We will likely see Norgaard in the league cup quarters. We win that we will be in 4 competitions simultaneously. With the business end of the league happening. That's why we need him.
Apparently we differ, but when we signed the captain of Brentford who played every game for them, a good side, I expected him to be used more in rotation overall and not just "relegated" to be playing only lesser cup games. Before Sunday's match many of us were expressing concerns over lack of rotation and rest for Zubi & Rice (especially) and thought Mikel might use Norgaard not as a starter, but as a 2T sub, or if not him, then shift Merino to L8 and bring on Victor. Arteta resisted doing any of that until he was forced to, when Rice indeed went down injured as we feared. Sure, game state played into that decision as the game wasn't "secure" until injury time. But still, I never thought Norgaard would be rated (apparently) so lowly by Mikel. That's still a head-scratcher for me.
Physically there are not many players who can do that, and IMO the way we play shortens top end windows of players. With the depth of the squad, his words, this shouldn't be an issue. You can change how we play for one game, surely. While still remaining solid defensively and winning.
This season I have zero issues with Arteta, except the rotation LOL. There are at least 4 meaningless games I can think of where our key guys should have been in the stands. I think he should also sub guys off earlier in games, but then again who the fahk knows anymore. Just win baby.
I think 3 pts vs say Wolves are just as valuable as 3 pts vs Villa. I'd rather lose this game to a non-serious contender if it meant no new injuries and some rest.
I think he's done a better job of rotating than previous seasons but, I agree, that he shoukd be doing it more.
It was reported/posted in another thread that Mosquera might be out 6-8 weeks. Ouch! Pray for Saliba's return. If not for tomorrow, at least within a week. In the meantime, I suspect Timber & White will be pressed into service again on short notice. Unless he does a multi-step change involving Cala to LCB, MLS at LB, etc. But I wouldn't bet on that... I always think Mikel likes to minimize the moves he makes in the back line. He has a lot of options though, even if none are ideal. Both Cala & Ben can place as CB if req'd. He might trust MLS to come in. But honestly, if I had to bet, and going with the minimal changes approach, I'd say it'll be White-Timber-Hincapie-Cala/ML. Quite suspenseful personnel decisions across the pitch for us tomorrow!
I can't really disagree, but it doesn't seem to be in Mikel's plans, at least for this season. But who the hell knows, maybe we'll be surprised what's up his sleeve.
Yeah he may not have a choice at some point, but I also would like to see it from a standpoint that it gives us tactical flexilibity. Maybe MLS/Rice/Zubi midfield, with Dekkers in a more advanced role to score and make runs in behind on his Lampard wave
I cheer for MLS (and Nwaneri) so much when they are playing but the truth is at LB, MLS has put himself in danger positions losing or near losing the ball. He needs a lot more polishing. Also, if he was to play a 6, what about Norgaard.
This is a very strong XI we are putting out considering. With the exception of White, because of need, we have our most experienced players out there. I'm including Odegaard who has obviously just come back from injury. We MUST score first. But no matter what we MUST play with intent from the opening whistle.
Man, it’s bloody early. And you’re a trooper Cooper. Mikel’s XI Is basically the one I most expected. Eze for Marti Is the only slight surprise, but it makes a lot of sense Edit: oh and Rice starting… didn’t quite expect that, except if risks are being taken. I really hope those risks aren’t too big.
Oh, I hate commentators. They already have forgotten how good Odegaard is and how important he is to the team, and now they are talking about how Merino only scores with his head (given that his last few goals have been headers), which is beyond dumb. I wonder how these guys get on TV. They have no clue about this game they watch.
I only caught the end when Dixon said if Arsenal win the league this season, it will be because Arteta listened to all the commentators and realized he needs to be less emotional.
I know Dixon. I don’t know the other people’s names. I’m not sure which one was talking as I was just listening and not watching. I usually watch on mute, but I like to hear the crowd also, so I’m conflicted when it’s in English. Anyway, games on. Let’s go the Arsenal!