So I’ve been disgruntled AF about Rice playing 8 and not only us not getting the best out of him or the left wing, but also how it’s affected our defensive record. I think last night vindicated me. But winning internet points doesn’t really mean shit. So I decided to go for internet bonus points. Arteta had been eyeing Rice for ages, every time they saw each other they would have little chats. Arteta was clearly determined to make him his man. But if you pay attention, he wasn’t the only number 6 that Arteta has a crush on, the other being Martin Zubimendi. Even after signing Declan, the interest in Zubimendi hasn’t died down and so you have to wonder if Rice playing at 8 was because Arteta has plans to accommodate both. Are we planning to double invert? Maybe. But I feel like it’s ignoring the problem of the unbalanced midfield, particularly on the left side. I think Rice is a world class 6, but he’s a very average 8. We wouldn’t ask White or Timber to do the job of Ødegaard, so why are we asking that of Calafiori? Anyway, if Arteta is set on MZ, it’s gonna be a rough end to the season, as he tries to mold Rice.

Nelson’s injured and out for a bit. fucking hell.