Misunderstanding between him and Merino I'd say. Seemed like he committed once he saw Merino got closer, probably thought he'll be covered

Statistically speaking: how many of those draws should have been losses?

I *think* this adjustment might actually be a recognition of our creative shortcomings (after the Saka injury). Our transition game after high turnovers seemed to be more direct in the last couple of games. As Klopp once said: (gegen)press is the best playmaker. So the press is the Saka replacement?

Could his inclusion mean that Ø will roam less in build up, helping us to put more pressure in terms of numbers on the opponents back-line (e.g. by ST staying central, LCM pushing up more aggressively and Ø staying between the lines as a receiver rather than a first phase passer)?

Depends on system/need of course but in general: 2nd

Based on a very small sample from Merino's time at Arsenal though. Nevertheless, seemed to me like he looks a bit more natural when making deep runs than Rice does (esp. in terms of coordinating steps while looking at the ball/the opponents and judging the amount of space + distance to goal he has)

Heavily agree with your suggestion to put Havertz at LCM in certain scenarios. While I think Merino offers almost everything we would need from Havertz there, I guess the small matter of a new striker is what's between us and Havertz being the back-up for left eight against mid-blocks.

I love Havertz but his finishing is not his strength. Ultimately, you'd like him to head home the corner we scored from directly rather than needing Saliba to put it over the line. Not calling for him to be replaced - but we need our wingers and deep runners to be more clinical to balance things out

Did you notice any changes or tweaks in the transition from deep block to high press during the game? Wondering if this intensity can be upheld over the course of a game considering the long distance the wing back has to cover in this example

Dropping into the spaces Odegaard leaves when he starts roaming around the pitch. Also drags players with him when rejoining the last line of attack to open up space for Odegaard, Timber and Saka.

xG per shot against are highest for City (0.17) and lowest for Arsenal (0.08) in the league

Considering no team saved and blocked less shots than City this season, is one way of reading this that City might not allow a lot of shots but basically all those that they give away are high quality ones? Would make sense when looking at their troubles in rest defense.

Hi mate - would love to join the conversation.
Currently doing my UEFA B Youth license after finishing the UEFA B course earlier this year. Currently coaching in pre-academy environment