The North London Derby Draw: Arsenal's Search for Composure and a Striker Continues
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville discusses Arsenal's lack of composure, analyzes the impact of Rodri's absence on Man City's upcoming match against Arsenal, and addresses the injuries of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka
Gary Neville has expressed the opinion that Arsenal's game still lacks composure and they are in need of a forward who can predict where the ball will land in the penalty area. This comes after an eventful 2-2 draw with Tottenham in the North London derby, where Bukayo Saka and Heung-Min Son were the goal scorers for their respective teams. However, the draw does not benefit either team significantly in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
Arsenal's striking options need improvement, according to pundit Neville, as some opportunities were not taken advantage of in crucial moments. Neville highlighted one instance in the second half when Eddie Nketiah remained stationary in the box as Saka's inswinging corner was redirected towards the far post. Moreover, another missed chance occurred before halftime when Gabriel Jesus seized the opportunity against James Maddison near Tottenham's area but disappointingly shot over.
On The Gary Neville podcast, the ex-Manchester United defender expressed his dislike for strikers who simply stay in the six-yard box and only focus on scoring goals. According to him, there are few such players left in the game. He prefers forwards who possess versatility, agility, and the ability to play on both the left and right sides. However, he acknowledges the importance of having at least one player in the team who possesses the instinctual ability to anticipate where the ball will land.
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Gone are the days of traditional poaching, where one striker partners with another upfront. We have moved beyond that era.
If we recall the forward lines from Barcelona's past featuring David Villa, Pedro, and Lionel Messi, none of them can be defined as genuine goal-scoring specialists. Sergio Aguero may have fit that mold, but that's not the focus of our discussion. We are referring to someone who possesses a keen understanding of positioning.
"What I used to dislike as a defender was the constant emphasis placed by Sir Alex Ferguson, the coaches, and the England coaches on strikers making runs across the defender. This meant that if the ball was being crossed to the back post on the opposite side of the pitch, the striker had to make a run towards the back post.
The same principle applied on corners, where I had to be vigilant for that second ball being flicked on and make sure I positioned myself at the back post. It was during these moments that I realized the effectiveness of Ian Wright, who would start his runs from inside the six-yard box. I remember having to mark him during corners, and let me tell you, it was an absolute nightmare."
"He consistently positioned himself near the back post, with the intention of being ready in case the ball was deflected towards that direction. However, he failed to follow through with that plan. Instead, he stayed idle and didn't make the necessary run.
"Moreover, Jesus exhibited great skill when he successfully intercepted Maddison's play. These crucial moments hold significant importance in the game. A player must constantly be on the move, alert, and poised to anticipate the action. Unfortunately, Arsenal lacks such qualities."
'Arsenal still lack composure'
The absence of that type of player was evident in this game, as highlighted by Alan Smith on commentary. Despite the potential for the Arsenal team to achieve success and secure a title or second place, it became clear that they were lacking in this particular aspect. Smith, being more knowledgeable than myself, also recognized this deficiency.Just a minute after Arsenal took the lead for the second time with a penalty from Saka in the second half, Son equalized from the opposite side, bringing the Gunners back on level terms. Neville criticized Arsenal, referring to their lack of "composure," and emphasized that the senior players in the squad should have been responsible for maintaining the team's focus on the field.
He expressed his desire for the Arsenal team to display composure, acknowledging the challenge posed by the overly animated manager on the sideline.
While passion is appreciated, he emphasized the need for a composed and calm demeanor, recognizing the paradoxical nature of the request. However, he simply wanted to witness this composed attitude exhibited at the appropriate moments.
When Saka netted the second goal with a splendid penalty, it was a moment to cherish. Show your jubilation and give your fans a reason to celebrate, as they want their support to have a purpose.
However, within that group, two or three experienced players should step up and rally the team, urging them to stay focused and determined until the end. It is crucial for your mental state to recognize when a match is at risk.
Rice was substituted at half-time, creating a vulnerability. Should Jorginho have been positioned as the last man on the ball for Son's second equalizer? Perhaps, perhaps not.
Naturally, Jorginho could have performed better, but the issue lies in the immediate concession of a goal following another. This highlights the lack of mental resilience as they failed to regain their composure.
Neville on Rice, Saka injuries and Man City without Rodri
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Declan Rice may be out for a spell after picking up a back injury against Spurs
Just two weeks remain until Arsenal faces Manchester City in the Premier League, with both teams anticipated to compete for the title once more.
However, this weekend's matches have posed some challenges for both squads. Rodri received a direct red card during the match against Nottingham Forest, while Declan Rice and Saka sustained injuries on Sunday.
All three players play crucial roles for their teams, and their absence could greatly impact the outcome of their upcoming match, which will be livestreamed on We.
"Rodri has truly been outstanding for City over the past few years," remarked Neville. "His growth and progress over the span of three, four, or even five years has been extraordinary, making him unequivocally the top player in his position."
It will be intriguing to observe whether Arsenal will also be deprived of Declan Rice in two weeks' time. The potential absence of Saka and Rice for four to five weeks poses a significant concern for Arsenal, surpassing the mere drop of two points.
Rice is an incredible force on the field, and I strongly believe that with him playing the full 90 minutes, they managed to defeat Spurs. He possesses the qualities of a player who relentlessly propels Arsenal forward, and when it comes to those crucial corners towards the end, he is bound to make a significant impact. He possesses the ability to inspire a team and secure the desired outcome.
As for Rodri, he is an exceptional player and a prominent figure for Manchester City. I couldn't comprehend his actions on Saturday; it was pure chaos, and I completely understand why Pep Guardiola is infuriated with him.
Rodri's absence from the game against Arsenal brings the match to an equal footing as Manchester City lacks a like-for-like replacement for him. However, despite this, they cannot make any excuses as they possess a formidable squad with ample talented players to step in. Excluding Haaland, who is unparalleled, the two key players in this fixture are Rodri and Declan Rice.
"So it will be big that Rodri's missing but Arsenal need to get Rice fit for that game in two weeks."
