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Message: [QUOTE="DS3, post: 6678704, member: 407846"] I would argue that Arsenal has yet played the best football throughout the season, Man City have played dull football at times. But I fear no recovery from this last 4 game glitch...although Arteta did seem to take the calls for rotation to heart against Chelsea. Unfortunately, I can't see us getting anything at Newcastle in their present form- a draw would be a good result. That would put Man City 7 points ahead if they win their game in hand, with two games left. That said, Arsenal really need to look good over these closing games. If the season fades poorly they will look less attractive to some potential transfers. There are a lot of rumblings about upcoming players (youth) and loanees being let go to bring in established ones. Charley Patino (at Blackpool) has all but confirmed he wants out. It looks like Folarin Balogun (currently at Reims) will be sold even though he is close to top scorer in League1. Ditto Emile Smith-Rowe, Reiss Nelson, Sambi Lokonga (Crystal Palace) and Nuno Tavares (at Marseille). Its harsh, but if Arsenal really do have ambitions to contend on all fronts then its necessary to bring in 3 to 4 top flight players. There are some really interesting stats about how Guardiola has used his squad compared to Arteta. Man City have used a relatively small core squad of 18 players but rotated them heavily. Whereas Arteta has run a first eleven into the ground. City's fourth used player (as in starting games) has started ten times less than Arsenal's - happens to be Martinelli. However, drop down to the 14 most used player and the City player has started ten times more than the Arsenal player. Arteta did not rotate his players even against the weaker teams. Which explains in large part how City look fresh. I believe for instance Kevin De Bruyne has not even started the last two games. If you are going to follow in City's wake, then Arsenal need to shoot for 16 to 18 players that all move in and out of the team on a regular basis. Kiwior and Trossard are a good start and I want us to fight to keep Keiran Tierney. Add 4 serious players in the summer and we will have a 'first' 18 to play with as well. [/QUOTE]

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