Pre-season is upon us, with our first friendly against FC Nurnberg on Thursday. With our return to the Champions League, a great improvement last season and 3 big signings seemingly all but done, it is an exciting time for Arsenal.
The biggest question mark hanging over Arteta, for me anyway, is his ability to rotate. The last two seasons has seen us slump towards the end of the season - with injuries to key players at key times costing us, while other players have looked dead on their feet at the business end. Arteta also has a rather disappointing record in Europe - and in the secondary competition at that.
Arteta is a manager who has his best XI and will play it whenever possible. Bukayo Saka is the poster boy for this thinking - starting all but one in the PL last season (coming on after an hour in the one game he didn't start), both FA Cup games and appearing in every Europa game. This along with being a key player in Englands World Cup campaign and Qualifiers/Nation League games.
The decision to play William Saliba in the Europa proved very costly, Thomas Partey also suffered an injury in the same game. Saliba had started every PL game up to that point, 4 Europa games and the EFL Cup game. Although his action was limited at the World Cup, it was still a strain on his body to prepare for every game up to the final.
It was a tough season for the back up players. Fabio Vieira has been criticised by a lot of Arsenal fans, but his debut season didn't give him many opportunities. He started just 3 times in the PL, and not often in his preferred position as Martin Odegaard was another who played almost every game. Vieira's first start in the league was a promising one, with a goal in the 3-0 away win at Brentford - a game he did deputise for the captain. He didn't start in the league again for half a year, despite a positive performance as a first half sub against Wolves prior to the World Cup.
Reiss Nelson is another who struggled to get game time, despite promising performances off the bench. His introduction against Forest changed that game - 2 goals and an assist. He had 1 minute of PL football in the next 13 games before that famous cameo against Bournemouth. 3 goals and 2 assists in those 2 sub appearances weren't enough to convince Arteta to give Nelson significant game time, or rest either Martinelli or Saka as their performances began to slump.
Emile Smith Rowe had an injury plagued season, but Arteta needs to get him to 21/22 season levels of performance. That will require opportunities though. Where ESR will play - left or LCM seems most likely - will be interesting.
Once Rice and Timber are sealed we will have a big squad, but strength in depth is only useful if you can keep all players match ready. It is a difficult task, but will be key to Arsenals season.
Rotation and the CL
posted on 8/7/23
It could be argued that the lack of rotation, and opportunities for youngsters, is why the likes of Patino and Balogun are unwilling to stay and wait for a chance.
posted on 8/7/23
If Partey leaves we are back to having the same amount of strength and depth in that area, i doubt that Elneny will be here beyond next Jan.
They said that arteta didn't use other players because he doesn't trust the bench but there has been no new recruits in that area.
Anyway he said himself he needs to better use what they have so hopefully he's learnt from his failures of last season in respect to rotating.
posted on 8/7/23
Jorginho is good cover for that role. Don't need Partey and Jorginho as cover. Timber can also play DM.
posted on 8/7/23
I was happy when Eddie stayed, but for that (reported) wage, you should be looking at a guy who can seriously challenge the first choice. It's pretty clear arteta does not see him as that, only playing him when Jesus was crocked. Apparently Jesus has mentioned he had a knee problem before going to the world cup and arteta still didn't really have faith in Eddie to start. On top of that, he signed trossard and Eddie didn't really get a look in even with Jesus out.
I'm fearful the same is going to happen to Nelson. A player I really rate by the way, and enjoy watching play. Maybe the gap between him and Martinelli isn't so big in reality.
Maybe with more options that arteta trusts, there will be more rotation. But the Eddie example puts doubts in my mind.
posted on 8/7/23
I'm not sure if it is a case of he doesn't trust the back up or more that he believes the best XI players should play 60 games a season, and the back ups should be ready to come in.
posted on 8/7/23
5 Stars - good post, agree with everything.
Although we took massive strides last season in our style, and obviously league position, my main criticism of Arteta was his lack of rotation. I think Odegaard and Ramsdale were the only ones putting in top performances by the end of it.
I think he definitely needs to rotate the midfield more dependant on opposition. I don't like the look of Rice, Ode, and Havertz, if that's his plan. Far too weak even if Zinchenko does come into MF during play. If we're not keeping Partey (although I think we will) then Jorgy, Ode, and Havertz looks even worse.
posted on 10/7/23
Agree that the lack of rotation really hurt us towards the end of the season.
Also incredibly difficult for the fringe players to then step in, when they've barely had any minutes prior.