A third of Arsenal's goals happen late because a lot of Arsenal's possession is in the final third and most defences can't hold shape against sustained pressure.

It should also be noted that Arsenal's attack has improved a lot since Jesus and Odegaard have come back into the side fully fit. Jesus in particular is vital to Arsenal's attack and is levels beyond Nketiah in terms of link up play

One thing you are not taking into account is how little Jesus, Saka, Martinelli, Odegaard, have played together this season. In the last CL match we scored several and 4 against Luton. Also Havertz is finally finding his feet. More goals are here.

I rather had this new defensive approach that had the most possession until full time or "field tilt fc" rather than last season super ultra fluid high tempo at the start of the match then getting forced to play midblock/lowblock at the 60-75 minutes because we were too intense and fatigued our players, Thats why last season we were always labeled as an "emotional" team.

The fact that this Arsenal is compared to Tony Pulis' Stoke is just ironic. But to be real here, it's actually like George Graham's Arsenal.

I generally agree. However, it's also note worthy that Arsenal's attack has been much better in the last few matches - lot's of xG. So maybe they are on the verge of cracking the code of both being good at the back and attack, which means they'll never ever lose another match again. Seriously though, their fluidity and attacking numbers have improved a lot since the start of the season.

Mudryk never meant that to be a shot. He didn’t even look up before he struck the ball.

You're right about our weakness in defence/set pieces and yes, our attack has been mediocre so far but we have missed some of our most creative players due to injuries - Jesus and Ødegaard. When they have both started for us, our attack has looked a lot more fluid and our xG has been higher as well. With Havertz starting to find a bit of confidence, I am confident that our attack will start purring. We just have to focus on reducing or eliminating bozo mistakes at the back.

Really great video. The only thing I would disagree with is the comparison to Stoke and the comments on the source of goals. Arsenal’s reliance on penalties and set pieces for goals is, in my opinion, driven by the fact that they often face a low block. If Arsenal are controlling the game against a team that sets up a low block, then it actually tracks that their goals come from set pieces and penalties, rather than from open play

I appreciate the work and research you put into these videos. Very eye opening, the David Raya bit, no one has mentioned that.. Probably that's only known to team scouts

Analysis is a bit late. We haven't scored a set piece since Burnley 4 games ago. And there has been a significant uptick in openplay goals and chances now we have Jesus back up front.

No Pre-Season for Raya, to get to know his teammates and build chemistry, throw straight in with a bunch of strangers, with half the fan base wanting him out. For me he’s done well considering the circumstances.

A: Reason for our high amount of non-openplay goals is: Drumroll please.....Teams are defending way too deep. And requires lapse in concentration and our tall players to unlock defences through set-pieces. It's not rocket science. B: There is a way to improve this. Purposefully, invite teams to attack, maintain shape, lull them into false sense of security, hit them on counter in the initial part of the game. This opens it up a little bit. We can do this, because our defence is so good, and they can handle bit of attacking pressure.

While obviously these stats are correct, if you take a deeper look, we have been scoring a lot more open play goals the last month or so. I don't think we have had a penalty in the league since October and maybe only a few set piece goals in that time.

One big thing you are missing is that Arsenal front 3 played like 4 games this season. Niketia is useless in front of goal and he was also covering on the left flank when Martiniel and Trossad was out. Last season When Jesus was out Trossad covered and he had more that 10 goal contribution after joining mid season. In conclusion, front line is bad becase of injuries to Jesus, Martiniel and Trossad and also Harvest took time to adapt.

Two things: 1. Just because arsenal and stoke under pulis both have the same goal of not wanting to concede goals, that doesnt mean we have "the same system" when in fact, our systems could not be less alike. We are all about mitigating risk by complete and total control whereas Stoke under pulis conceded control over games and mitigated risk by not really attacking. Not only are our systems not alike, they're effectively opposites. 2. We're not going out of our way to be more defensive, our system is not inherently that much more defensive, we just happen to have been far better defensively than offensively so far this season. That's partially down to injuries, partially down to form and MOSTLY down to players taking their time adapting to the system. Since Kai started hitting form, we've used him in two games and scored a total of 10 goals. In the game sandwiched in-between those games we had an xG of more than 3 against Wolves. So essentially, we're not just inherently defensive, we've just happened to play better defensively than in attack, but the plan is to be as devastating in attack as we are inpenetrable in defense, and to really just dominate every facet of the game. And if our last games are anything to go by, we're improving dramatically in this aspect as well.

My man just compared a team that posses the ball 61% of the time with Stoke or Diego Simeone’s Atletico. Additionally, I am convinced that if Arsenal scored that second corner goal like Luton, it would have been rule out as foul against the keeper. That being said, I totally agree about the corner weaknesses that you pointed out and that Arsenal are not looking as sharp on the attack as we would like them to be. I suspect that team will continue to advance the ball on wings, however, we will start to see more one-time bursts through the middle that can provide tactical advantage in the situation and lead to goal/dangerous situation, thus providing even more versatility. This team can carry the ball through the centre, it’s just that it is risky and not worth it in most cases.

If we learned anything from that Luton game, it's that Arsenal can win any match despite the errors - which they didn't do much last season. I wouldn't say Arsenal need to "fix" their attack, they just needed time to click.

It would be useful to see a trend analysis of XG this season. It feels like rice has recently dropped back into the 6 role giving more scope for the other midfielders to push higher up and XG has risen with it. Rice is good enough that he can offer the surety of a double pivot just by himself.

I expect we'll see Arsenal both score and concede more now that their defenders are getting hurt (Tomiyasu out, White unfit) and their attackers are healthier (Jesus in, Odegaard fit).

Great research, LAZY analysis. It's not luck. When you dominate as much as Arsenal do, teams make reckless tackles that lead to corners and penalties.

Can you guys make a video on Goalkeeprs across the league not looking comfortable with the new tactics regarding corners and how teams clogg the area.

That happened to Raya in the championship playoffs as well v Fulham I think it was. The Fulham left back lobbed him, cant remember his name right now

Good video - we can't forget though that much of the underlying numbers are dictated by game state. Hypothetical for you: if Arsenal score twice from .5xg total, and they're up 2-0 in the 70th minute, they don't have as much incentive to desperately attack and create loads of xg. Arsenal's game management has been excellent this season, generally. It's also super important to remember that Arsenal have just been getting Gabriel Jesus back fit. He was a huge part of their revolution last year and is now just getting back to full fitness. Martinelli is well-documented as being better when Jesus plays over Nketiah, and I feel like the same will soon be said for Havertz.

Arteta's handling of the situation has made both goalkeepers worse. It's a rare misstep from him. Either Raya sorts himself out soon or both of them are gonna have to go in favour of a 3rd, better option at this rate. Ramsdale isn't gonna make a comeback.

i would also like to say how eliminating this error and defending corners well also opens up more counter attacking opportunities which players like Martinelli thrive in. From matches I have watched this season there are far less counter attacks compared to last seasons, (probably because arsenal did not even let the opponent come to their penalty box) and fast paced players like Martinelli thrives in counter attack. Can't wait for him to find back his form

If someone can head it, Raya should be able to catch it. He’s 6ft, not 5ft!

Firstly, thanks JJ for being always awesome! Secondly, as an Arsenal fan, I do find the current approach to be a little bit lacking in fun compared to last season. It's pragmatic, and reasonable - but a bit too much George Graham than I'd like. I do think Arsenal could do with finding a few more ways to score in open play, but things are definitely improving: Havertz has certainly started to get a bit of form going, compared to earlier in the season, and I think Jesus and Odegaard look a bit brighter. I remain extremely worried about Saka - if he gets injured, I feel Arsenal will struggle.

Very good analysis.. COYG!

Been listening to these video's with medieval ambient background music and the experience has been next level

From some of these conversations you wouldnt know thay Arsenal sit top of the league and have scored many goals only second to another team and have been strong defensively. Raya has a bad game and suddenly our defense is poor. Theres always room for improvement,but these conversations are just for talking sake and nothing more..Recency Bias is such a big thing in football so much so it's laughable cos people suddenly have anmesia and cant think for themselves nor critically.

David Raya might be the only thing that can stop Arsenal this season... he is yet to convince

Awesome analysis

Generally, I feel like Ivan Toney suits this Arsenal team, whether it's on the bench or starting, because we put in amazing crosses. You see Saka cut in on that left foot and try and bend it to Havertz at the backpost multiple times in the game. You also see David Raya go long to Havertz. Imagine if Ivan Toney was the st for those 2 scenarios. First of all, you would score slot more goals from crosses. Saka, Zinchenko, and Odergard would feast because they have Toney and Havertz to cross to, and Raya would have a long ball option and a great connection with Toney from their time at Brentford.

0:55 I don't know why 'went through him like a ghost' made me chuckle so much.

They need to be consistent in both boxes.

Ideally need a top striker for those earlier goals or otherwise additional individual goals + team goals.

Great one jj

Nice video.👍🏾

Couple months later and JJ is spot on (as usual). Arteta seems to be unleashing the attack now, I definitely think he's learned from last season and saved the players more during the first half of the season, so that they don't fall off towards the end

Please pay attention to details on all games. Ramsdale howler against Sporting, Southampton, Fulham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Bournouth, Everton, Man United. Man City, West Ham and Barcelona in summer season. Ramsdale included Newcastle 2 yrs ago for champion league qualification.

Great work as always.

Defending is an art, and Arsenal are fast becoming great artists. The fact that we are one great keeper away from having possibly the best defence in Europe is amazing! Arteta is the man.

What you have here my friend, is a really really good version of who? 🤣🤣That's the last description I expected of my team Arsenal. I literally spat out😅

Met Raya yesterday. Such a lovely guy man

Best defense and arsenal in the same sentence - Ive never heard that until today! Wow

Los errores de arsenal cuando hay un tiro de esquina ha sido un mal desde que Arteta llegó. Creo que todavía no le ha encontrado la vuelta a esto. Cuando hay un tiro de esquina en contra, las probabilidades de que le marquen gol a Arsenal son grandes. Creía que con la llegada de Raya se iba a solucionar esto, pero también ha cometido errores y sigue viéndose débil. Ramsdale es bueno pero en los tiros de esquina casi siempre se queda atrapado dentro del área chica de la porteria.

Superb video

Did Stoke ever dominate teams with that much possession? That was a very weird comparison

How do we improve our play through the middle, our box midfield is better defensively but weaker offensively. I would argue it's upgrading Gabriel for Kiwior in buildup.

Loved that Arteta composing the team illustration 😂

Without the Tifo podcast, it's been way too long since I've had a hit of pure JJ Bull

Good analysis and a very slick kit, is it the 14/15 campaign?

Really like this video but there was also a video on here not so long ago about everyone needs a set piece coach, so unsure why people many people like to bring up open play xg. I also think now the front 3 are starting together and Odegaard dropping deeper, that the attack is now starting to click.

So far it's working for them, but if they get on a run where their attack can't find that last minute goal to turn a draw into a win or a loss into a draw they might have difficulty keeping up with the attacking ability of other teams. Man City's performances certainly feel like it might be a season for someone else to win it.

Just one criticism, with additional time added on it's natural more goals are being scored then.

Im here after the fullham game and i gotta say you absolutely called it! The part about their LUCK in front of goal.

Pulis bit made me chuckle

So far they have not been figured out. Luton was on top of them before bringing shevchenko in and turning the match into a very different one. Last season that defeat agains everton started their decline as more and more teams started to emulate the fullbacks pressure on that game/ I believe them to be flexible enough to win it this time.

The bigger doubt I have for Arsenal is Arteta's managing. He doesn't want to rotate players for some reasons. Saliba, Rice, Gabriel, Saka are playing too much. There was a lot of injuries (short injuries so he his lucky) for Arsenal players this seasons. I'm afraid they will have others injuries during the season, costing them the title like Saliba's last year injury.

One thing that’s not spoken about is why are Arsenal getting so many set pieces to score from? It’s clear that even though the attacking output looks worse it doesn’t necessarily consider how the set pieces are won to create those goal scoring opportunities

Why do everyone keep say Liverpool's defense is weak They've conceeded as many goals as Arsenal have conceeded

Regarding Raya at the near post, there’s no chance he’s doing that without the blessing of the coaching team. They are obviously happy for him to do that… not sure if he did the same thing at Brentford? If he didn’t, then you would assume the Arsenal staff are specifically asking him to do it…

"Attack wins games, but defence wins you titles"... I don't agree that defensive set prices is the big problem. I think the big problem is that we don't have enough precence in the opposition box.

5:28 had me dead😂😂

absolutely nothing to do with raya not being tall enough, he mistimed his run arrived to early and couldnt get the height from a running jump,..

You notiiced it JJ. I also noticed it even, and made a comment on another site a couple of days ago after the Luton game that a team with the best defensive record in the league should not lose 2 goals direct from corners in one game, like against Luton. As you point out, they also did the same against Fulham. Since only 2-3% of corners result in goals this does not sound like a great defence to me. As you say, surely they can fix this.

We've had over 2 non pen xG in each our last 3 games since our main front 5 have been available.

Guess you were right on this!

9:15 Doesn't Liverpool have the joint fewest goals conceded alongside Arsenal? I know they don't have many clean sheets this season but its worth pointing out

Liverpool have the joint-best GA along with Arsenal though

There you have it, tony pulis the visionary, done it before it was cool

I'm not sure if it's poor positioning from Raya or poor coaching from Inaki Cana.

Seems to me (still somewhat new to football) arsenal are trying a more possession defensive style in the premier league but play more open like last year in the champions league, maybe that’s just due to weaker teams at the start of the champions league? Idk, would love to see maybe a video on that 🫡

how do you do what modern day city discovered how to do, kill opposition attacks while still having the best attack. I think better players allow you to achieve the best of both worlds. De Bruyne and Gundogan are special players and somehow Arteta needs to develop or sign his own version of both

I'm an Arsenal fan and I agree. I don't think this offensive production is a league-winning situation.

the stoke comparison would be more valid if teams playing against stoke sat deep in low blocks and let them have 70% of the ball

I think arteta needs to realize that for a goalkeeper to reach their full potential they need to play lots of games even if they make mistakes. Ramsdale was an improving figure I think if he still let him play and try to encourage him and keep making him better in the build up unit I think that would have been proper man management

Funny that this time last year we were talking about how arsenal had the best attack in the league but conceded too many, maybe they can get it over the line this year

I watched the video, and I think it does a good job of summarising our issues, but I think it's a bit petty. Arsenal have conceded very few chances outside of individual errors and goalkeeping errors. And to point to that as a barrier to winning the title, don't all teams - City, Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle, etc - have their own issues? Our offensive metrics are getting better, and our chance creation issues are more of an early adaptation. So I'm not sure I understand what this video is trying to argue.

I hope Jover is taking notes))

I had a discussion with an English fan not to long ago with my confusion of why raya was brought in to start over ramsdale I’m in favor of ramsdale. Raya makes to many mistakes

You think the change of gk make the team not comfortable opening up more? You think Ramsdale the bigger could be better gk for this approach arsenal using

Arsenal need a CF like a Vlahovic or Toney to complement Jesus and the overall creative work of the team - a striker determined to be the EPL's (and UCL's) top scorer each season while also helping his teammates without repeatedly retreating to the halfway line to get involved in the build-up when Arsenal are on the offensive, rather than be in or around the opposition penalty area to receive the ball or profit from errors or ricochets. Jesus is a top player but still not that guy (2 goals in 11 games this season), which is why Pep replaced him with a Haaland type. As a replacement (they rarely start together) Nketiah (0-5 EPL goals/season max since 2018) is neither strong enough nor consistently clinical enough to effectively deputize for Arsenal to win the title. Troussard is an elite, versatile player but not a CF nor strong enough especially against physical opponents. The same Arsenal deficit was evident towards the end of last season in particular as crucial goal-scoring opportunities were wasted in must-win games either through profligacy, lack of forwards' aerial stature in the box etc. The title-winning, UCL and UEFA Cup finalist Arsenal teams used to have 3-4 top strikers in the same team/squad in addition to talent and goals from other positions eg., combinations of Wright, Anelka, Kanu, Henry, Bergkamp, Wiltord, Van Persie etc plus e.g., a Pires, Reyes, Ljungberg. Even with an overall weaker squad a few years ago Arsenal could still field Aubameyang and Lacazette together. Arsenal are close but IMO needs to get that clearly missing piece of the jigsaw.

you were right... they rank out of luck!

JJ giving Ricky Bobby vibes "What do I do with my hands"

All the analysts and others say Liverpool have their defence is weak and Arsenal have their defence great... But if I look at the table they both concede the equal amount of goals how come it's possible??? Yeah I know the stats but at the end of the day how many goals you concede will matter... If you come at this statement then last year Liverpool had better goal scoring opportunities and expected goals were also higher than many clubs yet We still didn't score those so my point is Liverpool's defence isn't that weak compared to Arsenal... Don't come with the stats s it

Let’s revisit when Party is back, he’s good on the half turn unlike Rice, going to be biblical

We do not have a Buffon... We do not have a Vieira 2.0... We do not have a Thierry 2.0... We will never be unstoppable... We need a "Not in our house" shot stopper; a duo who forces our defense to have the least touches in a game; and a 28 league goals per season gunner up front.

Arsenal has conceded three set piece goals all season, two in the same match with the keeper having a poor day. This is stupid. The Paulinho goal was at his feet and not a dual based on height.

As of the day of this video uploaded arsenal scored 33 goals and liverpool scored 34, they are playing possession and their tactics are wearing the opponents. If they can score late they score late, scoring late isnt a problem and you cant go off from a one game where the keeper is not on his day.

what were the other 2 goals? 5:02

Conceding less goals is a sign for the title you can see this in all league leaders often

Don’t necessarily agree with Arsenal having the best defence in the league this season. Stats show they are just as good as defending as Liverpool or Newcastle so what makes their defence so much better than the other 2 teams?

Hey, when they mentioned Stoke City i was on the floor rolling 😂

"Super Mik Arteta's Arsenal is a better version of Tony Pulis' Stoke" is not a take I was remotely ready for XD

Raya's positioning isn't just strange, it's simply incorrect. You never want to be guarding the near post with your life if the attacking team is setting up for a cross. It's so easy for attacking teams to exploit this open space. Also, people complain about Ramsdale's troubles with distribution but Raya has almost conceded quite a few goals from making risky passes out from the back. I'm not trying to be a Raya hater but he needs to step up on these fronts because it isn't sustainable for the long-term. At the minute, I have more trust in Ramsdale.

Last year Arsenal were rightly praised for how excellent they were at defending corners and set pieces. I think the first league goal we conceded from a corner was in March 2023. Was that all just luck?

Ramsdale made a mistake against Jota, Firmino, Bowen, and Kevin De Bruyne. The manager demanded defenders to defend as a team to help Raya.

This has made me remember how much I hated our Puma kits...