I'm a very confused man right now. A year ago Arsenal's defensive scheme was a midfield press where the man with the ball would be closed down by 1 player while his passing options were closed down by the rest of the team. This year we're just standing off while simultaneously holding a defensive line that's as high as it's ever been. Add this to a discombobulated CB pairing of Mertesacker/Koscielny that isn't communicating well together and an offense that has both wingbacks pushing up super high...it's no wonder we've been shipping the goals we have.

I've heard people debating whether this odd midfield standing off policy is a deliberate instruction from the manager. I can't believe that any sane coach would order a team to stand off and hold a high line at the same time. This, added to the fact that at least Mikel Arteta looks like a (the only) player who is always trying to win the ball back, suggests to me there's something wrong with the attitude of our upfield players defensively. Why, I have no idea. This whole situation doesn't make much sense to me. I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts on this subject.