.com/boards/abDElCWamz.jpg"></p>
<p><b>TACTICAL KEYS</b></p>
<p><i><b>* What approach will each side take?</b></i><b>: </b>Whatever approach each side takes will have an important impact on the match. Arsenal tend to struggle in breaking down sides that defend deep and while United took a reactive approach from the start last weekend at Chelsea -- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2012/10/31/3579350/tactical-analysis-chelsea-2-3-manchester-united">where they kept their shape compact and looked to break down the right side</a> -- this seems less likely to happen at home. It'll be interesting to see what approach Ferguson takes.</p>
<p>As is typical, Arsenal generally seek to dominate possession and play a short-passing game. However, they are more vertical now than they were in the past and they're capable of getting up the pitch quickly. Wenger's team defends with two banks of four when out of possession while Cazorla tends to stay high near the striker looking to spring counterattacks. Wenger is willing to be both reactive (at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>) and proactive (at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>) when traveling away to bigger sides. Will the Gunners have a go at Old Trafford or will the 8-2 memory from last season linger in their memories and as a result, will they be more conservative with their approach?</p>
<p><i><b>* Attack Arsenal's left-side</b></i><b>: </b>Similar to Chelsea, where Arsenal is most vulnerable is down their left flank. Fortunately for United, this is an area of strength for them and they attack more down this side (40%) than they do through the middle (30%) or on the left (30%) <i>(*). </i>Andre Santos, the expected left-back on Saturday with Gibbs out, is an absolute lunatic with his positioning as he's extremely prone to getting caught out. When Podolski partners him on the left, the German international generally works hard but it's often not adequate enough to compensate for the Brazilian's inept defending. Furthermore, Vermaelen is the left-sided central-defender and he has the tendency to come towards the ball as well and be drawn out of position. There are massive gaps to exploit on Arsenal's left-side.</p>
<p><i>(*) Statistics courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.whoscored.com/">WhoScored.com</a></i><i>)</i></p>
<p>We all know that Rafael isn't shy about getting forward and he'll have opportunities to create 2 v 1 overloads on United's right flank. Defensively, though, Rafa will have to be concerned with Podolski as the Arsenal attacker tends to dart in the space and race towards the box in the space between the opposition's right-back and center-back. Fortunately for United, if the German causes problems, then Valencia is capable of destroy Santos 1 v 1 and also, he's more than willing to track back and help. United will certainly be able to create chances by attacking Arsenal's left-side.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>* <i>Rooney needs to track Arteta</i>: </b>If one were to assume that Rooney will either be a secondary striker in behind RvP or that he'll be deployed as the most advanced midfielder in a 4-3-3, then he'll be the player closest in the vicinity of Arteta -- the man who sets the rhythm for the Gunners. In Arsenal's meeting with Chelsea, Oscar did a superb job in quickly closing down the Spaniard -- Arteta, on average, completes 93.1 passes per game but against Chelsea, he only completed 63. This was hugely disruptive to Arsenal.</p>
<p>Rooney's willingness to occupy the other side's deepest-lying midfielder blows hot and cold. As of late though, Wazza has played with passion and he's been, as the cliche goes, touching every blade on grass in recent matches. It would be immensely helpful if he could, when United are out of possession, quickly find Arteta and get tight to him. The Arsenal midfielder plays short and neat passes but he knows when it's appropriate to send in more probing passes. Contain Arteta, and you contain Arsenal's passing rhythm.</p>
<p><i><b>* Cazorla is Arsenal's key-man</b></i><b>: </b>While it's Arteta that keeps things calm, it's another Spaniard, Cazorla, that provides the incisiveness in attack. He's a brilliant No.10 and his movement is terrific. He tends to position himself high while his lateral movement tends to take him into the space between the central-midfielder, center-back, and full-back. This makes it hard for a single holding-midfielder or a single center-back to track him because then they'd continually be drawn out of position. United will either play with a single holding-midfielder (Carrick) in a 4-3-3 or with a double-pivot (Carrick with either Cleverley, Ando, or Scholes) in a 4-4-1-1/4-2-3-1. Cazorla is probably too good be nullified but if United can stay organized and pass him off when drifts across the pitch in the space between the lines, then they can perhaps contain him to an extent. He's the man that makes Arsenal tick in attack and generally does this with death by a thousand through-balls. Look for the playmaker to thread passes in between Rafael and Ferdinand for Podolski to run onto or for him to find Giroud when he works the channels. With RvP gone, it is Cazorla that is undoubtedly Arsenal's key-man now. <b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b>KO: </b>12:45pm GMT, 8:45am EST | Old Trafford</p>
<p align="center"><b>Live TV: </b>Sky Sports 2 (U.K.), ESPN2 (U.S.A.)</p>
<p align="center"><b>Arsenal Q&A: </b><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2012/11/2/3589186/arsenal-q-a-with-the-short-fuse">The Short Fuse</a></i></p>
<p align="center"><b>Referee: </b>Mike Dean</p>
<p align="center"><b>Odds</b>: Manchester United 8/13, Draw 14/5, Arsenal 9/2</p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/2/3589352/preview-manchester-united-vs-arsenalGene Um2012-11-02T16:06:07+00:002012-11-02T16:06:07+00:00Captain Vidic out untill Christmas
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<figcaption>Shaun Botterill</figcaption>
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<p>The clubs official website have confirmed the news that Club captain Nemanja Vidic is likely to be out untill Christmas.</p> <p>Usually Sir Alex Ferguson is coy on his team news during press conferences. At his weekly appointment with the media before tomorrows visit of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a>, he chose not to divulge the news that his Captain and number one center back is out until at least Christmas, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Nov/nemanja-vidic-injury-update-manchester-united.aspx">instead chose to tell the clubs TV channel MUTV</a>.</p>
<p>Here is his short quote.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I think we're talking around December for Vidic, maybe around Christmas time."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Notice the word "maybe"..... It really is not looking good for Nemanja at the moment. After recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for a large part of last season, he then suffered another injury that required another bout of surgery in the early knockings of this season. To make things worse, our defence have looked lost at times this season, with <span>Jonny Evans</span> not looking the solid, confident defender that emerged last season in Vidic's absence. It certainly is time for the Northern Irishman to step up, or for <span>Chris Smalling</span> to get himself match fit. The promising English defender has recovered from injury, but is yet too make a first team appearence this season. <span>Phil Jones</span> is also nearing a return in the next month, but it is unlikely he will deployed as a center back primarily. Instead, he will probably figure more at right back, and maybe in the midfield.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> have no new injury concerns ahead the game against Arsenal tomorrow.The subject of the Mark Clattenburg racial allegations did come up in the press conference however. Here is what Fergie had to say on that.</p>
<blockquote>
<p align="left">"I don't believe he would make comments like that,"I refuse to believe it. It's unthinkable. I've never had a player come to me in the last 15 years and say a referee swore in a game - ever. The way we see the game today rather than how it was 25 years ago, it has completely changed. I played myself and I know that the banter which went on between referees and players 25 years ago is different to today."</p>
<p align="right">Source: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20178515">BBC Sport</a></p>
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<p align="left">I myself am in the same boat, however I do think that both the FA and Police need to investigate the claim thoroughly. It will be very hard to prove however, unless one of the officials that had the head sets on comes forward and validates the claim.</p>
https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/2/3590590/nemanja-vidic-out-untill-christmasRB19902012-11-02T06:00:10+00:002012-11-02T06:00:10+00:00Arsenal Q&A with The Short Fuse
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<figcaption>Scott Heavey</figcaption>
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<p>Ahead of Manchester United's Saturday clash with Arsenal, we've reached out to The Short Fuse -- an Arsenal fansite -- for a Q&A.</p> <p>Time for our Q&A with Ted Harwood of <i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.theshortfuse.com/">The Short Fuse</a></i>, SB Nation's Arsenal home. As you're probably aware, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> face the Gunners on Saturday in a Premier League clash. Be sure to check out <i>TSF</i> if you desire Arsenal news and analysis ahead of this match or after it.</p>
<p><b><i>TBB</i>: </b>As you might expect, some <span>Jack Wilshere</span> questions. We all know his talent and potential, how did he look last week in his return? Do you expect him to feature this weekend or is he not ready for a big game? What are your general expectations for him this season?</p>
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<p><i><b>TSF</b></i><b>:</b> Actually, last week, despite the rust, he looked pretty darn good. He was lively and passed well, and QPR seemed to see him as a threat, since they fouled him repeatedly. All of us here at TSF expect him to feature this weekend and probably start, as he was rested during the week at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/reading">Reading</a>. He is ready for a big game. With all that said, we have to remember that he's still coming back from missing 16 months of action, and as you'll remember with <span>Owen Hargreaves</span>, it will take time for a player to look like he did prior to the injury, indeed, if he ever does. If Wilshere plays like he did against QPR, though, it can only help Arsenal. If he keeps it up, one would expect him to be in the midfield along with Cazorla and Arteta.</p>
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<p><i><b>TBB</b></i><b>: </b>These questions are very general but can you discuss <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal's</a> goalkeeping situation? It seems like a revolving door. It wasn't too long ago they had <span>Lukasz Fabianski</span> and <span>Manuel Almunia</span> fighting for the job, then Fabianksi and Wojciech Sczczesny. Then it looked like Sczcznesy was the primary keeper for most of last year. Is he injured? Where did <span>Vito Mannone</span> come from? And in the COC game this week, they started some fellow named Damian Martinez?</p>
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<p><i><b>TSF</b></i><b>: </b>Yeah, it's a bit wild, huh? Manuel Almunia is long gone, and probably would have been permanently last year, too. He's in Watford now. Lukasz Fabianski has been injured since the summer, and is out for a few more months. Wojeciech Szczesny is the nominal (and actual, now) number one, but he's been fighting an injury this season, which brought Arsenal to using now-third-choice keeper Vito Mannone over the past few games. Mannone was also reportedly on the selling block after a loan spell at Hull City last year, but nobody bit, so here he is. Damian Martinez is the fourth-choice keeper, but with injuries to the top two, and Arsenal's propensity to use fringe and youth players in the COC, he got the nod.</p>
<p>Theoretically Szczesny is the future of Aresnal goalkeeping, and he has had flashes of wonderful talent. However, he is still very young (22) and he has to work out some consistency. If anyone watched the Euros this year, they will have seen an example of one of his weaknesses, and his decision-making and command are still raw. He is a great shot-stopper, but it remains to be seen if he can rise to the ranks of the truly outstanding keepers over the next few years. It would be nice to have a backup of some veteran solidity, but as Mick Jagger said...</p>
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<p><i><b>TBB</b></i><b>:</b> A few seasons ago, Arsenal seemed to be a fluid and dynamic side and last year they appeared to be a bit more direct with pacy wingers. How have things evolved this season with <span>Robin van Persie</span> gone? <span>Mikel Arteta</span> is obviously a wonderful dictator of games and <span>Santi Cazorla</span> is a delight as a creator. What is Arsenal's personality in attack now or is it still a work in progress?</p>
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<p><i><b>TSF</b></i><b>: </b>Still a work in progress, but I only say that because it doesn't seem that they've settled on one pattern. With <span>Olivier Giroud</span> available, using him as a more traditional number nine seems like it should be possible, but Gervinho has also featured there and Arsenal have looked to play quickly up the wings through <span>Lukas Podolski</span> and <span>Theo Walcott</span> alongside him. When it worked, it worked, asi n the 6-1 against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a>, but when it doesn't work, when Arsenal go back to their passing-on-the-edge-of-the-box style of a few years ago (as they did against Norwich and Schalke), everything looks all too static. They simply, Cazorla aside, don't have super creative attacking players right now. If they play at too slow of a tempo without dynamic movement, they suffer, and they also suffer from a lack of width, especially with <span>Andre Santos</span> at left back, who, unlike <span>Kieran Gibbs</span>, prefers to come inside more. You may notice this on Saturday when he's not trying to keep <span>Antonio Valencia</span> from taking over the world.</p>
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<p><i><b>TBB</b></i><b>:</b> Arsenal's annual General Meeting seemed more contentious than usual -- at least according to media reports. Do you feel that's an accurate gauge of the supporter's feelings at this moment in time for the football club or did much of the tension have to do with recent results? Or was it, perhaps, a mix of the two? Do you have concerns over Arsenal's current ambitions?</p>
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<p><i><b>TSF</b></i><b>: </b>It was a mix of the two, but it has now been three years running, arguably, that Arsenal have let key players go to rivals as the trophy drought grows longer. I'm not obsessed with silver as many are, but one cannot deny that it is an anxiety in the fanbase. The club's chief, Ivan Gazidis, despite his expected cheerleading, has admitted himself that the period of transition to the Emirates is nearing an end, and things must improve soon, so it remains to be seen what moves Arsenal will make as new commercial deals start to fall into place as the old ones--undertaken at bargain prices to help get the stadium built--begin to expire. Clearly Arsenal have never been a "replace players leaving with expensive big names" kind of club, but as scouting has improved up and down the league, competition for good players has stiffened, and obviously there is an incredible amount of talent in the top four or five clubs in England right now. Whether Arsenal step up their purchasing or not as new deals come into play remains to be seen, but there is not a rock-solid consensus that this is necessary.</p>
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<p><i><b>TBB</b></i><b>:</b> Much had been made early in the season about Steve Bould's impact and especially his influence on Arsenal's defending. Can you discuss what those changes were and how effective it has been? And what's going on with <span>Laurent Koscielny</span>? He was terrific last season and now he's seemingly turned into a liability.</p>
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<p><i><b>TSF</b></i><b>: </b>Those reports about Bould's influence were exaggerated and based on a small sample; that being said, he probably has had some words. However, the defenders themselves have not changed--they're still the same guys, and Arsenal's midfield and wings still are trying to figure out how to defend as a team, especially without <span>Alex Song</span>. Early on, they did an exceptional job of forming two solid banks of four quickly when out of possession (widely attributed to Bould), but that has disappeared as of late, with predictable shakiness the result. That's the main thing; Arsenal also are not pressing out of possession as effectively as they have in the past. That being said, they still only have conceded six goals in the league so far this year, which is the best in the league.</p>
<p>As for Koscielny--it's hard to say. He has certainly looked completely lost this year, especially against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> at against Reading this week. He's always been vulnerable to moments that make you just shake your head, but lately that seems to be all he's doing without any of the amazing tackles, quick recovery, and general good play he used to have in between those moments. The cause of this is hard to pin down; he didn't just become bad overnight, but confidence could be a part of it, or maybe he's injured. It's really baffling. One thing is for sure--he must improve and get it together quickly, because Arsenal may need him, and right now, he's not playing nearly well enough.</p>
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<p><i><b>TBB</b></i><b>: </b>Reading 5-7 Arsenal. Discuss.</p>
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<p><i><b>TSF</b></i><b>: </b>I'll just sum up my emotional states:</p>
<p>a) come on you reds!<br>b) fluke goal, let's go!<br>c) oh are we THIS bad now?<br>d) i'm going to light my desk on fire!<br>e) just don't embarrass me; I need to go to a meeting. Later, world!<br>f) 4-3? what?<br>g) 4-4? what?<br>h) 5-5? oh god we are going to lose again, aren't we; sob<br>i) hahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahah okay then, let's just pretend that didn't happen, at least nobody got hurt</p>
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<p><b><i>TBB</i>: </b>What are your thoughts on the Theo Walcott situation and his contract talks -- or perhaps lack thereof?</p>
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<p><i><b>TSF</b></i><b>: </b>For a while there, I wouldn't have missed him; I felt he wasn't very effective in roughly half of the tactical situations Arsenal encounter. However, lately, his finishing has been so good, and his movement has looked so good in comparison with our other wing options, that I'd be sad to see him leave. I'm still not sure he doesn't value himself a little too highly, but I'm not privy to the negotiations, so I can't say that for sure. I'd like him to stay, though, even if I don't think he can play center forward regularly.</p>
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<p><i><b>TBB</b></i><b>: </b>And finally, care to offer a prediction on Saturday's result and on Arsenal's starting XI?</p>
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<p><i><b>TSF</b></i><b>: </b>I think it's going to be 2-1 to Manchester United. Neither defense looks really great right now, but Arsenal's attack hasn't looked nearly as solid as they need to be, and nothing makes me think the result will be different this year than it was last year. Starting XI will be Mannone; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos; Arteta, Wilshere; Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud.</p>
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https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2012/11/2/3589186/arsenal-q-a-with-the-short-fuseGene Um