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"Champions of 3rd place, we know what we are"

billyiddo said:
There's pressure now that there's genuine competition for the top 4 positions - and so far in the age of the top 6 they seem to be the ones faltering.
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Probably because they have the worst squad and because Wenger is now a little bit behind the times compared to more modern thinkers like Poch and Klopp, plus the City money, so his advantage in being ‘new’ is lessened. But he still finished above United last year.
 
billyiddo said:
4-0 yeah but the two goals either side of half time killed the contest. The semi it took them to extra time to overcome a Championship side in Hull City and arguably were second best and were lucky to go through - how does that fit your narrative?

We're getting too deep in to something that im not really interested in giving too much time tbh mate so forgive my frankness in reply - i just wanted to agree with what Nayim was saying.

Im not saying Arsenal dont peak at certain times but everything else suggests to me that is less so by design and more so habitual - they have been underperforming for years now and id have expected to have seen some kind of change in pattern/approach in this area in order to bring about an upturn in fortune were this all really a Wenger plan (to peak late in the season) no change in pattern suggests to me it isnt something that is planned as it's the consistent drop offs in form which undermime their season - if it was under his control on the training pitch like you suggest then he should have addressed the issue a long time ago. The fact it hasnt been addressed tells me it isn't under his control
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I appreciate you don’t wanna get too deep in this but to excuse a 4-0 win as not really counting towards my argument because the goals came either side of half time is a bit of a stretch. They were clear favourites and they absolutely battered a side they were expected to beat when the pressure was on. They’ve also won well when not the clear favourites.

I’m not saying Wenger has it all under control and plans for finishing 6th, I’m saying that you get a maximum and he uses his maximum in the run in. If there is to be a drop, coaches will allow for it, and manage it, and allow their strategy in game to derive from it. So plan for a drop, play a slower tempo. Plan for a peak, play a higher tempo. If they didn’t plan for the drops, they wouldn’t be able to create an in game strategy that derives from it - so you’d be getting high tempo games where the players weren’t capable and vice versa. It’s a matter of strategy.

It’s not the overall cure or cause for Arsenal’s problems, but it’s relatively standard. They are not where they used to be because they no longer have a squad that has them clear in 4th or in the top 2. For the to change they need to alter their strategy as a club.
 
https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/fixtures-results/lucas-moura-aubameyang-wenger-gift-14263544.ampe

Why is Spurs' form so good at this time of year?

One of the reasons is my guidance next to me [points to his assistant Jesus Perez] - he's a genius. I think that the team is so strong, the physical condition is so strong, mental and of course in the way that we play is so clear the philosophy and everything always helps the team and the players to perform in the way that we want. Of course the talent of the players is the first thing.

We have a very good squad, great players and of course now the competition, we increase the competition between them, nearly all are fit, 100 per cent, and will be tough to pick our best starting XI every single game.

Do you still believe you can finish second?

Yes, I believe. I'm a person that believes and of course we're going to fight for that to happen. The gap is not massive but it will be tough. It's key Saturday to win the game, to be in the race for the top four.
 
Something a lot of commentators are not understanding from Poch's comments (from above link)

After how your comments on diving were received do you think English fans are too sensitive about things like this?

But look. I'm honest always. I gave you what I think, what I feel. In 2002, my vision about English football - yet you laugh because you know what I'm gong to say - I didn't touch Michael Owen but he dived. My vision in that moment changed. It's true in that moment I didn't know English. I didn't speak English, I didn't hear the comment. Today's we're so sensitive about details. Sometimes it's difficult for me to be honest and explain the things- my language is not English. It's difficult to use the right words. I don't like it when some people twist my words. My intention is to keep the essence of football. I love football. Football for me means being creative, don't feel the limits. Try to not cheat, but trick the opponent in a good way. That's how I feel about football. I'm not going to change my opinion.
 
Full squad at just the right time, good January signing to lift dressing room.

Pressure is definitely on Chelsea, United and Scum, I think Pool and us have a little less, although the depth of Pool's reaction to the 2-2 showed some pressure there.

A good result on Saturday could all but eliminate one of our competitors.
 
ShipOfGoldblum said:
Looks like the feast of Arseover will be in April this year.
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We're only 7 points ahead of them with 11 matches to go, so let's not get ahead of skis just yet, but I agree that it would take a collapse of massive proportions for us to finish behind them. And with the way the team is playing and finally a fully fit squad (not to mention just two of the top 6 to play, one of which is reeling and the other which might have wrapped up the league by the time we play them) it would be hard to imagine that would happen.
 
It is very unexpected how those consecutive games ended. I was thinking that if we are not far away from the 4th after ars**** game we are in good position. So I don't know how to describe our situation now. Simply it was a massive run.
 
My son in law (who's a gooner) told me Woolwich need 31 points to reach last year's total from 12 games and he doesn't think they'll do it, even more pleasing is his son has been supporting Spurs for the last 18 years.
 
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