Ben Piggot
benpiggot.bsky.social
Ben Piggot
@benpiggot.bsky.social
Arsenal. Some politics and a bunch of other random interesting stuff. And now I have a substack (and you should read it!)

https://theworldasitis.substack.com/
Just play a youth team
December 13, 2025 at 11:31 PM
I'm not sure who would be better though. Also depends on circumstances of not winning.

He's a fabulous manager, imo. Top 3-4 in the world.
December 13, 2025 at 10:28 PM
yeah didn't understand that decision at all. That felt like it was on the players though.

And we do miss big Gabi. But having to play Hincapie there makes it look worse imo.
December 13, 2025 at 10:26 PM
oh, didn't realize - for yellow accumulation I assume?
December 13, 2025 at 10:15 PM
yeah but we have like 2/3 players there already. Seems a bit overkill. More need for a 4th CB.
December 13, 2025 at 10:14 PM
I'd think I'd do that. Is Calafiori now out for ages too? Because I'd prefer him there.
December 13, 2025 at 10:14 PM
we'd have 1 less point I think?
December 13, 2025 at 10:13 PM
that said, I'm not sure I understand the signing if he is not a good CB.
December 13, 2025 at 10:12 PM
yeah I now see why Arteta moved the defense around so much which I didn't get at first. Trying to avoid him at CB.
December 13, 2025 at 10:11 PM
yeah, I just think at this level that isn't good enough. If the goal is to finish 8th, its ok.
December 13, 2025 at 10:10 PM
yeah the lineup was wrong, but on reflection I think he was right to avoid HIncapie at CB (which I didn't get initially).

Attacking set up was clearly wrong though too.
December 13, 2025 at 10:09 PM
yeah a bit harsh lol. But Mustafi looked good a lot of the time - you could make a nice highlight real for him and he had good counting stats.
December 13, 2025 at 10:08 PM
he didn't have to jump though. Tolu just stood there and redirected the cross. Something like that should never happen.
December 13, 2025 at 10:07 PM
also "mostly fine" isn't good enough imo at this level. Mustafi was mostly fine too.
December 13, 2025 at 10:06 PM
the goal Wolves got today was awful. No PL centerback should allow that to happen. Probably not even a Championship CB.
December 13, 2025 at 10:06 PM
he played in a LCB in a back three at Leverkusen. I don't think he is calm/steady enough to play in a back 4. I can see him doing a job if we every go 3 at the back or a LB. But he's a big risk at LCB. Nearly cost us 3 points in the last two weeks. Fortuantely only one.
December 13, 2025 at 10:05 PM
yeah City/Villas just gutted when that 2-1 when it 😂
December 13, 2025 at 10:03 PM
my one serious take away is that Hincapie is a big drop off at CB. He's nearly cost us points two weeks in a row. Just a panicky defender. I understand a bit Arteta's decision to move the defense around now.
December 13, 2025 at 10:03 PM
I don't think its an accident we have played worse since Gabi and Mosquera both went out and he's been forced into that role.

I kind of understand Arteta's defensive choices given that now today. Not totally, but I think we need to avoid playing him in a back 4 outside of easy CL games and LC.
December 13, 2025 at 10:01 PM
that was a horrible decision
December 13, 2025 at 9:58 PM
what the hell were we doing? Awful performance
December 13, 2025 at 9:51 PM