Drone17:

Last season they used high tempo to force their game on Arsenal especially during the first half. However, they soon got tired but it was already game over for us.

They will like to have a similar approach tomorrow, all Arsenal need to do is either use a higher tempo or completely kill the game with negative tactics.

Also, hold Zaha down.

ObaIgwe1:


Below long article is the most in-depth I have read concerning the match and I think it covers my impression to a large extent too.....


***Very long read****

Crystal Palace play a 4-3-3 in possession but press in a 4-4-1-1 out of possession. Last season, Conor Gallagher joined the centre forward to press high and alternate between pressing the #6 and ball-side centre forward with the wide players sticking to the FB's. As Arsenal build in a 4-3-3, what Palace will attempt to achieve in those instances is a ball-side man-to-man press. This is enabled by closing off the angle to the free centre back for the centre back in possession. This can also be triggered by a pass to a player on the side. When Arsenal are building within deep situations and from goal kicks, Palace press in the same shape and attempt to create similar man-to-man situations on the sides.

However, if the opposition aren't crisp technically, Palace's wide men or #8's can push up to press. That is not a regular occurrence because Palace aren't accomplished at inverting their forwards to press, but it can of course happen if a Palace player decides to leave his standard trigger. That's when Arsenal can potentially punish Palace if there's a spare man in the build-up. To press in that manner requires high quality co-ordination, intensity, and complete commitment for the fullback to push all the way to back up the inverted forward pressing along with the centre back rotating across to mark the wide player that has been left free and unmarked. It's possible Palace get that right situationally, but it's not their main pressing game. The 4-4-1-1 is, and with rigid triggers. As such, when considering that Arsenal build in a 2-1 centrally, they will have time and space on the ball in the build-up to retain possession. It is in these moments where Arsenal can gain an advantage and pin Palace back. Arsenal's build-up will likely consist of Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko with Partey in the #6.

Last season Arsenal had time and space on the ball in the build-up but didn't use it effectively. They also had Tavares, Cedric, Lacazette & Smith-Rowe (out of position) in the XI which negatively impacted team dynamics. The quality in those positions is on a different level now. Lacazette often showed to link play but was loose with his touches and careless in possession, much like Cedric and Tavares in the build-up with Arsenal lacking an outlet in Martinelli to get up the pitch too.

Arsenal are much improved this time around quality AND balance wise. As such, in the specific instance of Arsenal building play, they should be able to play through Palace's press and either A) directly exploit them in transition or B) pin them back into a low block and use their elite positional play to break them down through sustained pressure.Arsenal have the transitional passers to find the likes of Jesus, Martinelli and Saka in behind the last line along with the positional play to create 1v1 situations on the flanks, combine on the sides with their usual rotations on each flank, & create for those attacking the box , Arsenal can also counterpress to a top standard in these moments due to the fact that they're evenly spread out across the pitch wherever play breaks down along with maintaining compactness deeper in midfield with their inverted fullbacks.

It'll be really tough for Palace. However, even though it *will* be tough for Vieira's men, it's also clear that they're no slouches and possess threats themselves. They can press effectively in the moments where they trap Arsenal on the sides or force/capitalise upon mistakes, but aren't so bad with the ball too. Palace are a ball-playing team and likes to play out from the back. When they do, they build in a 4-3-3 shape, much like Arsenal.

Where Palace faltered in this regard in recent years was with Kouyaté's lack of technical quality in the #6, but Doucouré is a big upgrade on him. As such, Palace will be in a better position to effectively progress play thanks to their improvement in technical quality at #6. The likes of Anderson, Mitchell & Guehi are already accomplished in this regard. To combat this, Arsenal will press in the same 4-4-1-1 Palace employ.
However, there's clear differences in the quality of the press. In the deepest possible phase, one of Saka/Martinelli will invert with the fullback on their respective side backing them up to press ensuring that no Palace player has time on the ball in the build-up).

They're both physical, compact & have outlets.As such, it is important Arsenal are successful in aerial duels, in 2nd ball duels & in subsequent technical situations to retain possession to pin Palace back or exploit them in transition.

Otherwise the game can become frantic, Palace will gain hold of the ball & cause issues.Overall, although it's a difficult game for Arsenal, it's certainly one that *can* be favourable for them should they perform to their optimal level.

Arsenal have been elite in pre-season and not only is their structure & quality conducive to controlling this game with AND without the ball before using their multitude of offensive weapons to break Palace down, but they also have the physical & technical edge to suffocate them. Also, when considering Palace have had a haphazard pre-season with lots of their first teamers unavailable, logic points towards an Arsenal win.

Last time Arsenal shot themselves in the foot but this time the new set of players likely won't. I expect control & quality from Arsenal. I would expect Palace to be told " get stuck in " at a certain point this could mean red cards and pens .

Source: #arsenalfanaticsnews

Roland17:


Wonderful observation.

The have forward/ midfield players in Zaha/ Edouard/ Eze/ Olise/ Guehi who are able to cover spaces quickly which is reflected in their ability to press effectively.

ObaIgwe1:


Hmnnnnn....

Not even one of them projected us 3rd or above Spurs. All those who projected us 4th, projected Spurs 3rd.

I pray we surprise them.

Jodera:
Lol, I tell you. But I understand them sha. They have Experienced and world class coach plus their squad is great

Roland17:
Hey guys, as we approach game day, I'd like for us to discuss/ scout Crystal Palace.

Lets discuss their tactics, style, formation, players including new player acquired, best players, coaching and what to expect from them.

I'd like to read from everyone.

mostob:
I've read different views here and [b]let me add the long ball tactics too. [/b]I believe we all remember that man city game where we lost 2-1. Before the referee decided to play the script, we were hurting city from the wing. Guess how.. Saka and Martinelli stayed up and wide and all we needed was to get he ball to them. Our goal came from their FB marking Martinelli (a decoy) even without the ball which gave Tearknee the space to drove forward and assist Saka.
I believe if Palace tries the high press tomorrow, what I just explained above could be our plan B. Partey,Xhaka,White and Zinchenko are all excellent passers.
Infact, we could employ this tactic within 15 minutes to tire them out which will most likely make them retreat and we will perfectly build up our ball.
On the physical side, we should be able to match them... whoever is playing CF for them better swallow plenty akpu...With a strong and towering Saliba...hmmm

iamoyindamola:
Guys if you are interested in joining FPL this season you can start by joining this league
It's only for arsenal fans : 7ezf0t
The winner get fully customize any of our jersey this season

Cc oam4j

Roland17:
Hey guys, as we approach game day, I'd like for us to discuss/ scout Crystal Palace.

Lets discuss their tactics, style, formation, players including new player acquired, best players, coaching and what to expect from them.

I'd like to read from everyone.

Jodera:
BBC pundits prediction

Seems most people are tipping us for top4 this time

4th and not more than that to be specific

iamoyindamola:
All these pundits are saying palace will win

Roland17:


Last season, I observed some of our opponents utilized the long ball tactics for two reasons. One was to evade the press when it was effective, secondly, they used it to by-pass our midfield, especially when it potent in staying compact, closing passing lanes and pushing high along with the press.

We would have to be competitive aerially and more importantly, win those 2nd balls.

Drone17:

I think the majority had the top 4 last season as their overall prediction. But I don't give to much attention to what those guys at BBC predict. I think they are the worst set of pundits in football media.

Let's do a comparative analysis of our top rivals and their recruitment this summer as we discect the possibilities of making top 4.

Here's my view

MAN CITY
I think that losing Sterling and Jesus will affect their momentum a bit, especially at the start of the season because both have been quite integral in their set up, and both are still very much active. Their addition of Harland and Alvarez overall may not bring an immediate improvement to their squad. However, they are still favourites by far.

LIVERPOOL
Losing Mane will be a huge blow for them. And just as City, his replacement in Nunez may need time to bed in. I think they are weaker after losing Mane as Salah will certainly miss his most trusted attacking partner.

CHELSEA
They are in a rebuild in which they may find themselves struggling. Having lost key players like Christensen and Rudiger in their defense which has made them weaker, as they will need some time to groom their replacements into a formidable back line. They are still a strong side by all standards.

TOTTENHAM
Spurs are definitely improved with their new signings and the fact that they won't lose any of their key players. With the experience of Conte, it makes them even scarier. Richarlison has PL experience and would be a handful come off the bench. Bissouma also makes their first team stronger. Spurs hmmm!

ARSENAL
Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko definitely improves the first team. This will be critical for them as both players already have premier League experience in the best possible way. Arsenal like Tottenham will be the team to watch out for. With a much improved first team and squad depth, all will now depend on the quality of the leadership and tactical intelligence of their manager to determine if they can surpass last season's achievement and make top 4.

MAN UNITED
United have many off field issues affecting them. Their performances in recent seasons have made them a bit not attractive to top players unlike before. With a new manager and many new players it will take a little while for them to exact their influence in the league. There isn't much improvement in their team for one to be excited about. They will have to depend on the experience and tactical ingenuity of the new manager, Eric Ten Hag to have a say this season.

OTHERS
The likes of West Ham, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Everton will as always push for an upset. Apart from Newcastle, there hasn't been much improvement in the others. They have spent big and will want to push into the European places, so we will be keeping an eye on what Eddie Howe will be doing with the new set of players he has now at his disposal.

iamoyindamola:
All these pundits are saying palace will win

Roland17:


Last season, I observed some of our opponents utilized the long ball tactics for two reasons. One was to evade the press when it was effective, secondly, they used it to by-pass our midfield, especially when it potent in staying compact, closing passing lanes and pushing high along with the press.

We would have to be competitive aerially and more importantly, win those 2nd balls.

Jodera:
I don't think Liverpool have been weaker with the sale of Mane, if for anything I believe they're stronger. Diaz have been balling since last season and even if Nunez doesn't hit the ground running immediately, they still have Jota and Firmino to play there(as they've always been). Watch out for Cavalho and Elliott cos I see one of those two breaking into the first team

I agree with your thoughts on Man city. They look considerably weaker. I was surprised looking at their bench in community shield and the top players there were just foden and gundogan. Except they sign qualities, else I'm tipping Liverpool for the league

Tottenham are the dark horses here. Heaven knows those people are frightening due to their coach and with the kind of squad depth they have, it even makes it more frightening for us. There's a way Conte might get his acts together and who knows, Spurs might contend for the title too— sad to say.

I share same thoughts with you on Man u too. Unless they sign, their squad depth is poor and they'll need Ten Haag to be supremely good in tactics to be in top 4 contention. I'm tipping them out this season personally.

I'm confused about Chelsea Tbh . While they are a very good side but their attack is still not there yet. I feel they'll be more in top 4 fight with arsenal and tottenham than being contenders. And something is also telling me that if they don't get their acts right, they might miss out on top4

Arsenal have the quality depth and first team to be in top4. If we lose out, we only have ourselves to blame and no-one else. Looking at our team, I'm still marvelled how we have almost quality for each position. Transfer window isn't over yet and I'll love to see who we're getting in before it closes

iamoyindamola:
Guys if you are interested in joining FPL this season you can start by joining this league
It's only for arsenal fans : 7ezf0t
The winner get fully customize any of our jersey this season

Cc oam4j

OAM4J:


Sodeeq we are growing. You see what I told you... It won't be just 2 of us afterall

If you are an Arsenal fan playing FPL, join us!

iamoyindamola:

Some of them are not, I will void them later
They are enticed by the prize
If I no see arsenal badge they are disqualified

BlueRayDick:
I Don download ALL OR NOTHING season 1 episodes1-3. I am hoping I will have enough to watch it this weekend sha

Drone17:

Share link

BlueRayDick:


https://www.thenetnaija.net/videos/series/16709-all-or-nothing-arsenal

iamoyindamola:

Tavarez, ramsdale warn my respect

Drone17:

Thanks for the response.

Diaz was part of Liverpool last season so doesn't count as a new signing. Nunez is a direct replacement for Mane, and I felt Mane is better hence the weak verdict. However I understand like you said, things can change especially with Cavalho etc.