02 Nov 2026 11:33:02
Just read an article by Alan Shearer, not known for his praise of Arsenal usually, but he put things into perspective I reckon. He praised Arteta for his defenaive tactics and even suggested he was a master technician in the way he set us up against Liverpool. He set a question for Arsenal fans - would you have preferred to play fast attacking football against the mighty Liverpool attacking force? And probably concede several goals from their counter attacks? Or come home with 3 points?

We all know we are short in attack but I think his comments are worth taking on board.

1.) 02 Nov 2026
02 Nov 2026 13:37:03
Hi Sally, we under valued the defensive side of the game for many years and as a result we were reduced us to also rans in top level competitions during those years. Really good teams have really good defences and build from them.

George made us really difficult to beat and Arsenals very best years were built on George's foundations with Arsene adding the sexy free flowing football on top of those rock solid foundations. Few people would argue that we once again have the best defence in the league and while our midfield and attack today are way superior to George's they are not currently at the level of Arsenes midfield and attacking players were. Arteta is obviously trying to introduce the best of both George and Arsenes philosophies during his time as our manager and in my opinion he's doing it the right way around by putting the best of George first then adding the best of Arsene second.

2.) 02 Nov 2026
02 Nov 2026 16:34:23
As has been pointed out our attack is the weakest of our three sections. Add say Yildiz and Alvarez plus Saka and our attack becomes much more potent and maybe the intent changes. We are merely playing to our strengths which Kai adds to because of his workrate. A better forward line and here I'm agreeing with others that Yildiz and Kroupi / Alvarez could be the answer. Still we're doing rather well because we play to our strengths.

Might have to wait until January or Summer for the expansive winning football everyone craves. I personally love our style and don't find it boring in the slightest, other teams fans can **** *** as far as I'm concerned, as it should be. We had many many years of attractive attacking football and were known for it as well as a soft southern touch and only won 3 FA Cups. Not anymore Sir COYG.

3.) 02 Nov 2026
02 Nov 2026 17:18:37
I agree Essex, I admire the defensive side of the game as much as the attacking side. I love our defenders celebrating a goal saving tackle or block as much as a striker celebrating scoring a goal, why shouldn't or wouldn't a defender celebrate their vital contribution equally as much as a striker would.

Ive watch loads are fantastic 0 0 games over the years when only fantastic defending from both sides has kept the score sheet blank.

4.) 02 Nov 2026
02 Nov 2026 19:40:09
Defence is an art - I ? agree; did we invite too much pressure on & fortunate ( very fortunate ) Mac Allister didn't stick that header away or a blatant pull by Timbet is a penalty next time . It wasn't tactics but giving the ball away cheap and lack of quality up front.


Think that's a diffetent argument Vs pushing for a 2nd or 3rd goal. Better options would have asked Liverpool more questions and lessened the traffic.
We need this backbone for sure but we also need better wingers & striker when we don't get that bit of luck.

5.) 02 Nov 2026
02 Nov 2026 21:03:03
Agree Sy and 54, and the real beauty is we are champions but we are top of the league and come January and the Summer we are only going to get better. Saka and Saliba back plus reinforcements. Are we PSG of course not but we are champions of the hardest if not the best league in Europe where you just can't rest or take any team for granted. unlike in La Liga, Ligue Un and the Bundesliga. Especially after a euros or world cup our players are Knackered! It's also why we also have a good chance of winning the Prem because we have built a great squad to withstand the inevitable slog and injuries.

Ooh To Be A Gooner COYG
Just for the record it was a pen v Isak but so was Stefan Henchoz in the 2005 FA Cup Final with a trophy on the line not three points so swings and roundabouts. Must let that go along with Rooney dive it's unhealthy.