Arsenal (A) - Sun 21st Sept, 16:30 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

Match Result Prediction?

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JoshuaJDuckworth said:
I have found the corner debate interesting and has reminded me of a couple of things I have read about this.

The first was probably 15 years ago and was about the tactical shift from leaving a player up top from a corner to bringing them all back to defend. The argument was that this only helps a very small bit with defending but mainly makes the counter attack more unpredictable. It being claimed that when you leave a player up it is obvious what you are going to do so easier to stop whereas when you don't know who is breaking or from where it is more difficult.

Then about 3 years ago I read one suggesting teams needed to change their tactics as corners were becoming more and more effective (don't know about the stats to back this up but seems to hold up, even more so now). The claim being that you should play a game of corner chicken and start leaving more, perhaps 3 players, put of the box and close to the opponents half to make them send less into the box or hit them on the counter. I guess the issue is that it would take a very brave manager to do this as when it inevitably goes wrong you look like an idiot.

I personally have been wondering whether teams would benefit from starting the defenders really deep, just in front of the goal line, from corners and then charging out to the ball to clear it. This would protect the keeper, stop the attackers doing their set movements and give them a running jump to get the header in. I imagine there are many people more versed in tactics who can point out why it is a bad idea though.

I will be wearing my Le Coq Sportif Thomas Cook shirt again on Sunday as have worn it the last two games so it must be working!
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Some interesting ideas there, though. Should the players shout 'bundle!' when they charge out? :-)

The thought of that charge made me laugh, until I realised that it's almost what happens when we (or most teams, to be honest) defend a free kick, except in reverse.

I mean the one where a line of four or five attackers line up a metre or so goal-side of the defensive wall. If the wall holds its ground, the attackers will all be offside, yet invariably the wall starts to move back as the taker approaches the ball, effectively sitting deeper than they had originally wanted, whilst also playing the whole line of attackers onside.

What is the reasoning for that? I can understand the natural human temptation, but it's effectively simply an offside trap where timing and judgment are taken out of the equation, unlike when it's used in open play.

It doesn't irk me like the corners do, but it seems a case of defenders passing up a stress-free to win the ball back?
 
noseve said:
Some interesting ideas there, though. Should the players shout 'bundle!' when they charge out? :-)

The thought of that charge made me laugh, until I realised that it's almost what happens when we (or most teams, to be honest) defend a free kick, except in reverse.

I mean the one where a line of four or five attackers line up a metre or so goal-side of the defensive wall. If the wall holds its ground, the attackers will all be offside, yet invariably the wall starts to move back as the taker approaches the ball, effectively sitting deeper than they had originally wanted, whilst also playing the whole line of attackers onside.

What is the reasoning for that? I can understand the natural human temptation, but it's effectively simply an offside trap where timing and judgment are taken out of the equation, unlike when it's used in open play.

It doesn't irk me like the corners do, but it seems a case of defenders passing up a stress-free to win the ball back?
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Would absolutely love em to shout BUNDLE!

I agree on the free kicks. I think they worry the players will run back on and then be inside just before the kick. Maybe the defenders should run in the same direction as well and call their bluff!
 
Probably going to regret saying this, but i don't think we should fear a front 3 of Madueke, Gyokeres and Eze

All good players, but don't see any of them winning the game single handedly
 
MCFC1993 said:
Kick off time 16:30 BST.

Dreading it. I think they're the best team in the league and they battered us there last season. They dont concede many, so our defence needs to match them on Sunday.

Our last 2 games have got me more confident but this is another step up. I'd take a draw, if we were to win, it would be a sign that we might be in the fight this season. Our last win there was the battering in the treble season.

Unchanged again?

---------------Donnarumma
Khusanov--Dias--Gvardiol--O'Reilly
----------------------Rodri
----------Foden-----------Reijnders
Bernardo------------Haaland----------Doku

Right wing is possibly the only argument but I think he goes Bernardo.
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I don't think they'll ever be the best team in the league with Arteta at the helm - he's "Pep lite" for me
The Liverpool game said alot about their mentality.
I doubt we'll win, and to be honest I'd snap your hand off for a draw. We're just not ready yet
 
Not as confident as in recent years but I’ve voted win.
Haaland had his best overall game since he came on Saturday and I fancy him especially with Doku and Phil on song.
Certainly not the end of the world if we lose.
Remember Mario’s sending off we thought that was that didn’t we.
Come on City.
 
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