stormi wrote:Might just be the hater in me, but does anyone else see an imbalance in this midfield 3?
It's a downgrade to me in terms of synergy from Partey/Ødegaard/Xhaka. None of the new midfielders are good in the first phase, Rice especially has a tendency to hide from the ball and one of his weak points is collecting the ball from his keeper with his back turned to the press and being able to turn and play out. Partey was very good at that. He also loves to stampede with the ball at his feet 60 yards up the pitch and without a natural DM to cover for him I could see them getting shredded on counter attacks.
I also don't understand how Havertz is going to work on or off the ball alongside Ø who's the main creator, unless he's going to be used like Gundo making late runs into the box.
Still a good squad, but they take that next leap if they go all out for a major upgrade on Partey (as a #6) i.e. a Kimmich, or on Jesus at #9 i.e. Kane.
Should still be finishing anywhere from 2-5.
No trophies and we're going to start having a serious question about Arteta.
From an Arsenal fan POV, I too have some concerns. But I can also see what Arteta's vision is.
As you wondered, the idea would be to make the most of Havertz's late runs, something he was fantastic at at Bayer. This was essentially what Xhaka was doing in the LCM role, so you upgrade of the offensive side of the LCM. Yes a downgrade defensively, but Havertz is a good presser - does that mean he is leading the press and Ødegaard is dropping back into the holding pair with Rice? Dunno.
It's an interesting point Re; Rice vs Partey in terms of playing out. Rice is pretty good at driving runs out of Defence or Midfield, but I do agree Partey at this stage is stronger turning and playing it out, and probably more press resistant. As it stands, a Rice/Partey double pivot is still an option that can be used. Jorginho performed really well when Partey's form fell off a cliff at the end of the season as well.
I also think the move to more of a offensively focused MF 3 has been linked with both the development of some of the defenders (Kiwior) and acquisition of Timber where, like Man City, they invert, but unlike Zinchenko, Kiwior or Timber are a bit more defensively solid but also able to help with the ball progression out from the back. (Not saying Zinchenko falls out, but different options for different needs).
I'd love a #9 upgrade, but don't see it happening. RW cover would be the next attacking piece if any.
No trophies would be a disappointment for sure. But context will, as always be key. Not sure how we will be getting to serious questions about Arteta though when it's quite clear what he has done with the club so far has been very impressive and a lack of a trophy this season doesn't take that away. £200m is a big outlay though!
