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For more recent converts to the congregation, however, the idea of Arsenal as a stout, well-organized defensive side might be as foreign to them as, well, Arsenal embroiled in a title-tilt this late in the season. After all, under Arsène, Arsenal are known more for attractive, passing football, the marauding of Henry, Bergkamp, and Pirès, and the more-recent exploits of creators and attackers like Fabrègas, van Persie, Walcott, and Özil. It’s arguably not been since the departures of such players as Adams, Dixon, and Keown that we’ve been able to point to defenders and see them among the pantheon of Arsenal greats (I disown Ashley Cole despite his years of service—I understand that players will come and go, the manner of his departure leaves a bitter taste in my mouth).
It’s far too early to anoint Mertesacker or Koscielny, just as it’s too early to start measuring anyone for a statue, but their partnership, as we well-know, has been as responsible for our improved chances and results as any other single factor. The birth of the partnership coincides with the run that began back in March 2013, shortly after our last trip to White Hart Lane saw us lose 1-2 before going on to win at Bayern and finish that season on a ten-match unbeaten run, a run that only recently petered out in the last few months.
Sunday’s win was our 23rd clean-sheet of the season, and our third positive result in a row (if we’re willing to give ourselves credit for the draw with Bayern). Few will mistake Tottenham, with their -1 goal-differential for Chelsea, Liverpool, or Man City, but the manner with which we went into White Hart Lane and throttled them suggests—suggests, mind you, not proves—that we can win through grit as well as style. On a day when Spuds played with intensity if not intent, Rosický’s early screamer meant that we could sit back and defend. Indeed, we had to, as their high line compressed the available space on the pitch, and our wasteful passing and finishing meant that we couldn’t take advantage of the space behind that high line. By comparison, we sat extremely deep, pushed back by their pressing and possession, not to mention the chips and lobs they sent forward for Adebayor.
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| Player positions: Spuds (blue) vs. Arsenal (red) |
The challenge, then, was for Per and Kos to sort out how best to deal with the threat that Adebayor posed. When he’s on, as he frequently is when playing his former clubs, Adebayor can threaten with pace and with aerial ability. Of course, we offer one center-back with height and one with pace, and there were several times when one or the other was caught out by his lack of the other quality. Kos only managed to win three of six headers while Per claimed seven of eight; Kos made three tackles and two interceptions while Per had none of either. However, they combined for 35 clearances, almost three times the number that the entire Spuds squad made (13). Despite the Spuds’ domination of possession and the number of shots they took (17), we blocked ten (which must be some kind of record or at least a first), and they could only put two others on target for Szczesny to save. Indeed, we were pressed back, as shown in the graphic above, but those Spuds have nothing to show for it.
In fact, sitting that deep almost became an actual strategy rather than a tactic. After all, Sunday was not the first time we’ve seen late-game substitutions of play-makers for defenders, such as Flamini for for Rosický or Monreal for Podolski, but it may be the first time that we’ve set up so defensively so early in the match and reinforced that approach through substitutions later. Instead of reaching an ad hoc realization that throwing on a few defenders might help to secure a lead, it seems as if we were ready before the match to defend deep and absorb whatever pressure Spuds could muster.
It’s the kind of defensive display Arsenal were once known for, in outcome if not method. Somewhere, I hope Graham is smiling.
Hello Yankee NEWSNOW has taken me to your hallowed blog(if thats what you call it). I see you mention the word Spuds amidst your oh so modern graphics. You also mention that your playing style was one of beauty. You see Yankee thats what seperates The Lilywhites from Woolwich Wanderers / Nomads et al you just dont get it do you. Stick to your sports Yankee just remember W Wanderes are half franchise FC half Oligarch play thing good old Arse keeping up there quality standards as always long ago as your bribery and 'fixing, that saw your franchise relocate to north of old father Thames and oh so suddenly appear in the top flight of english association football. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it!
As a realistic Spurs fan, I would ignore the post above. The fact that you were able to send what was pretty much a second string to 'Fortress WHL' and play before our supportive fans (I jest), score after 72 seconds and then sit back while our toothless attack, incompetent coach and below mediocre players toiled to no avail says everything about what a poor outfit we have become.Two years ago as Saint 'arry bowed out I think we were truly in a position to push you. We then lost three of our most influential players in Ledley, Luka and VdV and blew our chances of ever challenging you. Don't get me wrong, your side isn't the be all and end all and I'm sure that when Mr Wenger leaves you will suffer as United have, but for as long as my Spurs keep faltering and regressing, we will aimlessly canter in your wake.Signed,A rather fed up and disgruntled Spud.
bribery and fixing? what year is it? if you're referring to 1919, you really should bring yourself up to date. If nothing else, pay closer attention to what's being said. the article takes pains to announce that the win was NOT a thing of beauty, quite the opposite in fact. anyone who disputes the idea that Arsenal play “attractive' football just isn't paying attention. whether “attractive” football works or is worth playing compared to “cynical” football (Chelsea) or rugged football (Stoke) is another issue for another day. for now, content yourself with the hope that you may still qualify for Europa–but to do that you may have to do Arsenal a favor by beating Liverpool. Thanks in advance!
I'm terrified of what happens when Wenger leaves tbh, we're seeing what can happen when the replacement isn't up to snuff. I feel bad for your AVB as he was given almost a whole new squad to play with and it takes time for that to come together.at some point your new signings will come together, whether it's under Sherwood or someone else is another story!
that rattaled your cage didn't it dont flatter yourself that I am going to read your drivel in any depth just stick to your wandering nonsense – A real football fan signing off
um i'm not the writer of this blog mate but thanks.
Oh dear, seems like the Middlesex Mug forgets how his lot moved up a league in 1907 instead of Crystal Palace. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones!!
I feel bad for AvB too, but as I said above, many of the circumstances for his struggles weren't his making. He lost three of the best players I've seen in the shirt and had them replaced by Siggy, Dembele and Dempsey, as well as having Ade bought. I was fully behind his appointment and still think that he would have succeeded, however it speaks volumes for the fickle fans we have at the Lane that they chased him out for not playing 'the Tottenham way', you know, the way we played a bit in the 60s, the 80s and under Jol and the Fraudster. They can't accept that times have changed, football has evolved and the 4-2-3-1 used by all the big clubs is seemingly the only way to play. But whereas you guys seem to develop players from youth level up who are competent and capable of playing it, we just cycle through player after player, none of whom seem to be able to play the style of the coach. I think that they could come together, but I pray it isn't under Sherwood. At this point in time I'm tempted to say we'd do better bringing David Pleat back temporarily. The guy is a chancer, no qualifications, experience or intelligence to do the role. It would be akin to you guys appointing Wilshere coach in 15 years. Decent enough player (though very overrated speaking as an Englishman), but my God is he as thick as two short planks!Anyway, best of luck with the remainder of your season!