As much as I've enjoyed Ozil's performances over the last few games, this tie against Chelsea is one where we can't afford to carry any passengers, defensively speaking.
If we play a deep midfield two of Flamini/Wilsh or Flamini/Cazorla we WILL get buttf&ucked and overpowered by the imposing Matic and his willing partner/runner Ramires (if he starts).
Setting up for a win will only lead to a loss. A draw will do us just fine and a counter-attacking set up is the way forward.
I'd pack the midfield and play a three of -
----------------Chambers -----------
---Flamini ----- ---------------Wilshere
And out wide on the right Ox who's priority first and foremost is to track back and help out Arsenal's midfield three when Chelsea have the ball and also to keep an eye out for Coquelin who'll fill in at RB. Sanchez will play on the right where his energy and non-stop pressing will be vital. And of course Welbeck up front.
I'm hoping to see with this line up Flamini and Chambers providing cover and protection to our back four of Gibbs - Kos - Meet - Coq. And Wilshere breaking with the ball and springing our counter attacks.
This, I feel would be our only chance of coming away with something. Another thrashing and it will be the end of our season.
Drop Ozil & play a midfield three
posted on 2/10/14
If cesc ripps it up against us, wenger will come iin for some serious questioning especially if ozil flops
posted on 2/10/14
it's quite amazing that we are contemplating dropping a 42 million pounds or there about midfielder.
posted on 2/10/14
comment by DaStuDogg (U9291)
posted 2 minutes ago
Cazorla's defensive contributions are underappreciated. I think he could do well as part of a midfield 3 - he looked very good playing the central role yesterday.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, having given it some thought, I'm increasingly coming round to the idea of playing Cazorla deeper as he was last night.
In the 6-0 last season our problems pretty much all stemmed from the likes of Arteta/Rosicky losing the ball carelessly in midfield while the fullbacks were pushed suicidally high.
For his size Cazorla he copes with physicality in midfield pretty well - his ball retention is very good, and his complete two-footedness means that he will always have a passing option and leave us less likely to lose possession in bad areas.
posted on 2/10/14
I think the best way to not get hammered is to tell our FBs to stay in their own half for the entire 90 minutes.
posted on 2/10/14
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 2/10/14
comment by Sömeday_693 - Källström will be our salvation (U8892)
posted 1 hour, 12 minutes ago
comment by DaStuDogg (U9291)
posted 2 minutes ago
Cazorla's defensive contributions are underappreciated. I think he could do well as part of a midfield 3 - he looked very good playing the central role yesterday.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, having given it some thought, I'm increasingly coming round to the idea of playing Cazorla deeper as he was last night.
In the 6-0 last season our problems pretty much all stemmed from the likes of Arteta/Rosicky losing the ball carelessly in midfield while the fullbacks were pushed suicidally high.
For his size Cazorla he copes with physicality in midfield pretty well - his ball retention is very good, and his complete two-footedness means that he will always have a passing option and leave us less likely to lose possession in bad areas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Completely agree
posted on 2/10/14
Knowing what Ozil could do, its hard to drop him. With Chambers at RB he shouldn't venture too far forward. Also Alexis, Welbs and Ox do a lot of running so maybe we can afford to play Ozil.
Hope we set up deep and wait to hit them. Its going to be a cagey affair.
Costa is the man I fear. I like Per but we need better if we are to compete at the top.
posted on 2/10/14
Forget costa it will be someone like schurlle that will probably score against us
posted on 2/10/14
So the OP wants to play a RB at DM and a DM at RB
posted on 3/10/14
Start Sanogo and Ox.
Get Ox into a punch up with Costa and Cesc, with Sanogo standing a couple of yards away.
When the ref sends Costa, Cesc and Sanogo off, the game will be yours.