What makes Arteta’s NEW and IMPROVED Arsenal so Special? | Analysis

[@Sam1626473]

I love the idea of that. A footballing mind on the pitch where the players can solve problems that arise by themselves

[@harveygration]

I really like it too. Think it will be my next video.

[@aka_jr]

In a sense we’re returning back to what the old pros used to talk about with their game, just backed with tactical literacy.

[@fortuneval8643]

Merino showed that on Saturday in the build up to Martinelli's goals

[@T.E.S.S.]

you've never heard of this before?

[@Brantley_ZA]

I was so shocked, thinking that you already have a reaction video a few minutes after the match. 😅

[@harveygration]

😂😂😂 Imo a more important video than a reaction

[@donaldzuramp4404]

Its against psg

[@treacheroustiger5571]

Same! I was like damn, the game just finished 😂

[@Hubgaming27]

Same 😂

[@tristandippenaar3153]

Zoid-Afrikaners unite around Harvey!🇿🇦

[@LearningArms]

Great vid as always. Watched your analysis on Goonerverse where you were on point again re the full backs. Calafiori rampaging unpredictably into the no 10 role must be frightening for our opponents. It's clear the key trait is intelligence in this squad. Partey's recent resurgence has been key. He recognised his limitations and has adjusted his game and playing with his brain. He drops deep to cover the CBs and recycles the ball well, picking his moments for a special pass. He's looking sharper. Played well as RB against s'hampton too.

[@Apexseal1]

yh he did prove a few haters wrong, looked good for most of the game and he didnt even invert that much, his heatmap shows he played wider than you'd expect.

[@harveygration]

Didn’t manage to catch the game in detail today (was watching on the side of editing!). What did you think? Cala, I just love, love, love. Good summary of TP, too. And yes I dare say sitting a bit deeper at times from RB today was a good fit for him?

[@Apexseal1]

@harveygration Subs where the big change today, until then the game felt stale, Sterling really struggled for me and its clear that havertz is best utilised as a focal point up front, trossard and martinelli changed the game completely. Slightly off topic but I wanted to ask if you think Ben White will get back into the team as the defacto rb due to timbers qualities and form? I can see him being phased out, and I'm not sure how I feel about it.

[@harveygration]

Thank you. I will watch back tomorrow. I am definitely interested in how Merino, Kai, Leo, Gabi, Cala all looked together for example. Nah he’s too good to be phased out. We just have a variety of profiles for our fill back options now that allows plenty of rotation. Let’s not forget Ben has been playing through pain for a year now with no rest.

[@LearningArms]

​@@harveygration Yeah the possession based game at home against 'weaker' sides who'll likely employ a low block suits our two sets of older legs in Partey and Jorginho. TP didn't have any defending to do so he didn't need to sit as deep and was allowed to camp in the opponent's half. This should have been a game for Jesus to shine in but we couldn't get him on the ball enough and he looks like he needs a confidence booster. Havertz rotating with the striker (a la Trequartista) from midfield looks like it was always Arteta's plan as his movement is a nightmare for the opposition. Big Gabi is increasingly moving into that final 25 yard zone looking for a pass. Your boy Cala is everywhere and him and Rice open up opportunities/space for each other. Saka proved he is elite level again and is learning to dictate play from the right. Merino tried to occupy pockets where he can drop a dangerous pass and showed glimpses of being a driving force when he gets forward with energy. Phew! Looking forward to your analysis

[@ke5943]

I feel like I get to watch the match for a second time when you drop these breakdowns Harvey. Bravo!

[@harveygration]

Very kind of you❤️

[@meditationman415]

Very happy this is your favourite video to date 👊

[@harveygration]

❤️❤️ certianly a very important one

[@Nhamo3]

@@harveygration I subscribed because of this video.

[@Westfamilyoz]

Love the fluidity and super excited to see Merino more integrated and of course Martin. But sterling and Jesus disappointed today.

[@ayushgiria]

By the way huge fan from Nepal 🇳🇵

[@prithvituladhar6938]

Same......

[@Nhamo3]

A new level of fluidity..

[@ke5943]

some of your finest work so far 👍

[@harveygration]

Appreciate you❤️

[@jjs9311]

Top notch video as always big man

[@harveygration]

Very kind of you to say really appreciate it!

[@ayushgiria]

The process 🔥

[@yusufali2402]

I was about to say no highlights video yet but you came with reaction

[@LilJones-mj4ys]

6:14 Calafiori is special

[@jourdanjackson5365]

Fantastic video as always. Great breakdown! Just what I was asking for from the last video. Love the new presentation style. Removing the text from the images makes the analysis way easier to grasp 💯🔥🔥

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much, and yes, I think it’s better to. Cleaner.

[@reallythough2.098]

Your right, it’s my favourite video as well. Top work!! 👍🏻

[@harveygration]

Awesome!!! Thanks so much honestly

[@WeAreTheUniverse78]

Arteta and his players are onto something really special. Building the new invincibles. Your content is so solid 🙏👏

[@harveygration]

Thank you so much. There is a readiness to win this season above all else.

[@timeisontheessence]

Hi Harvey, do you think the absence of odegaard adds to arsenals unpredictability in a way? I think before you could always feel that attacks were conducted by him because his leadership and creativity sticks out like a sore thumb. But with the way the rotations are being formed without him e.g. caliafiori hovering into no.10 zones, its almost like the team has turned into a bunch of raumdeuters

[@clipsvaultculture]

Same thing I thought but he’s said the next video he’ll talk about it

[@Godspeedysick]

⁠@@clipsvaultcultureExcited about that video, actually. The thing with Ode is that his presence alone uplifts the players giving them more confidence. His technical ability in the final third also cannot be underestimated. He’s the main ‘thief’ within the squad and there’s no one better to pick pocket a low block. This is why he’s missed and will always provide better stability within the team. Regarding fluidity. I believe during his absence we see the ‘unknown quantity’, Cala, who’s a nuisance and equally somewhat of a wild predator being able to unsettle defenses throughout those half-spaces. Cala’s presence is important without the more predictable Ode because pulling defenders out of position leads to chaos, which is in itself another form of attack.

[@LilJones-mj4ys]

@@timeisontheessence ive been saying this but getting alot of hate for even mentioning , alot of player fanboys instead of real fans of the club

[@RichardStone-xk2px]

@@LilJones-mj4ys Were u at the Southampton game on Saturday?

[@RichardStone-xk2px]

Lol, missing Missing Ghostagaard and his leadership that sees him go missing and subbed in most games Priceless

[@ayrtoncaceresvalle8249]

the team seems a bit chaotic now but I love it. Thanks Harvey, amazing video as always!

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much!!

[@LeonV1984]

Thanks, Harvey. It was a great video

[@harveygration]

You’re more than welcome. So glad you enjoyed ❤️

[@jamesajayi9857]

Nice one as usual bro😊

[@harveygration]

❤️❤️❤️

[@zaidansari-fi8yx]

Brooo your channel is so underrated. Excellent work.

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much🥰❤️

[@Dgreatson]

clear and well balanced analysis.. u just gained a new subscriber @TrendUpdate247

[@harveygration]

Super kind of you. Welcome to the family ❤️

[@tewodrosnigatu12]

Great vid Harvey the great. Do you think the fluidity is the same in the final 3rd ? I am really loving Kai at #10.

[@harveygration]

The fluidity is the same yes, but it just comes within a more settled structure (the 2-3-5 mostly). Kai’s role at the moment is more complex than people realise: he is our long ball outlet/CB occupier; drifts BTL/into those wide stacks to help connect us; is our box dominator (Wolves, PSG, S’ton goals); and is another runner in-behind in transition (Spurs + Brighton). On top of that, he believes he is a dominator now, and so do the team. Incroyable.

[@tewodrosnigatu12]

@@harveygration Thanks! Today I feel in the second half the ball circulation from left to right and vice versa is great but I just thought we somehow miss the 22/23 season inside the box combinations and shots to the goal.

[@virupakshawalla5734]

Total football. Cruyff took the Akax-Holland medel to Barcelona. Everyone can play anywhere the ultimate interchange. We happy to park bus now where no one moves more than 5 yards too 😂. We are like last season in transition complicated by injuries. We don't look that fluid most of the time but patterns are there. Yhanks for the breakdown and the direction 🎉

[@harveygration]

Facts man. And not a problem! Glad you are enjoying :))

[@abiodun-b9]

Harvey, you did it again! Making football understandable for the plebes.

[@harveygration]

😂❤️🙌

[@claytonmars7355]

Great video Harvey. Thank you.

[@harveygration]

You’re very welcome, thank you.

[@KapeHasPausa]

Great video Harvey again quality content and explanation of our new tactical setup and phase 5. You’re going places 🙏🏾 would love to collab one day

[@harveygration]

Very kind of you, mate🙏trying to collate my thoughts into the next video-which will be a different style: more conceptual, less tactics. Exciting nonetheless! Keep in touch bro❤️

[@allenlopez9731]

A truly excellent video. You, Alex Moneypenny and Adam Clery are the most talented podcasters on Arsenal. I’m no tactical person, but I still find watching your pod fascinating. Keep up the brilliant work!

[@harveygration]

Very kind of you. Truly, thank you for the words and comparisons to people I aspire to have the influence of.

[@Nhamo3]

I really enjoyed this video.

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much :)))

[@israelokpoko6344]

I definitely enjoyed watching this

[@harveygration]

❤️❤️

[@ceetee1881]

Great analysis- as ever 😊

[@harveygration]

My man CT!❤️

[@ColinLloyd-lh1fu]

Hey Harvey. Love your stuff. Off topic just a little. Do you think Timber is on a fast track to replace Ben White at right back?

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much. I think Timber is good enough to break into the team and play the majority of the minutes this season-that’s what I’ve always said, in those words-however: that doesn’t mean he is constrained to RB. I think most of his mins will come there, then a good share at LB, maybe some CM forrays, and some CB cover. White still plays a big share of mins basically. Just means we can rotate great players more. Who’s complaining?

[@shammahadesiyan]

Calafiori is really good Great video

[@harveygration]

Love him. Thanks so much 🙏

[@ayushgiria]

If you could do an analysis on Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, 17 year old, that we are in an advanced stage to sign in 2025 we would be grateful, it would be more an insight to Phase 5!

[@harveygration]

From what I’ve seen: gives us that specialised overlapping profile; multi-zone operator but not a big space defender. Need to watch more tho!

[@Calidore1]

Brilliant, subscribed

[@harveygration]

Welcome to the family. So glad you enjoyed ❤️

[@Calidore1]

​@@harveygrationno worries, really like the layout and planning. How do I contact you non publically? I just have a suggestion that doesn't need an audience! Nothing sketchy!

[@harveygration]

GrationHarvey on Twitter/X :)

[@fortuneval8643]

You are good, Mate! ❤

[@harveygration]

Thank you so much. Really appreciate it❤️

[@chase6845]

At some point during todays game I noticed rice was in a typical 9 position. Arteta really is gettin weird.

[@harveygration]

I’ll have to watch it back. Was editing whilst watching. We’ve seen him popping up at the tip of a diamond here and there this season.

[@DoweyMITM]

Good one

[@Godspeedysick]

“A squad of player-managers.” Unbelievable, Harvey.

[@harveygration]

I’m going to try and flesh this out more for my next video, I really like the idea, too. Thanks so much 🙏

[@remy7663]

Do you think this direction is caused by Odegaard's injury? Or do you think this was his plan all along?

[@harveygration]

This is an important question, but as I said, this current form doesn’t have to be the ‘set and forget’ approach now. Odegaard can reinstate himself within this system, with a few tweaks, so it’s just a case of waiting to see! If anything, it’s just more exciting.

[@OluThomas]

​@@harveygrationi think Ødegaard's injury forced Mikel to speed up the process!

[@remy7663]

@@harveygration Yea but I was wondering if when Odegaard comes back, do you think he will go back to his old plan or stick with this 4-2-2-2 system? Cause before his injury, no one predicted this, everyone thought that Merino will just drop in at 6/8 with Rice either dropping deep or do that "pendulum" double 6/8 system. Was just curious on your thoughts. Tbh I don't have as much confidence in this 4-2-2-2 system especially against bigger teams. I mean Mikel Arteta could always be pragmatic as he always is, I guess we'll see. Excited to see that Ode is coming back, Ben White and Timber, Martinelli is gaining momentum. Excited to see when everything's in place where Mikel Arteta will take this team tactically.

[@lnspectormukfai8291]

Good analysis 🎉

[@harveygration]

Many thanks.

[@mikeblake9761]

Unrivalled analysis of the current team again, Harvey. I can't wait to see the improvements we make once Odegaard is back and all these intricate movements become second nature. Do you think we still need to go in Sesko or do you see moving Saka and Martinelli more centrally at times can get us the goals needed to get over the line?

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much as ever, Mike. In terms of qualities the squad still lacks, as reductive as it may sound, I just want us to recruit the best passers, shooters, carriers, we can now and transition the squad well as older players are phased out. I think Ø’s return should make us more exciting than anything else, too!

[@mikeblake9761]

@@harveygration that’s a fair assessment and ill have to agree, the base level of the squad is really high compared to 2019. Impressive work from Edu and Arteta. It was a musing to figure out whether we are close to the final iteration Arteta envisioned when he joined. It feels like we are but it Alea feels like 1/2 pieces are still missing - am I making sense?

[@earlencollings2422]

That PSG performance was my favourite performance from us this season, I can't believe people are not making more of that game. The "positionless fluidity" from the boys was exceptional. We had PSG lost 😂

[@harveygration]

They didn’t have a clue who was where. Love that type of approach vs a high press for us specifically, because we like to share the responsibility naturally, and we never seem to compromise our defensive sturdiness (balanced rotations, players always in zones they can impact both forward and backwards)

[@earlencollings2422]

@@harveygration I kinda felt bad for them at one stage, especially the 2 young midfielders. We kept finding space behind them.

[@harveygration]

If u watch the first minute of the match back it’s truly eye opening. You could tell we were just going to big brother then

[@isaaconywere6869]

I like your analysis

[@harveygration]

❤️🙏

[@starsine9062]

Teams are searching for highly technical and highly disciplined players, yet mercurial in their thinking in moments. Not robots

[@harveygration]

Love this.

[@briangama6057]

I love this setup..with a fully fit squad, I worry Mikel won't be brave enough to drop Martin..some matches simply call for it

[@harveygration]

I think his reintegration should excite us as to the possibilities this current regime takes with a bit of Odegaard calming presence and touch-organisation.

[@treacheroustiger5571]

I reached out to Latte firm for you. Hopefully, you two can work out a date to collab ❤

[@harveygration]

Would be sick. Thank you

[@MmesomaOnonuju-x1g]

Maresca used Arteta gameplan vs Porto when Chelsea faced West Ham. If you doubt just watch the match against West Ham

[@Calidore1]

They've got the bounce. Classic football.

[@harveygration]

A readiness to win. And the belief that they are superstars. Their time.

[@Calidore1]

@@harveygrationI think they know they are onto something rare that makes them better than other teams but it hasn't gone to their heads, still a likeable squad.

[@MartinDurden]

freat vid my man

[@harveygration]

❤️❤️

[@aka_jr]

Do you think that in this 4-4-2 (4-2-2-2) we’ll see merino and rice in a strict double pivot, allowing the four players on each “side” of the pitch to form their rotations and become relational, or do you think that this formation is temporary and we’ll return to a single pivot in-possession shape?

[@harveygration]

Merino will have a hybrid job IMO: at times, he will be the front footed, duel heavy, box crashing, high 8 Rice started this season as; other times, he will share pivot duties with the full back/Ødegaard/any others; there will also be a fluidity to his positioning (playing a foil to Cala, Nelli, Sterling, Leo, et all); and also help shift load defensively off Rice back in the 6.

[@markpotter544]

So the Southampton game shows why trossard havertz double pivot is better than your suggested forward duo of havertz jesus a while ago for the reasons I mentioned before. Now vs a winless Southampton (with 1 pt out of 7 games so far) it was fine in the end but arteta needs to tweak this if he wants to go with same setup. I would play trossard on left and maybe merino next to rice if he wants to play two forwards in jesus and havertz. Btw ppl will as they usually do slate jesus for his performance but just like teta made havertz look bad Last year by playing him out of position, similarly if you won't play jesus to his strength you won't get much out of him, of course he ll give you something bc he is a good player at the end of the day

[@harveygration]

Don’t remember ever saying I thought Kai-Gabi was a better duo than Kai-Leo. In fact, in the City preview I explained why I prefer Leo with Kai: a better understanding of each others movements; better timing/countermovements; selfless rotations; form/confidence/sharpness. I didn’t actually get to watch the game today (was doing the video 😂), would you mind telling me your thoughts, Mark?

[@markpotter544]

@@harveygration before the city game, in your preview of spurs game, you mentioned playing jesus and havertz in attack, at least as one option. So you did suggest that (even as an option) as my comment stated. I never stated that you argued one vs the other btw. In any case lack of creativity was evident today as I suggested then. You probably get so many comments so I understand that you may not remember every comment, it's normal. What's crazy is that you d think that Southampton would be an opportunity to unleash nwaneri but instead he does that, but that's arteta

[@harveygration]

Ah ok I get you, my apologies, Mark. Let’s see what the next few games bring for Ethan before jumping to conclusions. Will have a watch back of the game tonight.

[@dandane3819]

We should have an official blood pressure medication sponsor.

[@harveygration]

Innit.

[@tobyladeoghenetega4793]

Great vid as always harvey However i realky think we need swrious depth on our attack We may have dominated the first half completely, but just couldnt do anything direct enough imo

[@harveygration]

Didn’t actually watch the game! What were your thoughts. Thanks very much!

[@Godspeedysick]

We have Ethan. But I think you mean someone such as the likes of Kudos? Ethan can also play on the wings, although I prefer him in the middle.

[@ayell91]

The more you explain it, the more i believe arteta how brilliant arteta is. 🤯

[@harveygration]

We’ve got a good one ❤️

[@ayell91]

@@harveygration so lucky to have him on our side. Can't be more proud because i had the feeling years ago that arteta could be our next big manager even before he came here and i've trusted him since day zero. Because i heard alot from his former arsenal teammate about his brilliant footballing brain and praises from arsene about his coaching ability and the passion for this club. He also learned from two best managers in arsene and pep so its like a perfect blend. So happy for us ! Hope we'll getting silverware soon.

[@RichardStone-xk2px]

​@@ayell91 Fans also forget that Mikel Arteta is the only manager in history to win nothing for 4 years running after spending a billion euros We're so lucky to have him....

[@ayell91]

@@RichardStone-xk2px he did win 1 fa cup and two community shield for a record. But i agree with you, he spend a fortune but to be successful in the hardest league in the world, especially when the best team in the world build with oil money with 115 breaching financial rule and also the officials on their side, i admit its hard to win any trophies. Not to forget manutd and chelsea who spend more than us but more terrible than us, so im happy for where we are right now. Looks like we are heading into the right direction. Especially when city's case sort out and pep is leaving soon.

[@bigdaddy812]

So now what happens with White? Does Teta keep Timber starting on the right?

[@harveygration]

I think Timber is good enough to break into the team and play the majority of the minutes this season-that’s what I’ve always said, in those words-however: that doesn’t mean he is constrained to RB. I think most of his mins will come there, then a good share at LB, maybe some CM forrays, and some CB cover. White still plays a big share of mins basically. Just means we can rotate great players more. Who’s complaining?

[@Jay_Ayo]

Here from the Goonerverse and I’m glad I am. 😊

[@harveygration]

Welcome! Glad you’re here too :) I hope you enjoyed ❤️

[@Jay_Ayo]

@@harveygration enjoyed it 💯. TY for the work you’re putting in.

[@gunnerforever4986]

Thoughts on the Southampton game

[@harveygration]

Only watched it on the side of my editing. What did u think???

[@Josh890_0]

There are talks that odegard might be holding Arsenal out, may I have your thoughts on this

[@RichardStone-xk2px]

Ask Carlo Ancelotti

[@harveygration]

Will probs be integrated in my next video

[@treacheroustiger5571]

Do you think Arsenal players could suffer injuries with this style of play. At this point do you think most opponents have no choice but to kick our best players to win?

[@harveygration]

Hard to say. But injuries would rejig the approach (you can only play this way with Cala, Timber, and other multi-zonal players)

[@snakeeyes6209]

There is a risk reward in every system. I notice calafori has issues with recovery runs and we ask him to do so much movement and when we lose the ball his recovery runs are not the best. We need better cover when we loose the ball

[@RaZeyLWindBladE]

That's why with either Merino or Rice as a 6 would help more in our transitional defensive shape. Even Gabriel needs to step up more.

[@RichardStone-xk2px]

XBox of Playstation?

[@harveygration]

You are correct. There is risk and reward. What I would say on Cala defensively is: I’ve mentioned he isn’t really a big space defender. But the reason you see that for us is not because he is required to defend big spaces much but because of his over zealousness. It just needs to be coached. It’s fine in the long run. Think people are looking for reasons not to like instead of appreciating what he is giving us. We also have to acknowledge his high defensive ceiling because of the + attributes he has: mass, ground power, shiftiness, core strength, aggression.

[@gcheese25]

and yes we won today kai and saka are football god ⚽

[@harveygration]

Saka is the best player in the league for me right now.

[@kasimshaikh3750]

A lot Arsenal fans complaining about Calafiori's speed and defensive fragility. I don't know what people are watching some times

[@harveygration]

I’ve mentioned he isn’t really a big space defender. But the reason you see that for us is not because he is required to defend big spaces much but because of his over zealousness. It just needs to be coached. It’s fine in the long run. Think people are looking for reasons not to like instead of appreciating what he is giving us

[@kasimshaikh3750]

@@harveygration Yes he does overcommit and technical players can take advantage of that like Savinho in the City match. Nevertheless he is much more secure than Zinchenko & provides more on the ball than Kiwior/Tomiyasu etc.

[@c0mbat15]

Is anyone else concerned that Calafiori has been completely toasted for speed in a number of occasions already?

[@harveygration]

In the scouting report we mentioned he isn’t a ‘big space defender’. Hes a very powerful runner though and with development he can become a genuine 1v1 locker: see how when he actually gets touch tight to an attacker it’s hard to spin him because of his mass, reachy legs and core strength. It’s about picking right moments to be aggressive, not being over zealous, and knowing what spaces you like to defend.

[@AngryPacifist-kd6md]

So pleased to see Martinelli getting back to his best. Now he needs to get on to Jesus.

[@clipsvaultculture]

Harvey please I and a lot of fans feel like odegaards return might slow down our fluidity please will you make a video on how we adapt him into this system love❤

[@harveygration]

Next video.

[@clipsvaultculture]

@@harveygration anticipating something to carry me through the international break😭

[@ralphhyde7524]

Charlie Watts II ?

[@Stuartgraham123]

jesus has to go

[@washingtonochieng5106]

🎉🎉❤❤

[@harveygration]

❤️

[@ayushgiria]

Who signed us Edu ? Dein / Wenger = Edu / Arteta

[@nhlakazondi7695]

❤

[@harveygration]

❤️

[@T.E.S.S.]

aged like milk

[@OriginalAndroidPhone]

Why "revolutionize his philosophy"? Are you saying he has a new outlook now?

[@harveygration]

Not a new outlook, but this is the first time we’ve seen wholesale fluidity across the thirds under Mikel

[@OriginalAndroidPhone]

@@harveygration Fair enough. Keep up the great content.

[@harveygration]

🙏❤️

[@RichardStone-xk2px]

Arsenal have changed in the last couple of weeks. Have you noticed? The "best defence in world" has conceded 3 goals in a week to 2 newly promoted sides, the "new Maldini" is the Italian Zinchenko and Jesus is the new Yaya Sanogo

[@harveygration]

Each to their own

[@RichardStone-xk2px]

@@harveygration Tell tat tp Pep

[@maltlickytexas]

😂