In this episode of the podcast, the hosts analyze Arsenal's disappointing FA Cup exit, discuss missed opportunities and lack of threatening attacks, highlight the importance of set piece deliveries, explore the significance of confidence and skill in finishing, address the need for unexpected goal scorers, answer listener questions, discuss the lack of game time for Smith-Rowe, debate the prioritization of a world-class finisher, and analyze Arsenal's struggle with finishing and goal-scoring.
Arsenal's struggles with finishing and the need for a striker have been highlighted as crucial factors in their recent defeat in the FA Cup.
The reluctance of Arsenal manager Arteta to utilize young talents like Nkounkou and Smith Rowe has raised concerns about the club's ability to nurture and develop academy prospects.
Deep dives
Lack of Clinical Finishing and Need for a Striker
In this podcast episode, the discussion revolves around Arsenal's recent struggles with finishing and the need for a striker. The hosts reflect on the team's inability to convert their chances into goals, specifically highlighting the FA Cup exit due to missed opportunities. While acknowledging the talent of the current forwards, there is a growing consensus that a truly elite goalscorer could make a significant difference. However, it is emphasized that signing such a player in the January transfer window is highly unlikely and not currently feasible for Arsenal. The hosts also explore the challenges of scoring goals consistently and how player performance can fluctuate over time. While emphasizing the importance of finishing in football, they analyze the role of skill, composure, and talent in achieving success in front of goal. The summary concludes by acknowledging the fine margins and psychological aspects that impact a team's ability to score goals. The hosts express hope that the upcoming break will provide an opportunity for the players to rejuvenate and address any potential psychological barriers.
Reluctance to Use Upcoming Talents and Lack of Pathway to First Team
There are concerns about Arsenal manager Arteta's reluctance to use upcoming talents like Nkounkou and the lack of a clear pathway to the first team. Some argue that the club's unfavorable draw in the FA Cup has made it difficult to give young players minutes, while others question if the gap in age between the talented young prospects and the readiness for first-team football is a factor. The discussion also raises questions about the club's ability to nurture and develop talents in the academy.
Lack of Game Time for Smith Rowe and Arteta's Substitution Strategies
The limited game time for Smith Rowe and Arteta's substitution strategies have raised concerns among fans. Smith Rowe, an academy graduate, is often left on the bench or brought on very late in the game. This has sparked discussions about Arteta potentially overvaluing training performance and undervaluing in-game performance. Fans are questioning the timing of substitutions and the impact it has on players' confidence and development. The lack of clarity in Arteta's plans for Smith Rowe has led to speculation about the player's future at the club.
In this episode we look back on the 2-0 FA Cup third round defeat to Liverpool. We analyse a first half in which Arsenal played well and did a lot right, but failed to make the most of the chances they created. It's a familiar theme, and one which came back to haunt us as late goals from the Mugsmashers condemned us to an FA Cup exit at a frustratingly early stage again. We chat about how Arsenal didn't make the most of the first half, examine the chances we could have done better with, before a much more even second half. There's discussion of substitutes and the timing of their arrivals, the goals we conceded, and the big problem that's so obvious to everyone – but is 'Buy a striker?' too simplistic a solution in January? Then we have questions about Emile Smith Rowe, defending set-pieces, xG variation, Eddie Nketiah and lots more.