Is tracking back / defensive positioning a problem for Arsenal? How different is the showing against Chelsea yesterday and another teams? A thread.

There's no doubt that Arsenal is probably one of the most talented teams in the WSL. Their coaching stuff is being under the spot (and themselves think they need to re-assess) but let's dive a little bit into some of the problems and the different level of rivals mask it up

Quickly, one I talk about lacking support while defending is covering up players, mostly with collaboration from midfielders and strikers to the defensive line. The 4-3-3 Arsenal uses is not quick, versatile or clever enough. Easy example: Mjelde crossing here

If you remember the second Chelsea goal, this feels similar: Overload to the left of the attack, Kirby looking to keep on stretching with a run to the end line, Harder on the half space. It's the same principle, just applied earlier in the game. Evans ends defending.

Listen to Montemurro here: he's asking to stay organized. And I can relate, Arsenal sometimes is not organized. They did well here on this clip but Chelsea was still on top winning second balls an duels.

When Chelsea started finding spaces and game went on, it was far more difficult for Arsenal. Check Kirby's movement and these little mistakes:
- Two players closing in Mjelde, but leaving Kirby alone. Wasn't a hard close up nor where they close enough to anticipate.

Then Kirby cuts in, the one that was running with her gets into the box and Van de Donk tries to tackles but doesn't follows up. Shape is broken, space is there for the return pass and the shot.

Keep the same principles: No support when building up from the back (idk why Montemurro says yes). Clips goes on, press is timid, then same mistakes with no support for the player on the ball and shape is lost. Harder receives the ball alone.

How to know a team is lacking confidence? A player make a clearance in midfield with 4 players around her to receive a pass

Let's talk disorganization: Vivianne Miedema ends up tracking back Kirby, in the left back position, in a huge gap where Roord and/or Van De Donk should be, while they're walking in midfield. Walti is between CB's.

Again: Miedema tracking back Kirby.

But this isn't just against top 4 rivals: Against Reading many many times a rival player was unmarked (spotlighted in blue). The midfield sometimes walking, shouting and poiting but no one does nothing. Van de Donk losing the player and the bad clearance is the cherry on top

I understand that Arsenal has a streak with injuries that complicate their season, but this team seems low on confidence, and that always hurts concentration. The mental side, the physical side of Arsenal is not good. It's like watching a frustrated team. And it shows.

Even the goal they conceded against Bristol is a show of a team that over-complicate things and is "afraid of making mistakes" leading up to...err...making mistakes.