Source: Tifo Football Podcast — Guardiola masterclass? Arsenal wobble and Spurs relegation looms
Duration: 1h 8m
Mikel Arteta management
It seemed as though Arsenal never really thought they were getting back into the game. It didn't even really seem to change anything in order to try. The two attacking substitutions that were made at 80 minutes felt like this is far too late in a game. This is not the Premier League. This is a cup final.
Tottenham relegation battle
This result sees Forest leapfrog Spurs into 16th place. Tottenham, meanwhile, are just one point above West Ham in the relegation zone. Yesterday, the loss was the first time that I truly believed that they are getting relegated.
Tactical analysis
City just had this vice-like grip on the momentum of the game that Arsenal were never really able to seize back. The way City did it in terms of the 4-2-4 press, it was like watching table football at times.
Arteta wasn't saying that football has been ruined by man-marking; he was saying that as long as you keep man-marking me, I'm going to keep playing. He got that game, and I think the thing that's interesting for me is that going back to a more zonal approach seemed to cause Arsenal all kinds of problems.
Premier League title race
I think the main reason Arsenal will win the Premier League this season is because they seem oddly impervious to this negativity. It's happened a few times this season where they've lost in a strange way, and in previous years, we've seen that team start to fall apart. It just hasn't happened.
Tottenham tactical crisis
They just look uncoached to an extent. In defensive situations, the players clearly are uncertain about what they should be doing collectively as a defensive unit, which makes sense given that they've gone through a managerial shift.
Arsenal performance
That kind of risk-averse football in a game where you need to go and win it, I think that comes back to bite. When it doesn't work and when your team are static and lack technical quality, it's really frustrating.
Mikel Arteta vs Pep Guardiola
For him to get, I hate to use it, but 'little bro-ed' like that in a final is not good for him. It's not a good look for him at all.
Tottenham leadership
It feels like this international break could be so big for them in terms of they're a squad that's so lacking in leadership. Romero is the captain, but I don't think he should be near the captain's armband personally.
Arsenal player form
I think the one player who seemed to try and change things was Riccardo Calafiori when he came on. He was kind of popping up all over the place and was willing to take a few risks.
