This podcast episode discusses Arsenal's dismal end to 2023, focusing on their loss to Fulham. The hosts analyze the team selection, passing pace, substitutions, and individual performances. They also talk about the changing mood and table over the festive period. Other topics include Arsenal's title chances, Mikel Arteta, Thomas Partey's absence, set-piece variation, and corner kicks.
The recent poor performance does not warrant being concerned about Arteta's position, as every team goes through a blip and it is better to have the slump mid-season.
The ruthless approach doesn't apply to managers as it does to players, and Arteta has reshaped the club according to his vision, making himself a powerful figure.
Arteta needs to win something relatively soon to fully satisfy expectations and the level of investment, and Thomas Partey's absence raises concerns about his injury and readiness to return to play.
Deep dives
Performance slump and expectations
The recent poor performance does not warrant being concerned about Arteta's position. Every team goes through a blip and we have the opportunity to reset. It is better to have the slump mid-season. The performance against Fulham was shocking, but it is important to assess and make resolutions for improvement. Winning trophies is important, and while Arteta has been positive, winning something soon is necessary considering the financial outlay and expectations.
Different standards for managers and players
The ruthless approach doesn't apply to managers as it does to players. The manager deals with a squad of players and needs to upgrade and rebuild over time, while the club stands united behind the manager. Arteta's political position within the club is strong. He has reshaped the club according to his vision and done an incredible job. He has the support of the club and has made himself a powerful figure. The frustration stems from the club fighting for titles, which shows progress.
The need for success and winning trophies
Arteta needs to win something relatively soon to fully satisfy expectations and the level of investment. While job security is not at stake, winning trophies in the next 18 months would be important given the investment and close involvement in the title chase in recent seasons. Arteta's FA Cup win early in his tenure was crucial, and he now needs to add to his trophy cabinet.
Implications of Thomas Partey missing out on the Afghan squad
Thomas Partey's exclusion from the Afghan squad raises concerns about his injury and readiness to return to play. While Arsenal fans may hope for his quick recovery, there are lingering frustrations over his consistent absences. Considering his injury history, some fans now view his fitness as a bonus rather than a certainty. The decision not to rush his comeback and protect him from potential harm during the international tournament may benefit Arsenal, but there remains uncertainty about when he will return to action.
The need for forward line reinforcement and player utilization
Arsenal's attacking struggles highlight the need for additional firepower in the forward line. While other teams possess difference-maker players who can add threat and contribute in key moments, Arsenal appears to lack that crucial element. The reliance on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli places enormous demands on these young talents. Switching up the front three or utilizing alternative players like Eddie Nketiah or Julian Brandt could add a much-needed dimension and unpredictability to Arsenal's attack. Moreover, fans express frustration over players like Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, and Aaron Ramsdale being sidelined despite possessing value and potential sellable assets for the club.
In this episode we look back on the dismal end to 2023, as Arsenal put in their worst performance of the season to lose 2-1 to Fulham. We discuss the team selection, starting as well as we did and not building on it, the pace of our passing, how the manager's substitutions only made things worse in the second half, some individuals, the goals we conceded, and how quickly the table, and the mood, can change over the festive period. We also talk about whether this performance was one people saw coming or something more anomalous. Then there are questions about whether or not we can win the title, Mikel Arteta himself, Thomas Partey and his AFCON absence, set-piece/corner variation and lots more.