Arsenal v Monaco. 11th December. 20:00

[Mac76]

anyway 0-3 Balogun hatter

[HCZ_Reborn]

Hmm 0-6 Henry and Adebayor hat tricks

[IBK]

anyway 0-3 Balogun hatter

He's injured I think.

[IBK]

So I’d argue somewhat that we have been relatively lucky with injuries the last few seasons in that long term injuries have largely been the result of us running players into the ground (like Saliba a year or so ago). Arteta seems to me to be noticeably more inclined to shuffle the pack (to mixed results) so yes we could argue that we are beasting players in training but a lot of injuries are happening on the field

We were fortunate with injuries last season for sure - particularly with Saliba; Gabriel and Ben White, and Saka, Odegard and Rice. But the fact that they were used relentelssly is IMO partly why injuries and fatigue have plagued our season.

Its a biting irony that just as the manager appears more ready to rotate there are so few players available for him to do so. Also that disruption to our back 4 (I think we are on our 7th or 8th combination after 15 games) has affected our striker/creator shy MF and frontline.

The gamble on Jesus returning to form and Sterling has been an abject failure. The decision to move on 4 forwards now seems bonkers - as does relying on Havertz to get us striker's goals. All in aid of a wingback multitool approach to creating team goals that is in the mud because of the injury crisis.

And the other result of the injuries is too much burden on players who are fit - that in turn risks further injuries - and so the vicious circle continues.

I would be surprised if we beat Monaco tonight - and unsurprised if we have to go into the CL play offs - thus more pressure on players and the risk of more burnout and fatigue.

It's 'funny' how we started the season thinking that at last we had a squad that could last the pace. The reality is that we don't.

[Mac76]

He's injured I think.

Ok, though the way our luck's going I wouldn't be surprised if he was suddenly fully fit

[Mac76]

I'd be very happy to see Tierney as long as he was allowed to play to his strengths and not have to do the inverted bullshit routine

It sounds as though Arteta has finally realised this too... https://arseblog.news/2024/12/arteta-on-arsenals-latest-injuries-his-plans-for-tierney-and-the-transfer-window

[WMUG]

That's obviously subjective but I don't think anyone would argue that Odegaard and Saka being out would have a bigger impact than current form Jesus or Martinelli.

Yeah I was trying to find some objective factor that you could use as a surrogate for importance but I'm not good enough at statistics for that

[IBK]

It sounds as though Arteta has finally realised this too... https://arseblog.news/2024/12/arteta-on-arsenals-latest-injuries-his-plans-for-tierney-and-the-transfer-window

“I would put Kieran more in his strengths,” said Arteta. “If we do what we have to do I would play him in positions, especially in attack, in situations and scenarios and spaces that he is more comfortable with. That’s a learning.

“It is about the player having certain qualities. First is he willing to do it? Does he want to do it, yes or no? The other one: is he capable of doing it and does he understand it?

“When a player has those three ingredients anything can happen. We see that with many other players. But if a player doesn’t really fill it, it is more of a problem and we as coaches we have to find solutions.”

So he's not proposing to play him (if he does) at LB?

[Mac76]

“I would put Kieran more in his strengths,” said Arteta. “If we do what we have to do I would play him in positions, especially in attack, in situations and scenarios and spaces that he is more comfortable with. That’s a learning.

“It is about the player having certain qualities. First is he willing to do it? Does he want to do it, yes or no? The other one: is he capable of doing it and does he understand it?

“When a player has those three ingredients anything can happen. We see that with many other players. But if a player doesn’t really fill it, it is more of a problem and we as coaches we have to find solutions.”

So he's not proposing to play him (if he does) at LB?

No, what he says suggests he would play him at LB but in a more orthodox manner, with Tierney able to go up the left side to supply crosses or even have a shot, but then get back to defend. That's what fullbacks do

[McNamara That Ghost...]

ArsenaI: Raya, Partey, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus
Subs: Neto, Setford, Timber, Tierney, Robinson, Heaven, Monlouis, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling, Havertz

Monaco: Majecki, Vanderson, Kehrer, Seghir, Golovin, Akliouche, Caio Henrique, Camara, Salisu, Embolo, Magassa
Subs: Kohn, Lienard, Teze, Matazo, Minamino, Ouattara, Ilenikhena, Michal, Nibombe, Tincres

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MLS!