Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Arsenal Vs Huddersfield Town: 5 things we learned – Iwobi dispels doubters

By Andrew Dowdeswell

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal scores his team's first goal under pressure from Terence Kongolo of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Arsenal FC at John Smith's Stadium on February 9, 2019 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal scores his team's first goal under pressure from Terence Kongolo of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Arsenal FC at John Smith's Stadium on February 9, 2019 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Arsenal FC at John Smith’s Stadium on February 9, 2019 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Arsenal FC at John Smith’s Stadium on February 9, 2019 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /

4. Anyone heard of a quick pass?

Huddersfield largely controlled this match, especially in the second half. They were able to outnumber the Arsenal midfield, dominate the game through periods of possession, and predominantly dictate play — they may not have created much, but they were the better team in the middle third.

The consistent pressure that Arsenal were under stemmed from their inability to play out. They could not evade and outmanoeuvre the Huddersfield press, unable to supply the front three with attacking opportunities. The reason for that was clear: they played so, so, so slowly. Like, I mean, painfully slowly.

From Bernd Leno to Ainsley Maitland-Niles, every member of the back six and the central midfield pairing was slow on the ball, taking far too many touches than was necessary. Even if you are playing a simple, five-yard square pass, doing it first-time and not after two or three touches makes all the difference. Arsenal rarely played with speed and it meant they could not get up the pitch.