Total: not just cereal anymore

Good morning, Arsenal supporters afar

On the eve of a massive test for the Arsenal I felt I needed to chime in; i’m also a bit crazy in the head with anticipation. I love big game days like this. I wish I was on the pitch. I wish I was getting stuck in. Since I’m not, I’ll wake up early, throw on my kit, and strap in for the ride.

Last term both Arsenal and Man Utd scored 68 goals but the main difference was in goals against - Arsenal conceded 37 to 24 goals for United. Arsenal had some very unlucky goals conceded paired with, at times, school boy defense but during a time of team building mistakes are inevitable. It’s not an excuse but a reality. In truth, even expensive, defensive pairings take time to settle. For Arsenal, the silly goals can be attributed to basic communication breakdown, and although very frustrating and annoying to the fan communication can always improve.

Vermaelen’s partnership with Gallas looks coherent and fluid; as always, Sagna and Clichy are battle hardened and have proven pedigree. The current back four are quick to push up their defense and compact the match play in the opposition's half of the field. Tomorrow, holding their back line is going to be key as well as pushing out on the counter attack. In retrospect, the Gallas and Toure pairing was patch work at best and could be largely to blame for some of the mentioned silly goals from last term. Losing Gallas to a knee injury freed Toure from their forced partnership but he was then paired with inexperienced Song and Djourou. It was never going to work. It was never going to win a championship.

Today, or rather on the eve of the battle in Manchester, I feel that the back four are solid. I feel they communicate well, read space as a single unit, and are not as susceptible to calamity as last year’s defense. It’s early but I feel a bit of confidence. But, admittedly, I am concerned with Almunia. This guy can make a fantastic save but in a blink of an eye he can make a complete ass of himself. As fans, you never know what Almunia is going to show up. Let’s hope that tomorrow he will be that Almunia who was a hero in Rome. Viva Rubio!

Our guns were firing last term, and so far in this campaign they are locked, loaded, and firing freely. This squad fires like a gatling gun. There are so many player combinations that could yield a goal. Arshavin on the left; RVP in the middle; Bendtner on the right. OR it could be AA23; B52; Dudu. OR, when fit, E9; TW14; RVP. The combinations of attack are immense and each adds something a bit different to the attack e.g. B52’s aerial presence on crosses/set pieces or Theo’s blistering pace. Great potential. Worth mention is the simple fact that our strikers actually work to win the ball back from the opposition. With the loss of the ball, you can see RVP or Bendtner tracking back to compress the space between the strikers and midfield. Shortening the space in the attacking third of the pitch is key in forcing the opposition into errored passes, poor touches. If only Ade would have worked as hard.

Down the spine, and in our new 4-3-3, Song, Denilson, and Diaby can run box-to-box. Matured like a fine wine, the three have learned how to move forward and support the strikers but also track back quickly and compress space in their defensive third.

Last year, Denilson’s pairing with Cesc worked to a degree. Denilson improved as a holding midfielder but his passes lacked creative vision, often moving side to side or backwards. This campaign he scored our first goal of the season and looks to be comfortable in his role - pass the ball to the creative midfielder, then defend. If Denilson can win a few balls and distribute to an Arsenal jersey he'll work wonders in the midfield of 3.

Song has a tremendous eye for a pass and can connect between the wings/strikers. Song, as the holding mid, runs a la Flamini (RIP) but adds some creative vision. I can recall a few of his delicate chips up front and they are of the highest quality. He's young but he's coming of age. And Song has yet to score but he may be ripe sooner than later. Perhaps tomorrow.

Diaby, he’s always the X factor. Diaby is believed to be Vieira: The Sequel but has yet to string together matches (injury) and realize this potential. A box-to-box midfielder who has the eye of Cesc Fabregas but is a bit light in the challenge. He's talk and lanky but has those long, spidery legs to intercept passes. In the appearances we have seen of him so far he has won quite a few balls, scored a few goals, and been a very influential character. Diaby's creative work will be key in unlocking the defense tomorrow.

Tomorrow, it’s likely that Diaby will slot into CF4’s center, distributive role and be supported by Song and Denilson. The three Arse-keteers will be able to cover lots of ground, and will most definitely run box-to-box. If the strikers continue to work hard and compress space within the midfield many balls will be won and quickly countered. With a fluid, well-oiled midfield; loaded firing, strikers; solid, machine-like defense I feel the team is very close to a total 90 of moving forward and defending collectively. If every individual is successful in playing both sides of the ball (in both body and mind) Arsenal will win tomorrow and will do so by displaying total football. Should be tasty, indeed.

ArsenaLOS