The Arsenal Column

Arsenal Analysis and Tactics. All views expressed are those of Pat Rice. (Disclaimer: they are actually not his words).

Posts tagged “Wilshere”

Ten conclusions to make from Arsenal’s season 2010/2011

1. Mental fragility cost Arsenal the season There is a valid assertion that with the youth policy, certain characteristics – in some cases, the key characteristics that make up the anatomy of a successful football club – have had to be exaggerated and the others, harder to reproduce. Indeed, the most attractive qualities of Arsenal since [...]

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Alex Song lays the platform for young Gunners to dominate

They say that all formations are neutral; it’s the application that decides their failures and success. And indeed, in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester United, the subtleties of the two systems played a key part in the outcome of the game. Arsenal started with their usual 4-2-3-1 shape but were handed a blow before  kick-off [...]

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Arsenal’s system finds no space for holding midfielders

Some plans fall into place as if part of a grand design. Others just happen by accident. For Arsène Wenger, there is something prophetic about the way the season has panned out thus far. Less clairvoyant is his prediction that Arsenal would meet FC Barcelona in the Champions League but he is being proved right [...]

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Jack Wilshere offers a tantalising vision of Arsenal’s future

Jack Wilshere’s early displays in the heart of the midfield suggest an exciting future for talented the youngster. It has become almost impossible to find a dissenter to the view that England have had their most gifted footballers of a generation compete for the World Cup this summer, however, the failings in South Africa have shown that [...]

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