FM13 Arsenal Thread - Victoria Concordia Crescit

[llama3]

FM13 Arsenal Thread – Victoria Concordia Crescit

Welcome to the FM13 Arsenal Thread for the Good Player & Team Guide – if you are searching for the FM12 Arsenal thread then please click this link.

Arsenal FC were formed in 1886 by workers from the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, chiefly David Danskin. The club were originally known as Dial Square, before name changes to Royal Arsenal and Woolwich Arsenal, before a move north of the river into Islington and the ground at Highbury saw Arsenal take their modern name.

The club wore red shirts donated by Nottingham Forest at the request of 2 former players – Fred Beardlsey & Morris Bates. Arsenal moved to Highbury in 1913, and after the First World War were promoted to the re-organised First Division controversially at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur, sparking the fierce local rivalry. Arsenal appointed Herbert Chapman as manager in 1925, leading the club to their first ever trophy – the FA Cup in 1930. Herbert Chapman was responsible for changing the local Underground Station from “Gillespie Road” to “Arsenal”, for the white sleeves on the red shirts, and the hooped socks, as well as tactically innovating the W-M formation.

Arsenal enjoyed their most successful period in the 1930’s with several league titles. Arsenal became the first team in the world shown on TV in 1937 with BBC filming a practice game between the first and reserve sides. Arsenal and Chelsea were the first sides to pioneer the use of numbered shirts in matches too.

Arsenal won the Fair’s Cup in 1970, before winning the Double in 1971, with Charlie George’s famous extra time winner over Liverpool in the FA Cup, before losing the Centenary Final a year later to Leeds. Arsenal won the 1979 FA Cup Final in the “5 minute final” over Manchester United, sandwiched by defeats to Ipswich in 1978 and West Ham in 1980, followed by Cup Winners Cup defeat to Valencia in Brussels.

Arsenal took until George Graham’s appointment in 1986 – and instilling a sense of discipline rather unlike his own attitude as a player, when he was nicknamed “the Stroller” – before winning another trophy in 1987, with a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley in the Littlewoods Cup Final; memorable for Charlie Nicholas’ brace as Arsenal became the first side to beat Liverpool in a game where Ian Rush scored first. Arsenal’s semi final against Tottenham was remarkable for coming from 2-0 down on aggregate to draw 2-2 (after the Spurs Stadium announcer was revealing how Spurs fans could get their tickets for the final at half time!) – before a replay at White Hart Lane saw Arsenal come from behind against with David Rocastle’s late winner.

Arsenal won the league at Anfield in 1989 with virtually the last kick of the season by Michael Thomas to snatch the title away from Liverpool to win 2-0 in a truly memorable night, a mere 6 weeks after the Hillsborough disaster. Arsenal won the league in 1991 again, before FA Cup and League Cup success in 1993 over Sheffield Wednesday, before winning the Cup Winners Cup in Copenhagen with a narrow 1-0 win over Parma. Arsenal lost the final the following year to a lobbed goal by Nayim in the dying seconds of extra time. George Graham was sacked in February 1995 following “bung” allegations, and replaced by Bruce Rioch, who was dismissed in August 1996.

Arsene Wenger took over in September 1996, and began revolutionising Arsenal and English football with his training methods and dietary regimes, leading Arsenal to the Double in 1998, and again in 2002. Arsenal won the FA Cup again in 2003, before going the entire league season unbeaten in 2004. Arsenal’s last major trophy was the 2005 FA Cup, winning on penalties against Manchester United with Patrick Vieira scoring the winning penalty in his last act for the club.

Club Honours

English Premier League – Winners (13) – most recently in 2004, when the team went the entire league season unbeaten, dubbed “The Invincibles”.

English FA Cup – Winners (10) – most recently in 2005, a very fortunate win on penalties over Manchester United who were significantly better on the day. The FA Cup remains Arsenal’s most recent trophy to date. Arsenal are the 2nd most successful side in FA Cup history, behind Manchester United’s 11 wins.

English League Cup – Winners (2) – Won in 1987 and 1993 under George Graham. Runners Up in 2007 to Chelsea, and in 2011 to Birmingham City in a bizarre injury-time mix-up which caused a spiral of defeats and poor form.

English Community Shield – Winners (12) – most recently in 2004, beating Manchester United 3-1 in Cardiff.

UEFA Cup – Winners (1) – Won in 1970 as the Fair’s Cup with a 2-legged victory over Anderlecht, winning 3-0 at Highbury to clinch the trophy. Lost in the 2000 final in Copenhagen to Galatasaray on penalties.

Cup Winners Cup – Winners (1) – Won in 1994 with an amazing defensive shut-out in Copenhagen against a superb Parma side boasting Asprilla, Zola & Brolin in attack. Alan Smith’s first half goal was enough for Arsenal to hold on and win 1-0 with key striker Ian Wright suspended. Arsenal were Runners Up a year later in Paris, where they were beaten by Nayim’s 50 yard lob in the dying seconds of extra time in the final against Real Zaragoza. Arsenal also lost on penalties to Valencia in Brussels in 1980 after a goalless draw.

UEFA Champions League – Runners Up in 2006, having gone 995 minutes with conceding a goal (a competition record) Arsenal had Jens Lehmann sent off early, before Sol Campbell headed Arsenal into an unlikely lead against Barcelona, before 2 late goals from Eto’o & Belletti broke Arsenal’s hearts in Paris.

UEFA Super Cup – Arsenal’s only history in this competition remains the 1994 tie against Milan, which AC Milan won over 2 legs.

2011-12 Season Review:

Having lost Gael Clichy, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri & Emmanuel Eboue in the summer, Arsenal took 1 point from their opening 3 games, including a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Arsenal made some late signings to the squad including Park Chu-Young, Mikel Arteta, Yossi Benayoun (loan), Andre Santos & Per Mertesacker to add to fellow new recruits Gervinho, Carl Jenkinson & Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Arsenal began to make steady progress and reached the League Cup Quater Final, narrowly losing to a late Man City goal. Arsenal re-signing Thierry Henry on loan in January for 6 weeks to help reduce to burden on prolific forward Robin van Persie (traitor). Arsenal were eventually defeated 4-3 on aggregate against AC Milan, after an epic 2nd leg at the Emirates. Arsenal also turned their season around with a stunning comeback in a 5-2 win at the Emirates against Tottenham Hotspur (Gareth Bale is a dirty diver). This was followed up with a fortunate win at Anfield, before superb wins against Newcastle, Everton & eventual Champions Man City put Arsenal ahead of Tottenham. A late stumble was arrested on the final day, when Arsenal’s win at West Brom (thanks Marton Fulop!) ensured Arsenal finished in the Champions League places, and Spurs had to be content with a place in the Thursday Night Cup!

Club Information

Formed – 1886

Status - Professional

Nickname – The Gunners

Chairman Status – Loves the club

Legends – Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Ian Wright, Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Cliff Bastin, Bob Wilson, Arsene Wenger, Herbert Chapman

Icons – Ken Friar, David Rocastle, Lee Dixon, Martin Keown, Steve Bould, Robert Pires, David Seaman, Nigel Winterburn, Ray Parlour, Liam Brady, Paul Merson, Pat Rice, Charlie George, Marc Overmars, David O’Leary, John Radford, Michael Thomas, Alex James, Frank McLintock, Charlie Nicholas, David Jack, Ted Drake, George Graham, Fredrik Ljungberg & Pat Jennings

Favoured Personnel – Cesc Fabregas

Derbies – North London Derby (vs Tottenham Hotspur)

Fierce Rivals – Tottenham, Man Utd & Chelsea

Other Rivals – Liverpool & West Ham

Finances – Rich

Average Ticket Price - £48

Average Season Ticket Price - £1,390

Season Ticket Holders – 40,000

Estimated Value - £780m (loan debt £394m)

Continental Competition – Champions League

Media Prediction – 4th

Squad Personality – Ambitious

Captain – Thomas Vermaelen

Vice-Captain – Mikel Arteta

The board will offer you a Transfer Budget of £30m, with a wage budget of £1.48m (a current excess of £140k per week).

Squad Analysis

Captain – Thomas Vermaelen (5)

Thomas Vermaelen joined Arsenal in a £10m deal from Ajax in the Summer of 2009. He is a brave and determined character and has been appointed Captain due to the departure of Robin van Persie to Manchester United. Vermaelen is known for contributing goals at the other end of the pitch too, and enjoys a foray forward to help the attack. He is fairly reliable and strong in the air.

Vice-Captain – Mikel Arteta (8)

Mikel Arteta joined Arsenal on deadline day in August 2011 in the aftermath of Arsenals 8-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Arteta plays a far more disciplined role than he was used to at Everton, and is somewhat a “pass master” linking play and holding a deeper position. He is extremely consistent and professional, as well as being a very intelligent player. He is 1 of the older heads in the Arsenal team, but an extremely valuable player.

1 Wojciech SZCZESNY

2 Abou DIABY

3 Bacary SAGNA

4 Per MERTESACKER

5 Thomas VERMAELEN (Captain)

6 Laurent KOSCIELNY

7 Tomas ROSICKY

8 Mikel ARTETA (Vice Captain)

9 Lukas PODOLSKI

10 Jack WILSHERE

11 Andre SANTOS (on loan at Gremio)

12 Olivier GIROUD

14 Theo WALCOTT

15 Alex OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN

16 Aaron RAMSEY

17 Nacho MONREAL

18 Sebastien SQUILLACI

19 Santi CAZORLA

20 Johan DJOUROU (on loan at Hannover 96)

21 Lukasz FABIANSKI

22 Francis COQUELIN

23 Andrey ARSHAVIN

24 Vito MANNONE

25 Carl JENKINSON

26 Emmanuel FRIMPONG (on loan at Fulham)

27 GERVINHO Yao Kouassi

28 Kieran GIBBS

29 Marouane CHAMAKH (on loan at West Ham United)

30 PARK Chu-Young (on loan at Celta Vigo)

31 RYO Miyaichi (on loan at Wigan Athletic)

52 Nicklas BENDTNER (on loan at Juventus)

Goalkeepers

Wojciech Szczesny has emerged as first choice, and is an excellent choice in goal for the next 10 years – he is commanding and a good shot-stopper. Lukasz Fabianski is an excellent reserve, and his main strengths lay in his shot-stopping ability and distribution. Vito Mannone is a solid third choice, and has good distribution, but can lack intelligence. Young prospects for this position are limited to Argentine stopper Damian Martinez, but the other young goalkeepers (James Shea, Reice Charles-Cook, Dejan Iliev & Josh Vickers) are unlikely to make it at Arsenal.

Right Back

Bacary Sagna is first choice at right back, and has been a loyal and consistently excellent player for 5 years now. He begins the season still recovering from his 2nd broken leg in 7 months and as such his deputy is Carl Jenkinson, who despite looking very ordinary, is surprisingly very reliable and is extremely hard working, and worth giving some match experience to. Francis Coquelin can play here adequately well, and Johan Djourou has filled in here with limited success too. Youngsters for this position include Hector Bellerin, Nico Yennaris and Craig Eastmond who are reasonable, and the unproven Alfred Mugabo.

Left Back

The left back slot is up for grabs – the contenders are Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal. Kieran Gibbs is a quick & energetic left back, with some work to do improving the defensive side of his game. Monreal is mobile, has a good final ball and defensively more sound than Gibbs. Andre Santos is superb going forward, but not especially hard-working or determined and is out on loan. Thomas Vermaelen can play comfortably at left back. Young prospects in this position are limited. Martin Angha looks the best young player, but he is more comfortable at centre-back. Samir Bihmoutine & Jernade Meade will not meet the required standards, and Arinse Uade & Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill are unlikely to either, but should be given a chance to impress in the academy side.

Centre Back

There appears to be a “2 from 3” scenario in the centre of defence. Captain Thomas Vermaelen is a great leader, aggressive, and has a penchant for scoring goals. Laurent Koscielny has recently signed a 5 year deal on the back of an impressive campaign, who is an intelligent and mobile defender. Per Mertesacker is the final of the trio and while slow, is very strong and extremely intelligent, and should not be underestimated. Johan Djourou is out on loan, and Sebastien Squillaci is still at the club, and not the worst player to have around should you need extra cover at the back. Ignasi Miquel is a talented young prospect. Martin Angha looks like he could be a good player given the right training and loan spells. Elton Monteiro, Zac Fagan & Isaac Hayden have little future at Arsenal, and Leander Siemann and Tommy Dallison are rather unknown talents.

Defensive Midfield

Since the sale of Alex Song, there are limited options in the holding midfield position. Mikel Arteta can perform the role very well, but in a Deep-Lying Playmaker category. Francis Coquelin is a mobile and intelligent young midfielder and a top prospect. Emmanuel Frimpong is a more aggressive and a rather more limited player, currently out on loan. Craig Eastmond and Nico Yennaris are the better prospects for this position. Glen Kamara’s potential is unknown & Jordan Wynter will have no future at Arsenal.

Central Midfield

Mikel Arteta is an obvious candidate to play in central midfield. Arsenal are also blessed with the powerful Abou Diaby, the creative & hard working Aaron Ramsey, experienced Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky (who is injured until October), and finally Jack Wilshere is returning from injury and can play an important role running your midfield. Arsenal have plenty of talented young prospects in this area of the pitch – Kyle Ebecilio (energetic midfielder), Chuks Aneke (powerful and rangy midfielder), Josh Rees (intelligent player), Jon Toral (energetic & good technique), Conor Henderson (intelligent player) – with Ebecilio and Toral the best 2 prospects.

Attacking Midfield

In the Attacking Midfield position is Arsenal’s best player – Santi Cazorla a £16m signing from Malaga in the summer. Cazorla is intelligent and technically outstanding. The mercurial Andrey Arshavin is a worthwhile back-up in the position, and while he has questionable work rate, he is extremely creative still. Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky, Abou Diaby & Aaron Ramsey can all play this position very well, giving you plenty of options. Serge Gnabry is a young, promising talent that is worth investing the time developing. Kristoffer Olsson is a talented playmaker & Samuel Galindo is out on loan. Unknown Jack Jebb completes the roster of midfielders. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also an option for this position, and his direct nature could offer a very different option to Cazorla’s creativity.

Right Flank

Arsenal’s options on the right flank include pacy Winger-cum-Striker Theo Walcott, with the more tricky Gervinho an alternative. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain is a very talented option and should be given plenty of time to play and develop. Cazorla and Arshavin are capable of playing anywhere across the advanced midfield roles. Serge Gnabry can also play on this flank, and the young players here are Sanchez Watt (who has no future at Arsenal), Anthony Jeffrey, Tarum Dawkins & Alex Iwobi.

Left Flank

Arsenal’s left flank options are Gervinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain and German international Lukas Podolski. The pacy German has an excellent eye for goal. Arshavin and Cazorla again, can both play out on the left flank too. Young prospect Zak Ansah does not have the talent to succeed at Arsenal, but Anthony Jeffrey is a decent prospect. On-loan Ryo Miyaichi is an interesting prospect.

Strikers

Olivier Giroud is Arsenal’s new £12m signing from French Champions Montpellier. He is a powerful Target Man, with a superb shot and is strong in the air. Podolski is a good option up front, and Theo Walcott is pushing for a striking berth, but lacks the link-play for a lone striker role. Gervinho is capable of playing as the central striker and offers a very different kind of option with some excellent dribbling and pace, but lacks composure. Young talents are the on-loan Wellington Silva, Joel Campbell & Benik Afobe. Marouane Chamakh, Park Chu-Young and Nicklas Bendtner are out on loan.

Tactical Analysis – Arsenal are instructed to play “attacking football”, “possession football” and “develop players from the club’s youth system” – with the tactical instructions in mind, and the players available here are some recommendations:

Formations – Arsenal are suited to a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-5-1 formation. They are also capable of playing 4-3-3, 4-4-2 & 4-1-2-1-2 formations as well.

Playing Style - Considering the instructions for possession football, a short passing style is also recommended. The more appropriate Philosophies to use are Balanced or Fluid to ensure a decent shape to encourage the possession game, as well as allowing the freedom in attack needed for an attacking game.

Recommended Player Roles – You have the capability of using a stopper/cover or defend-defend in the backline. Central Defenders are more suited to playing a possession style of football. Several of the central midfielders suit an “Advanced Playmaker” role, and you have quick wide players who suit the roles of “Winger” and “Inside Forward” very well. In attack Giroud & Chamakh are excellent as a “Target Man” whereas Podolski is more suited to leading the line as a “Poacher” or “Complete Forward”

Recommended First XI –

Szczesny

Sagna – Mertesacker – Vermaelen - Gibbs

Arteta

Cazorla – Wilshere

Walcott - Podolski

Giroud

Staff Analysis

Steve Bould is new assistant manager. Team’s coaching staff is generally of good quality, although could do with a new fitness coach and an extra first team coach. Physio department is well-stocked for all teams, with Colin Lewin Head Physio. Steve Rowley is Head Scout, and Francis Cagigao & Gilles Grimandi particularly good scouts in a good department.

Team Colours

Club Facilities

Stadium – Emirates Stadium

City – London

Stadium Capacity – 60,361

Year Built – 2006

Owned by – Arsenal

Stadium Condition – Very Good

Under Soil Heating – Yes

Roof – No

Surface – Grass

Pitch Dimensions – 104x67m

Maximum Dimension – 109x71m

Pitch Condition – Perfect

Training Facilities – Top Training Facilities

Youth Facilities – Top Youth Facilities

Youth Setup Category – 1

Reserve Stadium – Underhill, London

Youth Stadium – London Colney, St. Albans

Training Ground – London Colney, St. Albans

Corporate Facilities – Top Corporate Facilities

Junior Coaching – Good Junior Coaching

Youth Recruitment – Well Established Youth Recruitment

Final Word

Arsenal have sold Alex Song & Robin van Persie in the close season to Barcelona and Man United respectively, and signed Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud to replace them. With the club trophyless for 7 years, your task is to win something, whilst also adhering to the boards instructions to “play possession football”, “play attacking football” and “develop players using the clubs youth system”.

Victoria Concordia Crescit

[llama3]

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[Rubentus_Juventus]

Lukas Podolski on the left would be pretty dodgy wouldn't it? Dribbling of 12 isn't too good.

[llama3]

12 is perfectly adequate, his strengths lie elsewhere, and are equally valuable

[Rubentus_Juventus]

Yeah interested to see how people go with him (when used out wide)

[SRL88]

Jesus christ. I thought I was going to be eaten alive when the club badge popped up!!!

Nice thread dude.

[Champfan10]

I've just finished my first season as Arsenal and I found 4-2-3-1 was the best formation to suit the players, but not with wingers:-

Here you can see how its been more successful than the other tactics I've tried:-

I did only finish 6th however, but was in a very lowly 11th until I switched to this formation for my final 11 games winning 7, drawing 2 and losing 2.

[Guest]

I like that formation above , but can podolski ,walcott , gervinho and so on play in more central roles you have above?

cheers

[arsenalthebest]

i'm playing with a 4-2-2-2(wide) formation i'm considering 4-1-3-2(deep) formation

[Champfan10]

I like that formation above , but can podolski ,walcott , gervinho and so on play in more central roles you have above?

cheers

I've sold Gervinho, Podolski can as one of the inside forwards and Walcott would need to be trained, he played up front as the poacher for me when I rested Giroud and did well. He is a natural striker on FM13 don't forget.

[Guest]

cool I may sell Walcott though I can 19m for him at the start from Chelsea, also anyone wondering , carl jenkinson has been improved on fm13 , he has been very soild for me and been

namned player of the month and been included in team of the week 2 times on the spin!

[Champfan10]

cool I may sell Walcott though I can 19m for him at the start from Chelsea, also anyone wondering , carl jenkinson has been improved on fm13 , he has been very soild for me and been

namned player of the month and been included in team of the week 2 times on the spin!

I was tempted when they came knocking but I was using him out wide at that point!

[Guest]

I was tempted when they came knocking but I was using him out wide at that point!

yeah same , Im going to restart soon anyway.

[davehanson]

Good thread, will probably give Arsenal a go at some point. But, Arsenal didn't sell RVP to City (last paragraph) but to Utd.

[llama3]

Good thread, will probably give Arsenal a go at some point. But, Arsenal didn't sell RVP to City (last paragraph) but to Utd.

embarrassing error from me there - fixed now

[davehanson]

embarrassing error from me there - fixed now

It's all good. Got a bit bogged down in my save I have got going on (think there are a few too many errors at the moment to make a long term save enjoyable) so going to start a new game with Arsenal.

Going to want to buy a more defensive minded central midfielder though. Thinking of Fellaini at the moment, but not sure how much he will set me back.

[Sean3h]

It's all good. Got a bit bogged down in my save I have got going on (think there are a few too many errors at the moment to make a long term save enjoyable) so going to start a new game with Arsenal.

Going to want to buy a more defensive minded central midfielder though. Thinking of Fellaini at the moment, but not sure how much he will set me back.

In my game I managed to get Cabaye for £20m which was nice. Obviously he's not a super defensive player, but has tackling of 14 iirc which isn't shabby at all.

The main thing I am struggling with is getting a formation to work. Regardless of which formation I try (I've tried over a few different saves) I ship goals left right and center. Anybody got any tips?

[london boy]

I would play Podolski as a striker, he's always guaranteed lots of goals for me in past versions of FM.

[CalumF]

Wanting to play Arsenal with a 4231 formation with Arteta playing as a deep lying playmaker. My problem with the squad is that it is lacking a really good midfield ball winner. I can see problems with Arteta next to a Diaby, Ramsey or Wilshere, especially away from home were you need someone in the middle of the park to win tackles and can use their strength and stamina. Signing is needed in this position for the team to succeed for me.

Thoughts?

[trollie]

on my arsenal game i always rush demba ba, sell a multitude of players including walcott for 20m to chelsea, then purchase mario gotze for 24m, isco and jovetic for 17m each. game then got too easy lol. best DM you can get at the start is mvilla for 17m or capoue for 14m.

[Bluebeard]

I played relatively true to life and signed M'Vila for £18m (c. 14m over 48 months).

Now trying to sign a new left back and thinking of getting Criscito.

I've also signed Dzagoev as he's bargainous (i.e. free).

[SteveUK]

Nice thread!, Just started an Arsenal save, transfers are as follows

In - Andre Ayew (15.75mil)

Jelle Vossen (4mil)

Ruben Yttergard Jenssen (4mil)

Victor Wanyama (8.5mil)

Jonas Svensson (1.3mil)

Leonard Kweuke (3.2mil)

Yohan Cabaye (5mil + Mertersacker)

Vegard Forren (4.8mil)

Herman Stengel (35k)

Etienne Capoue (13mil)

Harry Maguire (Joins end of season for 3mil)

Wilfried Bony (13mil)

Out - Sebastien Squillaci (1.4mil)

Andrey Arshavin (6.5mil)

Andre Santos (8.75mil)

Per Mertesacker (P/EX)

Abou Diaby (loan with fee to buy)

Marouane Chamakh (loan with fee to buy)

Francis) Coquelin (loan)

Johan Djourou (loan with fee to buy)

Several other reserve/youth members loaned out.

First team for me is - Szczesny

Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Gibbs

Arteta

Cabaye Cazorla

Gervinho Podolski/Ayew

Giroud

16.59Million remains in the transfer budget as well as around 60k in wages, i still feel i need possibly a left back, Centre back and a goalkeeper though Gibbs/Forren/Verminator should be more enough for left back duties for now i guess, id rather have dick and dom in goal than those two error prone stooges (Mannone/Fabianski) so i tried and succeeded in unsettling Marc-Andrew ter Stegen, but gladbach insist on raising the transfer fee each time i bid for him, initially they wanted 18mil, then 20mil now 25mil so i might have to look elsewhere while he sits on the transfer list extremely unhappy.

[arsenalthebest]

2012/13 Season Preview

formations:

: 4-2-2-2(wide) http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=103800589

4-1-3-2 (with a dm and 3 am's)http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=103800176

Transfer:

Out:

Podolski- Man City/£18m

Walcott-Man City/£16.5m

Squillaci- Celtic/£1.3m

In

Lewandowski-dortmund-£22m

Chris Wood-west Brom-3.4m

Loans

Out

Eisfeld-Wycombe

Akpom-Preston

Gnarby-Mk Dons

[Llew_Arshavin23]

Started an Arsenal save on the FM13 beta version. Must admit, I'm really excited for the complete version.

Can't help but think that a few players - Carl Jenkinson, Damián Martínez and Nico Yennaris in particular - have been underrated. That's an argument for another thread, though.

[JEinchy]

Bare in mind that their attributes would have been based on last season's form, not this season's. I don't think anyone foresaw Jenkinson improving as much as he has.

I haven't got the beta version of the game, so would anyone mind telling me how players like Thomas Eisfeld, Serge Gnabry, Kris Olsson, Jon Toral and Chuba Akpom are rated? Are they actually worth developing this year?

[SteveUK]

Bare in mind that their attributes would have been based on last season's form, not this season's. I don't think anyone foresaw Jenkinson improving as much as he has.

I haven't got the beta version of the game, so would anyone mind telling me how players like Thomas Eisfeld, Serge Gnabry, Kris Olsson, Jon Toral and Chuba Akpom are rated? Are they actually worth developing this year?

A quick look through them and none look particularly promising, unless their stats change drastically in 1-2 years i cant see any of them worth keeping on my own save.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Why did you spend 34m on Chris Wood, seems a ridiculous amount to spend on him.

[Craig_R.U.F.C]

Serge Gnabry will become good if he is tutored properly and gets enough game time. Guessing he would be best as an AM? I will use him there, get someone to tutor him and see how he does.

[Wiwyum]

Are you guys buying high passing ability players to recreate the Arsenal style?

[Llew_Arshavin23]

Are you guys buying high passing ability players to recreate the Arsenal style?

That'd be a good start. Although, players' passing attributes aren't the only thing which contribute to replicating a similar style of play to The Arsenal. Creativity, Composure, First Touch, Off The Ball movement & Decisions all help when trying to recruit a player who'd fit well into the Arsenal type of play.

You, probably, have to make sure he's fully equipped to keep up with the pace of the Premier League game, too.

[Suggy33]

Just started my Arsenal save. Wanted to go for youth as always, but many targets are wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy over-priced. Have managed to wrangle a few deals though, despite maybe paying over the odds for a couple of them.

Whilst tactically, in pre-season, I was having the most success with this formation:

But it sucks in the league, 2 losses from 2, against Soton and ManCity.

[llama3]

Wanting to play Arsenal with a 4231 formation with Arteta playing as a deep lying playmaker. My problem with the squad is that it is lacking a really good midfield ball winner. I can see problems with Arteta next to a Diaby, Ramsey or Wilshere, especially away from home were you need someone in the middle of the park to win tackles and can use their strength and stamina. Signing is needed in this position for the team to succeed for me.

Thoughts?

diaby IS strong and has good stamina - Arteta is not bad defensively too - wilshere is intelligent and aggressive as well - add in coquelin and i have had no problems at all

[Llew_Arshavin23]

I'm still in pre-season. Heading towards the final games of our pre-organised tour of North America. It's going okay. I've yet to win, but the standard of play is quite good. Can definitely see the improvements in FM13's match engine.

Moving onto transfers, I've managed to bring in VFl Bochum's Leon Goretzka - who I noticed Suggy's bought too - on a three-week trial period. Hopefully, a deal can be concluded soon. Outgoings: I've resisted a £19.5 million bid for Theo Walcott from Chelsea, while Chuks Aneke's gone out on loan to Charlton.

Enjoying FM13 so far

[llama3]

suggy your team looks like 2 broken halves! You are playing with 5 attackers! No wonder it sucks in the league! Try playing some central midfielders, or at the very least, get your anchorman to play a more expansive game mate.

[arsenalthebest]

suggy your team looks like 2 broken halves! You are playing with 5 attackers! No wonder it sucks in the league! Try playing some central midfielders, or at the very least, get your anchorman to play a more expansive game mate.

i playing wth a very similar formation to suggy but with a striker replacing one of he amc's and the 2 wbs pushed back I have 6 wins from 6 games

GK: Szczesny-GK-D

RB: Jenkinson WB--S

CB Vermaelen CD-d

CB- Mertersacker LE-D

LB Gibbs FB-D

AML Gervingo W-A

AMC- Carzorla T-A

AMR Arteta AP-A

ST Giroud TM-A

ST Lewandowski DLP -A

[Guest]

Started an Arsenal save on the FM13 beta version. Must admit, I'm really excited for the complete version.

Can't help but think that a few players - Carl Jenkinson, Damián Martínez and Nico Yennaris in particular - have been underrated. That's an argument for another thread, though.

Not sure about Carl Jenkinson being underrated he is playing great on my save , although improvments are needed on the fm13 ME , at times the defence is non existent.

[arsenalthebest]

Not sure about Carl Jenkinson being underrated he is playing great on my save , although improvments are needed on the fm13 ME , at times the defence is non existent.

k agree somtimes defenders/keeper just stand watch the oppo get the ball though they EASILY would of got there first

[llama3]

Carl Jenkinson's average attribute score for a Wing Back Support role is 14 - Bacary Sagna's is 15 - he isn't that far from Sagna really. He has a superb combination of Determination, Teamwork, Work Rate & Stamina - this makes him unbelievably consistent.

[nik_m]

Haven't got the game yet, but I'm thinking of playing a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 formation with someone like m'vila as DM, Wilshere and Arteta as CM's, Cazorla AMC and Podolski and Giroud up front.

[llama3]

you could try Arteta at DM, Wilshere & Diaby/Rosicky/Ramsey at MC and Cazorla at AMC? Gervinho and Walcott could be used in attack with a 4-1-2-1-2 narrow system too

[NorthernGooner]

I think we could do with another Striker at the club, playing Podolski out left, and with Giroud upfront, the other striker that is on my bench is Chamakh, I was thinking of Ba, worth his £7 million release clause?

[Eugster]

Started as Arsenal and am really enjoying the game as a whole tbh. Of course there are some issues I would expect to be fixed by the time the full version is released.

Transfers

In's

Demba Ba - €8 million

Alan Dzagoev - €2.6 million

Aymen Abdennour - €12.75 million

Michael Gregitsch - €2.3 million

Out's

Andrey Arshavin - €5 million

Seb Squallaci - €675k

Per Mertesaker - €10.75 million

Chamackh - Loan

There are heaps of other loans for younger players of course.

I play a 4-2-3-1

GK: Chesney

DR: Sagna

DC: Koscielny

DC: Vermalen

DL: Gibbs

MC: Diaby

MC: Arteta

AMR: Theo

AMC; Cazorla

AML: Podolski

ST: Giroud

Podolski picked up and injury for about 6 weeks, his replacement has been The Ox who has done well so far.

Results

Premiership

Arsenal 4 - 2 Reading

Fulham 2 -2 Arsenal (We scored 2 goals in the last minute to rescue a point in this one after a poor display)

Arsenal 1 - 1 Newcastle (We conceded a late goal here to throw away 2 points)

Arsenal 3 - 2 Chelsea (Went up 3 nil and conceded 2 sloppy goals but held on for the win)

Aston Villa 1 - 2 Arsenal

Champions League

Shakhtar 1 - 3 Arsenal

Player Performances/Impressions

Podolski playing on the left was extremely good although he got injured after 3 games, but managed to score 4 goals in those 3 games

Giroud looks a decent striker, grabbed 2 nice goals against Shakhtar and a winner against Villa.

Demba Ba hasn't been amazing just yet but still he scored a vital goal against Chelsea.

Theo Walcott playing as a winger has been superb in the games he's played.

Chesney has also been excellent, better than he should have to be.

Jenkinson, Diaby, The Ox and Koscielny are the only others that have impressed me, the rest have been quite meh so far.

[Sean3h]

Why have people been selling Mertesacker? Too slow? I am bringing in Aldeweireld but am looking to sell Djourou (never really use him)

[llama3]

I think Mertesacker is outstanding. His average attributes rating for a Central Defender is higher than Vermaelen and Koscielny's.

[Eugster]

That's why I sold him anyway. I didn't intend to sell him but I played him in one pre-season game and he was awful, his pace really exposed.

[SteveUK]

Finished my pre-season friendlies, it was a mixed bag

3-0(away) win V FC Vaslui

3-0(away) loss V Lokomotiv moscow

3-1(away) win V AC Arles-Avignon

4-2(away) win V Cowdenbeath

3-0(away) win v Portsmouth

Not sure what was going wrong in the Moscow match, hostile crowd and lots of new players into the team at a guess.

First 3 games of the season

0-0(Home) draw V Tottenham

3-2(Away) win V Wigan

4-4(Home) draw V Fulham

All 3 games so far ive struggled in keeping possession of the ball finishing the games with an average of 40percent-60percent(opponent) ratio, the fulham game was pretty amazing for a few reasons, was 1-0 down after 15mins, then 3-1 up at halftime, cazorla was sent off just before half time(straight red), they came out second half and equalised, started to think we was going to concede some more but managed to get a goal from a corner, they equalised in the 90th minute though through berbatov sadly.

noticed a few issues with the match engine too, giroud struck a powerful shot against the post but instead of the ball rebounding/flying off in any direction it just stopped dead on the spot, and also a shot that resulted in a goal went across the goal line then out through the net, though this is a known issue. The worst thing ive seen so far is my right back pass the ball back under no pressure to the goalkeeper for it to just go through the goalkeeper into the goal.

[llama3]

report those as bugs, but it is only a beta version, so there are going to be bugs