Tactical Vignette

Gunner fans like me watch Arsenal play, not just because we love their red-and-white uniforms. It’s really because when they are “on,” they play the most attractive football anywhere in the world. I think ACDC has a lot to know from last night’s Carling Cup match, so I’ve posted this tactical vignette.

If you want to learn how to play a proper through-ball from the midfield, there is no better example to watch than the first goal.

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/1755062/

Sixteen-year-old (16!) Jack Wilshere played the laser pass to his striker, eviscerating the defense, turing the Wigan backline into a Laurel and Hardy act, making Jay Simpson's finish a foregone conclusion. Obviously the player of the pass, and the receiver (the one who makes the run without the ball) have to be on the same page. But it is an error to think that the passer is reacting to the run-maker. It is the other way around. The passer is leading the receiver on his run by playing into space.

The second goal is pure speed. You can’t teach or learn that. You either have it (in this case, the Mexican rabbit, Carlos Vela) or you don’t (uh, ok, me). The third goal is more traditional. A Ramsey pass played at Vela, who loses his defender to chip 6’4” Chris Kirkland. The look on Kirkland’s face was priceless.

So, watching EPL is not just so that you can talk smack when you're drinking with Georgie boy. It is also to learn. We'll be anxiously awaiting laser-like through-balls from Paul, Peter, Mumbles et al. coming out of our midfield.

Enjoy.