Quote Originally Posted by Power_n_Glory View Post
It's not so much the defence part and sitting back I'm referring to, just taking on the responsibility to take the ball from defence and play it forward like how Vieria used to do. Cesc was great at doing it when playing a 4-4-2 with Gilberto, Diaby and Rosicky play box to box and are more mobile but Diaby player a disciplined game against Liverpool and I've also seen him do that when paired with Song or Denilson in the past.

I don't think it's so much about the role but more about the player and Arteta just can't play on the half turn. Wilshere played the deep role once and he was great at taking on the responsibility and keeping the ball moving even when under pressure as seen when playing against Barca. Arteta just can't play that way.
I just don't know anymore. You're right about playing on the half turn. Deffo.

On the one hand I want to stick up for him, as I think he's done a sterling job for us over the last year or so. Certainly last season, and early doors this.

But when all is said and done. Is he good enough? I think he's an intellegent player. But is he quick enough, especially when the "out ball" is being cut off.

From what I've seen just recently, nobody has been showing for the ball. There is no movement in the team. Nothing. And it's very hard for a player to play out from the back, when the rest of the team don't work hard enough for you, or (as is the case with "some" players) are just plain shit.

We relied on RVP last year as the "get out of jail free card". The magic player who could change a game himself. Unfortunately, we now have to rely on the team, playing as a team. And when components of that team don't work, the team breaks down. And much as I give props to Arteta, he's no RVP / Cesc / World Class Player.