I'll have to go back and rewatch the Fulham game, but that was not my impression at all. Nearly every time Iwobi touched the ball he was on the left. Welbeck also appeared on the left, but also showed up more centrally. If anyone was playing a free role it was Mhiki.
So Ramsey talks and confirms that the club pulled the plug. Arsblog reports that his insiders say Ramsey’s camp went silent after the deal was agreed. One presumes they were shopping the deal around to see if they might have better options in Jan or the summer. I still find it strange that he is nearly universally acclaimed by coaches and pundits yet he’s had no strong link to any club throughout this process. I’d have thought that a few clubs might sniff around to pip him in January.
I thought there was a rumor that Juve was considering Ramsey, but that is the only even half-rumor that I remember reading about.
There have been a few rumors of English clubs and Milan, as well, but so much of the rumor mill is agent-driven. I think it’s possible they just weren’t interested in playing that game.
I'd rather sell Xhaka and play with one defensive mid, Torreira, with two in front, Ozil and Ramsey, the way Pep does with Fernandinho, Silva, and De Bruyne, when he's healthy. One of the reasons Arsenal's chance creation is down is that both the 6 and 8 are primarily devoted to defense. It's closer to the sway Mourinho plays than the way Pep plays.
A) Emery is more of a defensive guy. We discussed quite a bit before the season that his ideal MF setup was a 6, 6/8 hybrid and 8/10 hybrid as the base of his preferred 4-2-3-1. If Ramsey were to stay, his best spot would be the 8/10 hybrid. B) a MF with Torreira at the 6 with Ramsey & Ozil in front of him would be atrocious defensively. Torreira is a solid MF but not enough of a "destroyer" type 6 to allow both his MF partners to push forward and ignore defensive responsibilities. Pep's version of the 3 man MF works because both Silva and DB will drop back and help on defense. We wouldn't get that from Ramsey/Ozil. For all Xhaka's issues, He is actually a decent partner for Torreira (atleast until we can upgrade) as he atleast maintains some semblance of defensive positioning and he is able to hit some great passes from deep.
You seem to be such an expert on Emery’s ‘system’, but he’s not asking Ramsey to play the role you’ve described. Like at all. And really, did anybody think Silva would ‘play defense’ before he was asked to? I’m sure Ramsey and Özil are capable of doing what those two are doing. They need to be coached in a system to do it.
I don't pretend to be an Emery expert. I am basing my opinion on the information I have read about Emery's "system" and how it was applied at PSG, Sevilla & Valencia. My opinion of Ramsey in that system is based on what I read vs what I see on the field. Under 2 different coaches now we have seen Ramsey play exactly the same way. Under Wenger people on this board criticized Ramsey for playing too far forward and not being the true #8 that AW tried to play him as. Now under a more defensive coach, we are to assume that Emery is instructing him to play far up the field and ignore defensive responsibility?
The comparison of how he played for Wenger as the 8 and how he playing for Emery as the 10 is like comparing apples and oranges. I believe Ramsey is doing exactly what he's been asked to do under both coaches. Wenger played a more attacking game, and late runs into he box by the 8 was part of that game. I think the problem the last couple of seasons is that he was paired with Xhaka. When paired with Arteta earlier in his career, he was able to make the runs without significant holes opening up in the midfield. Defensively, Torreira like Arteta reads the game well and neither would be confused with an enforcer, so I would like to see how Ramsey pairs with Torreira.
Well if the reports are true, the deal for Ramsey was yanked based on Emery’s analysis. I take that to mean Ramsey can’t or won’t do what is being asked of him—whatever that is exactly. I honesty had high hopes for Ramsey being higher up the pitch. I know he can play deeper, but he is not consistent enough for me—goes on walkabout and his tackling style is for more for a pressing CF than a DM. I know Xhaka can be a defensive liability as well (I.e. traffic cone). But I think I’ve seen hints that he is improving positionally, and Emery definitely has him playing deeper. Also he seems to focusing on containing a little more and helping out the fullbacks than doing his old hang a leg out defending. Will it pay off or last, I don’t know. That said, I wouldn’t hate to see him go if we replace him with a more dynamic midfielder.
Ramsey and ozil are not de Bruyne or silva That formation would be destroyed by any competent midfield Ramsey works in a 433 with Xhaka and torreira Ozil could play as a cm maybe with Xhaka and torreira But Both either want to create higher up or score There has to be balance
Just saw that we are linked with Kai Havertz of Leverkusen. Would like him at arsenal. Perfect immediate replacement for Ramsey and future replacement for ozil.
Also being linked with Thomas Partey from Atleti. He and Kai might make a MF damn near perfect... ST - Laca, PAE, Welbz LW - Miki, Iwobi, ESR, AMN RW - Havertz, Iwobi, ESR, AMN CAM - Ozil, Havertz LCM - Torreira, Xhaka, AMN RCM - Partey, Duzy, ElNeny Not sure we have the cash for both, though. Even if we were to sell Ramsey in Jan.
You don't normally evaluate a player adjusting to new tactics after 8 games. There will always be problems for anyone bedding in to a new system of play. Re the reports that it was Emery yanked the contract, we have no evidence of that, it's speculation. On multiple occassions Emery has been quoted as saying the contract situation was something for Ramsey and the club to resolve. There are two other events that may have had a bigger impact on the contract withdrawal than anything Emery has done, first Kroenke took over sole ownership of the club and then Gazidis announced his resignation to take the Job in Italy. The second event left a hole in the management team that has allowed Sanllehi, at least temporarily, to assume more power. I suspect he has more to do with the withdrawal of the contract than Emery.
Ramsey to Everton on a free with a 16m signing bonus is the latest rumor. Assuming they would also pay him a competitive wage of say 150/wk that’s roughly 225-250/wk spread out over 3-4 years. Not sure he’d fancy Everton, but can’t see any clubs in the continent paying him that. That maybe leaves just united and possibly Chelsea?
Hmm... Everton could become Arsenal's old folks home. Theo, Aaron, Welbz, Kos? Yeah, yeah, I'm jumpin the gun a bit! p.s. And in the old days there was Senderos, Kevin Campbell, Keown, Richard Wright, and Frannie Jeffers (sort of). Oh boy, do I digress!
I can believe that. He is a good player, and he has a role. I just don't think he can carry the goal burden. Seems a bit like Nasri.
If I were boss, I'd give Mkhi more time in the EPL. He seems to create very good things, although he's a bit challenged with consistency.
There shouldn’t be too much burden with our strikers Although I would love to add Lozano as a goal scoring lw
Looks like Luke Shaw has signed (or maybe just agreed?) a contract extension to stay at ManU. 5 yr £195k/wk. 5th highest salary on ManU's squad.
Reports this morning that we may be looking to loan Malcom from Barca in Jan. He has struggled for playing time (2 appearances) with their loaded attach and may be looking for a move. Assuming he could adjust to the EPL and Emery's system, he could be a good option for a scoring winger.