Arsenal have flipped the script after 22/23 bottlejob and summer buy (not Rice) can sway title race
Arsenal burned out after an electrifying first half to the 2022/23 season and ultimately bottled winning the Premier League title. But that pattern has been flipped, which bodes very well in their quest for a first league title in two decades.
The intense emotion of fighting for a title takes its toll on people in different ways; Kevin Keegan’s “I would love it if we beat them” comes to mind. That off-pitch meltdown contributed to probably the worst bottle-job of all.
For 22/23 Arsenal, though, the mental strength was not there in the end, they were emotionally drained, and Mikel Arteta had to deal with a couple of critical, ill-timed injuries.
Luckily for Arsenal, they are much better prepared to go all the way this time around having flipped the script, going into the run-in with a bigger, better, healthier squad, and can use the pain of last season to make sure they finish with a sprint rather than a stumble.
Last term, the Gunners dropped points in two(!) league matches before the turn of the year, making light work of teams they were found wanting against the year before. The opening-day victory at Crystal Palace set the tone, having been battered 3-0 at Selhurst Park on the way to throwing away a top-four place to Tottenham.
On course for a 100-point season, the wheels then started to fall off with defeat at Everton, a draw at home to Brentford, and failure in a crucial clash against title rivals Manchester City at the Emirates.
Related video: Arsenal Set For Bayern REVENGE?! (Global Fan Network)
Buy in with the hoodoo of what they did to
A dramatic 4-2 win at Aston Villa helped get their title challenge back on track, but it eventually went Pete Tong, with one 2-2 draw having led 2-0 being followed by another. There was then a confusing and dismal showing against relegation fodder Southampton, and a non-contest at Manchester City, condemning them to 7-2 aggregate defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side in the Premier League.
Gary Neville was mocked and criticised for suggesting Arsenal’s celebrations during the run-in were ill-considered, but he might have had a point. After all, he won a few pots and pans during his playing career.
In 2023/24, Arsenal have celebrated their wins as any side should. Jamie Carragher’s “You’ve won, get down the tunnel” was clearly fuelled by bitterness, not Neville’s genuine concern when warning Oleksandr Zinchenko against tooting his horn in the streets of north London.
Arsenal are definitely showing more maturity in 2024, but the truth is that they have not been winning games in quite such a dramatic fashion as last season. That’s because they are a better, more complete team.
The signing of Declan Rice plays a massive part. He has been frighteningly good in midfield, making the absence of Thomas Partey a footnote to the campaign.
While Rice has been the best player in the Premier League this season, there’s another new signing that makes this title challenge more bulletproof.
That man is Jurrien Timber, who has played just one half of competitive football for his new team.
The Dutch defender is likely to feature for Arsenal after the international break after recovering from an ACL injury suffered in his side’s opening league fixture at home to Nottingham Forest.
His return is not only significant because he is an excellent footballer capable of playing anywhere across the back four, but because it gives Arteta the security he did not have last season, which ultimately cost him dear.
William Saliba was arguably the best defender in England last season and the injury he picked up in a Europa League match against Sporting in March was the biggest factor in Arsenal’s inability to fend off eventual Treble winners Manchester City.
Any side would have missed the presence of Saliba, especially considering the formidable relationship he formed with Gabriel Magalhaes, but it was the fact his replacement was Rob Holding that made it all the more detrimental.
There will be none of that this time around if Saliba or Gabriel are injured; Jakub Kiwior is a lot better than he was a few months ago, let alone last March, and Timber is a player in a different stratosphere to Holding. The ex-Ajax man could even slip into right-back, which would see the brilliant Benjamin White play in the middle.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is another player who should be available for the run-in after missing the end of last season thanks to an injury sustained in the same match as Saliba, but it is the presence of Timber that is the biggest difference to last season’s quest for glory, and the depth Arteta will have at his disposal symbolises the flipped script after the 22/23 burnout.
They have gone from blowing teams away in the first half of the season to being a more measured team and undoubtedly stronger out of possession. The difference in play between August and January has lifted the pressure that helped Arsenal crumble last time around and has helped them simmer along nicely, before coming good at the right time, which is a pattern we usually see from City.
It is vitally important that Arteta and his players continue their momentum. They are better equipped to do so and despite the title race being a lot tighter in March 2024 than it was in March 2023, there is more confidence among the Arsenal supporters that this is their year.
Just the small matter of Manchester City away next. Eek.
READ NEXT: Arsenal leading Liverpool and catching Man City in transfer allure rankings
Harvey Elliott may never be good enough for England and we should all be very happy about that
Kobbie Mainoo’s call-up by Gareth Southgate was met with delight by all but Liverpool fans; their response was one of indignation at Manchester United’s midfielder being named in the England squad over Harvey Elliott.
There’s a bit of United/Liverpool friction at play here, particularly given Mainoo’s call-up appeared to be as a direct result of his performance in their FA Cup clash on Sunday, in which Elliott scored his third goal of the season to complement his eight assists.
But he came off the bench in that game, as he has done in all but six of his Premier League appearances this season. Mainoo has started each of United’s last 12 top-flight games – 14 in total. Elliott may be more experienced, but there’s little doubt who is the more crucial player for their club right now.
Mainoo is also currently playing in a position in which England are in need of quality and hope ahead of Euro 2024. Kalvin Phillips has been ousted after an inauspicious start to loan life at West Ham, and Jordan Henderson’s place is surely – hopefully – up for grabs as Southgate searches for a double pivot partner for Declan Rice.
Southgate said last month that he sees Mainoo as “a progressive player” rather than a defensive midfielder – the role he’s typically played under Erik ten Hag this season. His wonderful winner against Wolves is testament to his ability to affect the game in the attacking third.Related video: “We want to win everything for Klopp” -Elliott (AS USA)
Yeah, you know, we just want to win everything for
But the fact that he has been playing in a deeper role will have given him a huge edge in Southgate’s mind for these friendlies, and presumably when he’s picking his squad for the summer, with Jurgen Klopp doing Elliott no favours in terms of his England chances.
He’s impressed both on the right wing as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, or on the right of a midfield three, usually as the most attacking member of that trio. But England don’t want for attacking midfielders or right wingers. Not now and likely not for a long while yet.
Bukayo Saka (22), Jude Bellingham (20), Phil Foden (23) and Cole Palmer (21) are all significantly ahead of Elliott in the pecking order and will likely stay there, Conor Gallagher (24) is the apple of Southgate’s eye owing to his extraordinary work rate and there’s every chance the next England boss will be similarly taken by him, while there’s no reason why elder statesmen Jarrod Bowen (27) and James Maddison (27) won’t be in and around the squad for years to come.
And when those players – most of whom are older than Elliott (20) – are finished, judging by the upward trend in the quality of attacking England players, there will be an even better crop to take their places. Elliott may genuinely never play for England.
He would have had 10-plus caps by now and could bank on another 50 had he been around even a decade ago, when Jack Wilshere was the Three Lions’ only hope of unlocking packed defences through the tight control and work between the lines that’s now a staple of young English midfielders and forwards.
© Provided by Football365
Liverpool fans weren’t happy with Kobbie Mainoo being called up ahead of Harvey Elliott.
England are now in a position where the managers of other nations, with historically more technically gifted players, will be gazing longingly at the raft of options Southgate has available in those positions. Andreas Pereira has been named in the Brazil squad to play England at Wembley. Nicolo Zaniolo hasn’t started a Premier League game since the start of December but has been called up by Italy. Neither would be anywhere near the England squad.
Many Liverpool fans will not care, thanks to their distaste for the national team, but it’s a conflict of interest for those that have taken Elliott’s snub as a personal affront.
He’s set to play for the England Under 21s in their European qualification fixtures, but will become illegible after next year’s tournament. At which point he can focus purely on his football for Liverpool.
Improvement on his part, injuries to rivals for a place, a position change, a club change or a new England manager could well lead to an England call-up and multiple caps for a very good footballer. But Harvey Elliott may never be good enough to play for England, and everyone – barring Elliott and those closest to him – should be delighted by that possibility, because of what that means for the state of the England squad and their chances of winning a major trophy.
Man Utd told Tottenham sensation is ‘tempted’ by move as key Ten Hag man ‘won’t win them anything’
Former Tottenham scout Bryan King has sent alarm bells through the club by claiming that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario would be tempted by a move to Old Trafford if Manchester United come calling.
Vicario has enjoyed an impressive first campaign in north London after arriving for an initial fee of £17.2million from Serie A side Empoli over the summer.
The Italy international has started every Premier League game for Tottenham this season, conceding 42 goals in 28 games which is the joint most in the top six.
It’s reported that Vicario’s performances this season have seen him attract plenty of attention, and King believes any potential suitors for the 27-year-old will have a chance of signing him if they come forward.
DON’T MISS: Weston McKennie: The rebirth of the Juventus star, why Man Utd now want to sign him and the truths around his Leeds struggles
United, in particular, have been spoken about as a potential option, with Andre Onana having a mixed campaign in his debut season with the club.
The Cameroon stopper made a number of high-profile errors before during the first half the campaign but has been better in recent months.
But, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King feels that Vicario is a much better fit for United than the former Inter star.Related video: 'I have not been at my best' - Fernandes admits he has struggled at Man Utd this season (SNTV)He said: “Andre Onana won’t win Manchester United anything.
“From United’s perspective, I think they should go out and sign Vicario. If they want to spend money, then spend money on players who are proven in the Premier League.
“Vicario would be tempted by a move to Old Trafford, without a doubt.”
Vicario still to hit his prime
Vicario’s form has of course been a big boost for Spurs, making very few mistakes in a defence that has actually made plenty due to the risky nature of ‘Ange-Ball’.
Given his age and the fact that keepers tend to reach their prime in their early 30s, Daniel Levy could demand a hefty amount if they do decide to cash in.
However, Postecoglou is trying to build a team and squad capable of challenging for titles and losing Vicario after just one season makes little sense, especially given the impact he has made.
READ MORE: Tottenham to hijack Man Utd ‘agreement’ for classy winger after ‘€80m offer’ made by rival suitors
Levy, though, has shown in the past that is willing to play hardball when it comes to dealing with the Red Devils, as they found out in previous transactions between the clubs – most notably the transfer of Dimitar Berbatov back in the summer of 2008.
Tottenham are back in action on March 30 when they host Luton in the Premier League, while United head to Brentford on the same day.
Champions League: Dani Carvajal reveals advantage Real Madrid have over Man City
Real Madrid defender, Dani Carvajal, has revealed the advantage his team have over their UEFA Champions League quarter-final opponent, Manchester City.
The Spanish La Liga league leaders will host Pep Guardiola’s side in the first leg of Champions League last-8 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 9.
However, Carvajal believes the Los Blancos don’t go into this match as favourites, which could end up benefitting them.
Manchester City are the current Champions League holders and given their dominance of late, Carvajal said in a recent interview (via Madrid Universal):
“They [Man City] are a very high level rival and no one is going to put the favourites tag on us; that is a point in our favour.”
The last time when both teams met in the Champions League semi-final stage last season, it was Man City who defeated Madrid 5-1 on aggregate.
Champions League: Dani Carvajal reveals advantage Real Madrid have over Man CityRelated video: UCL draw pits Manchester City against Real Madrid in last eight (SNTV)
Arsenal and we start with Arsenal FC finalist in 2006.
Chelsea 'Interested' in Signing £35m Antonee Robinson
- Chelsea are scouting Antonee Robinson ahead of a potential summer move.
- Manchester United and Bayern Munich could also enter the race to secure his signature.
- Chelsea's recruitment team are impressed with Robinson's qualities, and they are set to prioritise signing competition for Ben Chilwell.
Chelsea could look to bring in an additional left-back during the summer transfer window, and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson is a target for the west London club, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
Mauricio Pochettino has faced difficulties on the left-hand side of defence throughout his tenure at Stamford Bridge, with Ben Chilwell struggling with injuries this campaign and Marc Cucurella producing inconsistent performances. Levi Colwill has also been utilised in an unfamiliar left-back role, so it's no surprise that Pochettino and his recruitment team are considering bringing in reinforcements.
Chelsea Interested in Signing Antonee Robinson
Chelsea have an interest in signing Fulham left-back Robinson, according to GMS sources. With his contract not expiring until 2028, the Cottagers are in a strong negotiating position if a club arrives with an offer at the table, so it could be difficult to prise him away from the capital club. It's understood that his valuation is expected to be upwards of £35m.
Antonee Robinson - stats vs full-backs across Europe (last 365 days)
Statistic
The American international has been in superb form this season, so it's no surprise that Marco Silva's side are going to charge a hefty fee to allow him to depart. Robinson has rarely been out of the Fulham side this term, so having a consistent option at left-back could be beneficial to Pochettino.
Sources have also told GIVEMESPORT that signing cover for Chilwell is going to be one of Chelsea's main priorities in the summer, and Pochettino's recruitment team have been scouting the former Everton man for the past year. The Blues are said to be impressed by his attacking mindset and pace, as well as seeing his defensive duties improve of late.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Antonee Robinson has more interceptions in the Premier League this season than any other player with 69. James Tarkowski is in second with 50.
Related
Boehly Sanctioning Chelsea Move for Kerkez 'One to Watch'
Chelsea are interested in signing Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, but they could face competition from Manchester United.
Chelsea Face Competition For Robinson
Chelsea might not be the only side who are competing for the signature of Robinson when the summer transfer window opens for business later this year. There is a feeling that Manchester United could also show an interest as they begin to search for a new left-back. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have both spent lengthy spells on the treatment table throughout the campaign, so it's likely to be an area the Red Devils look to reinforce.
Bayern Munich may also enter the race for the 26-year-old. According to The Athletic, Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement to sign Alphonso Davies, who could join the Spanish giants in 2024 or 2025. As a result, the Bundesliga outfit will be in the market for a new left-back, whether that be this summer or next year.
All stats courtesy of FBref
