Positives & negatives from the 5-3 win over Barcelona

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<p>&mdash; Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1684429038020960261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>July 27, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div> <p>Jokes aside, it was a very positive performance with some stunning goals and one that was needed following the disappointing showing against Man Utd. As much as pre-season results don&#8217;t matter, getting wins and goals can only be positive and the team should be going into this new season brimming with confidence.</p> <p>Without further ado, here are the positives and negatives from the game.</p> <h2>Positives &amp; negatives from the 5-3 win over Barcelona</h2> <p>https://twitter.com/Gunnersc0m/status/1684430570258935811</p> <h2>Positive #1: Goals, goals, goals</h2> <p>Some fans worry about not having a Haaland/Kane-type striker that can provide 25+ Premier League goals a season without much of an issue. However, when a team gets goals from all over the pitch and can score five against a defensively solid Barcelona team, then fans should realise that really isn&#8217;t an issue.</p> <p>Some of the goals scored yesterday were really impressive, especially that rocket from Fabio Vieira. He will hopefully impose himself a bit more this season, as he has an invaluable profile, able to generate goals out of nothing &agrave; la Trent or Kevin De Bruyne.</p> <p>Leandro Trossard scored twice; Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka also bagged one each. There were goals from most of the advanced positions and it is a fantastic sign for the season to come.</p> <p>I was also impressed by the quality of the shots taken, not just for the goals. Emile Smith Rowe and Trossard both launched thunderbolts that were saved by the Barcelona keeper.</p> <p>Never a trait of the Arsenal of old (the problem with Arsenal is that they always try and walk it in), Mikel Arteta has clearly given his players the confidence and license to take shots from further out and it will hopefully pay off this upcoming season.</p> <p>If the Gunners can improve on the 88 goals scored last season, then it seems almost guaranteed that they will be in a title race unless the defence starts leaking goals.</p> <h2>Negative #1: Individual mistakes</h2> <p>Unfortunately, the defence leaking goals is a slight worry. It&#8217;s a bit of a double-edged sword because the team does look good at the back and the eleven defend well as a unit.</p> <p>Yet, individual mistakes keep leading to goals. It seems like that&#8217;s the way we concede most of our goals and it needs to be stamped out.</p> <p>Compared to the defence of a couple of seasons ago, the club has improved massively. Saliba always looks imperious, Gabriel has come leaps and bounds and we have five very capable full backs.</p> <p>Individual mistakes will keep undoing all that good work in an instant though. The main problem with costly mistakes is how they just take a second to undo a whole half of great play and how one seems to lead to more due to confidence.</p> <p>If the players can eradicate them, then Arsenal will be a very, very scary team to face.</p> <p><em>Continued on the next slide&#8230;</em></p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span>&nbsp;#2 positive &amp; negative </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_135539" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-135539" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1762,w_2560/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1573329120-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1762" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1573329120-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1573329120-768x528.jpeg 768w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1573329120-1536x1057.jpeg 1536w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1573329120-2048x1409.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Timber once again looked at ease. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)</p> </div> <h2>Positive #2: Performances of new signings</h2> <p>I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Jurrien Timber looks to have been an incredible signing. The more I see him play in an Arsenal shirt, the more I think he may be the signing and <a title="Jurrien Timber to Arsenal is the bargain of the summer" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/05/jurrien-timber-arsenal-bargain-summer/" rel="">bargain of the summer</a>.</p> <p>In this game, he slotted in naturally at left-back and looked just as comfortable as he did on the right. His technical security is so encouraging and he looked very threatening going forward. With his ability to invert like Oleksandr Zinchenko, he is going to be a fantastic tool at Arteta’s disposal.</p> <p>https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1684507913161670658</p> <p>Havertz started slowly but grew more and more into the game until he scored his goal. On first watch, it may look like an easy tap-in, but the German darts off as Martin Odegaard goes to head the ball, creates the space for himself and then finishes nicely. It will undoubtedly build his confidence.</p> <p>Kai seems to have an innate ability to find space, stretch the opposition and lose his marker. Players who can do that are extremely rare and unbelievably useful. He seems to be built in the same vein as Thomas Müller, Bayern Munich’s <em>‘Raumdeuter’</em>: space interpreter.</p> <h2>Negative #2: Aaron Ramsdale</h2> <p>I’ve long been a fervent defender of Ramsdale and that won’t change off of the back of a few poor performances. He will be our number-one goalkeeper this season and I am very happy about that.</p> <p>However, I have been a bit worried by his recent games. Some will blame Ramsdale for the second goal, which is a bit harsh in my opinion, although maybe his positioning could have been better.</p> <p>What worries me more is his sloppiness in possession. He had a 42.8% pass accuracy and only four long balls out of 19 fell to an Arsenal player on Wednesday night. He is usually so good with his feet but recently it has fallen a bit flat.</p> <p><em>Continued on the next slide…</em></p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #3 positive &amp; negative </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_135540" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-135540" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1870,w_2560/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1556778158-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1870" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1556778158-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1556778158-768x561.jpeg 768w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1556778158-1536x1122.jpeg 1536w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1556778158-2048x1496.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Mikel Arteta has several big selection decisions to make. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)</p> </div> <h2>Positive #3: Selection headache</h2> <p>Watching these pre-season games, I put myself into Mikel Arteta’s position and try and pick a starting XI for the opening game of the season against Nottingham Forest. It is a very, very difficult decision that is surely keeping him awake at night. Simultaneously a manager’s dream and nightmare!</p> <p>With the whole team fit, there are three very difficult decisions in my opinion. Jurrien Timber, the midfielders to play alongside Odegaard, and Trossard.</p> <p>Benjamin Blanco White and Zinchenko were both fantastic last season, and our best team had both of these players on the pitch. Timber has been so good so far in pre-season and would work so, so well alongside William Saliba particularly that he seems too good to ignore.</p> <p>In midfield, arguments can be made for Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Havertz. They all offer different things to the side and can be very balanced depending on the opposition. Odegaard is, of course, the first name in that midfield.</p> <p>As much as I love Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, Trossard is such an intelligent player, brimming with quality and confidence. I don’t see how the Belgian doesn’t start or at least get significant minutes. What is even more indicative of Trossard’s talent is that he could genuinely slot in any of those three positions.</p> <p>I’m glad I’m just a fan and not the manager in this situation, but those are very good problems to have.</p> <h2>Negative #3: Sloppiness</h2> <p>To be honest, this is nit-picking after a very good game but there were two things that I thought were a bit sloppy or worrying.</p> <p>Firstly, it was Saka missing his penalty. It’s not that big of a deal and even the best miss penalties from time to time, but this was a great chance to cement his penalty confidence. Missing the target completely was not pleasant to watch.</p> <p>Secondly, I felt Odegaard was sloppy with possession. Typically so safe with the ball, he gave it away too many times for no reason. If Odegaard starts doing that, then this Arsenal team will not tick like it usually does.</p> <p>Again, these were small things to pick up on in a great performance.</p> <p><em>Continued on the next slide…</em></p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #4 &amp; #5 positives </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="embed "> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#128558;&zwj;&#128168; Jesus <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://t.co/qTlGMxKbBy">https://t.co/qTlGMxKbBy

<p>&mdash; DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://twitter.com/DailyAFC/status/1684404636944420864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>July 27, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Positive #4: Free-flowing Gunners</h2> <p>Another positive from the game was the joy I got as a spectator, especially in contrast to the United game. Against the Red Devils, the team was flat.</p> <p>Indeed, one of the things I love most about the club is its identity. Part of being an Arsenal team is to play beautiful football, something that Ars&egrave;ne Wenger thought was very important. Wengerball was always a joy to watch and so are Mikel Arteta&#8217;s side.</p> <p><a title="Arsenal 5-3 Barcelona: Player ratings as Gunners end tour on a high" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/arsenal-barcelona-player-ratings/" rel="">Saka was splendid with the ball</a>, there were beautiful finishes from Trossard and Vieira and the football was liquid at times. Trossard particularly put in an incredible performance and rightfully scored two goals.</p> <p>Jesus looked back to pre-injury form, and his trickery in the box was the highlight of the game for me. There are just so many things to love about this team and the way it plays such positive football. Now is the time to be an Arsenal fan.</p> <h2>Positive #5: Beating Barcelona</h2> <div class="embed "> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leandro Trossard makes it look easy &#128558;&zwj;&#128168;</p> <p>(via <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://twitter.com/Arsenal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@Arsenal)pic.twitter.com/OyRnEzpJ2o

<p>&mdash; B/R Football (@brfootball) <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1684426884564615173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>July 27, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div> <p>This one isn&#8217;t so much a sign of things to come for this season as much as personal pleasure. Growing up, I have seen Barcelona sweep the Gunners aside many times over the years.</p> <div class="embed "> <blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="jDOtoS0TqN"><p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/26/how-arsenal-can-take-advantage-of-the-south-american-market/">How Arsenal can take advantage of the South American market</a></p></blockquote> <p><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" title="&#8220;How Arsenal can take advantage of the South American market&#8221; &#8212; Pain in the Arsenal" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/27/positives-negatives-arsenal-5-3-win-over-barcelona/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/07/26/how-arsenal-can-take-advantage-of-the-south-american-market/embed/#?secret=vrEAdzsgAb#?secret=jDOtoS0TqN" data-secret="jDOtoS0TqN" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p></div> <p>Robin van Persie&#8217;s sending off at Camp Nou was a particularly painful pill to swallow, so any victory against one of the greatest clubs in the world is always lovely. It&#8217;s important to take the time to savour this victory, even if it is in pre-season. With any luck, the Gunners will be able to deliver the same result against them in the Champions League.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">