Mathieu Flamini Thread (official)

[Fist of Lehmann]

Technical ability is one thing but Arteta doesn't hustle for the ball and make space for himself if marked. He stays at one pace and will point for defence to hit it long or out wide if he can't shake his marker. He's not the most agile player and can't play on the half turn. Not saying Flamini is the most technically gifted but I could see from yesterday's game that he'd at least try to relieve pressure from the defence and give them a passing option. You'll just have to watch how he reacts when he's back in the team to see the difference.

I already know 'the difference' you are talking about, Arteta does tend not to want the ball when in traffic, but the problem was exacerbated by him being the only midfield out ball. Now any one of Wilshere, Ramsey or even Ozil drop deep to pick up the ball.

As I said, no-one has tried marking Flamini, so at present we can't be sure how he would manage that sort of pressure.
The only pointer I can think of was yesterday when Szcez gave him a pass with a couple of orcs around him.
In that instance he did very well to control the ball and come out with possession.

Irrespective of that, relying on your DMs to get out of tight spots is inherently dangerous. Flamini may be well suited to tight games where the opposition press, whereas Arteta may better suit games where possession and controlling tempo is more important, such as in Europe.

havnt seen this from anywhere official yet but some rumours appearing that flamini said to wilson after he fouled jack "do it again and i will blind you"


probably bollocks but please be true. that would be fantastic. scoring from set piece goals, threatening their players. well and truly out stoking stoke

Now there's something Arteta probably wouldn't do...

MF Enforcer