Last summer there was a widespread clamour for Arsenal to sign a new centre forward which of course they did not. And as a result Arsenal have continued to play in the same way as before – avoiding the obvious attacking options down the middle and playing from the right wing – a route that has brought enormous success.
Although of course the return to form of Martinelli could balance that up once again with more goals coming from the left. Thus far he is in fact scoring goals at higher rate in the league this season than he did last season (8 in 31 last season, 2 in 5 this season).
And indeed what is also worth noting at this time is that Arsenal are the second highest scoring team in the league which again suggests that the clamour for a centre forward which was near universal among bloggers and journos. was misplaced (Arsenal have 15 goals ManC has 17).
One interesting fact related to this is that Arsenal have more shots per game in home matches than any other team in the league. But in away games Arsenal now have fewer shots per game than any other team.
The difference is 23.3 at home and 7 per game away. So rather obviously there are now two Arsenal’s playing – the home Arsenal and the away Arsenal, although the results between the two are not that different. I am not sure it is something that the media has quite realised yet – but the interesting factor is that this diversity is bringing results.
These figures suggest a remarkable new approach for Arsenal – (data from WhoScored) although we should also remember that this early in the season, the actual matches played can influence such figures. Liverpool’s away games for example have been against Ipswich, Man U, Wolverhampton and Palace, three of whom we would expect Liverpool always to beat and the other (Man U) is a club in difficulty.
Here are the home figures
Completely agree with this Tony. I just wrote something similar (but much shorter ) in a comment on the last article.
Let’s hope for no more injuries during the international break….
We also need to keep in mind that the quality of the opposition in our 3 away games to date and the additional half (out of six in total) played with 10 men vs Man Cheaty. I looked into the respective possession stats comparing the same three away games and found that this year we are at 120 percent total – I.e 40% per game and last season 127 percent – so 42% per game. Given the above 10 vs 11 disadvantage for one half, I’m not seeing a significant shift as suggested.
Should we fall back on possession against the lower teams as the season progresses then that’s something else.
But riight now I don’t see a particular change other than an even better determination to get back quickly and keep shape better denying the opposition any clear cut chances.
By the way source of the above stats was FBref.com
Thank you Philip. Those possession figures are interesting. I’ve just tried to consider them and some other stats a bit further.
Thanks Walter. I know: I can always ramble on. “Never use one word when two are available”!!
Tony,
Ramble on!
It’s good to see the facts align with my perception of the team and its play. If they want to play a possession based attack they have the skill players to control the ball. If they want to play deep and defy the opposition to score they have the robust defenders to do that. Last season’s squad only conceded 29 in 38 League matches. Level with City in goal difference. So, the tactician manager with willing players. Third season like this. Isn’t it great?
I was thinking about squad depth and realised Arsenal are now have 2 good sides in the team. Raya would start for both. The quality is up with the top in League and Europe.
Analysing the stats on Who Scored, I noted that there’s only one Arsenal player made the top five tables (Saka) and no mention of AFC in the top 5 team stats except in the overall team rating. They perform as a team. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Probably too subtle for the mindless in the media.
The stats for possession away, would’ve definitely been influenced by playing two difficult away side for more than one half down to ten men…. Brighton and ManC. I am convinced that these figures will change for the better as more matches are played….. that of course is assuming that we play on more level terms.