I don’t agree with this. One fullback inverts into midfield so that the 8 position can get forward and join the attack while the other fullback overlaps the winger to take away a defender creating space for cutting inside or creating a crossing opportunity. I mean Zinchenko just scored this past game ffs. We play a high line in possession with the triangles passing pattern so that there’s always a passing outlet and when your main holding/defensive mid is out, you have to fill in that gap with an extra body bc he (Partey) was integral to our defense and build up. Declan can’t do it on his own, though he tries. Jorginho is far from a “shield” for the defense. He’s there to retain possession and help with the build up burden.

We are 7th in the league rn on the xG table and we were 5th last season… even taking away penalties we’re 10th so idk what you’re talking about lowest in the league? That’s with injuries to our creative players (like Jesus, Odegaard, Martinelli for a bit) and Partey who, again, integral to our build up too.

edit: not to mention playing out from the back no matter how many times it burns us

Risk goes against Artetas entire philosophy

Huh?

https://preview.redd.it/xqas8w7nt9zb1.jpeg?width=1215&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8136e673cb915257e52573be185d96b392b8432f

He really is man. It was so baffling to me how ppl were saying we overpaid for him but yet Enzo and Caicedo costing even more was somehow justifiable.