A very subjective look into AWFC

by Demian Arriaga

PODCAST

  • Alone at last

    In between watching football, listening to podcasts about football, watching YouTube shows about football, listening to talkSPORT and blogging or podcasting about football, I do have a life and that life has a lot to do with music. A lot of people think that musicians just practice all day until its time to perform and although this isn’t too far off, there are things that we do that are very important when we’re off stage.

    As you can imagine this can bring parallels between football, as in the whole on and off the pitch situation. Much like in football, when you’re off the stage as a musician you do indeed a lot of analyzing. That could be listening to music, watching live shows in person or on YouTube, taking lessons and many other things. One of those things that some musicians do is get really nerdy about gear, who is playing what instruments, why the choose that, how they setup, how they get the tone for a specific part or drum or guitar, etc etc etc.

    I do A LOT of this, like a lot. And one of my favorite things to watch are “tour kit rundown” videos from Modern Drummer, who are the #1 source of drumming, for drummers, etc. During these videos they go over a ton of details of drum tuning, positioning, what cymbals they use, and lots more. It’s usually super informative and even you don’t like the drummer/band its always fascinating to see what they use, how and why.

    A few days ago I was watching one of drummer Todd Sucherman and at some point they were chatting about the emotions right before going on stage and essentially he said that even though you are about to play in front of thousands of people, you get on stage and you think: “alone at last!”

    Which of course is super interesting and contradicting. He’s definitely not alone as he’s not only playing with 5 or 6 people on stage, plus the crew plus a crowd of thousands. He said this because for the time he’s on stage that is where he is. He is present. That’s all that matters. No phones, no news, no politics, no wars, no drama, no notifications, none of that. When you are on stage you are free. You are alone, with people, but alone and present and also not. It’s incredible and it’s one of my favorite things about performing.

    To be fair this can be extended to practicing and other things but that takes a bit more concentration and discipline and nothing awakens those things more than football, for me anyway.

    I always try to draw parallels with/to football and this is why at the end of the day, the results don’t bother me too, too much. I say this because to me, as a fellow artist, because football is art, what I care the most about is the fact that they get to live this. In a world where they are judged, over judged, talked about, stalked, glorified, and much more, and worse actually, the fact that they have 90 minutes to be free and alone at last, is so deep and meaningful.

    This might not be what people mean when they say “football is life” but this is how I assimilate it.

    d ❤

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  • Just a friendly?

    Yesterday was a very informative day and I feel there were a lot of takeaways from different things/situations/perspectives so I’m gonna randomly chat about those few things just as they come to my mind and it’ll be very ADD. Thanks for following along.

    I love this team, I love how lucky we are to have the players we have play for our squad. My life is better whenever they play. For those 90 minutes, no matter how incredible or tough life can be, things are just incredible even if the match is frustrating. Yesterday is definitely was frustrating.

    I was frustrated by Kim playing so so so deep. I was frustrated by Khul playing on the wing when we all know her best position is central. I was frustrated with Caitlin foord not hitting the target and of course I was frustrated by the current manager, which I predict won’t be there come November because this football is not good enough to beat City.

    I love Steph and I really enjoy every time she’s playing and if she’s playing central that’s great for me. Also even though she’s getting some criticism I think Leah played well and these are the matches she needs to build her fitness back up.

    Rosa was good and I would like her and Alessia to swap places more ofter. To me Alessia is better dropping a bit deeper and Rosa can go up as our 9 from time to time.

    And as far as Alessia goes, and I mean no offense and no disrespect but this idea that the current manager says she’s the best finisher he’s ever worked with, after having worked with Vivianne Miedema is nothing but insulting and a petty comment and if he thinks we don’t know what he’s trying to do then he is just who i think he is.

    I know people will have excuses about this performance and one of them is how it’s preseason but Chelsea have a brand new manager, tons of players missing, players in new positions and they looked pretty damn solid and this is not saying we didn’t look good because all things considered I think we’ll be ok, but to me it just proves that this idea of needing time and the right conditions is absolute nonsense.

    The DAZN commentary here in the USA was absolutely terrible. Names mispronounced and the co-commentator basically was saying the most generic and shallow analysis of a match I think I have ever heard? It was pretty comical and I had to mute it at some point.

    Love seeing Laura and I’m glad Fox didn’t play at all.

    Caldentey came in just when I had to leave my house and I couldn’t watch most of the second half but I will try today if I have time because I’m very excited about her.

    Glad KCC got some minutes. We’re gonna need her this season.

    But I would trade it all to have Viv back in our squad. I don’t care what anyone thinks.

    There’s something missing. And as of yet the vibe is off.

    There’s no way this is sustainable.

    We need Casey Stoney

    d ❤

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  • Almost there

    We’re so very close to the season getting under way and I can hardly contain myself. It’s almost 11am and the match isn’t for another couple of hours and I’m pretty damn excited, much more than I ever expected to be quite honestly.

    There were a few days between matches for the girls to enjoy the city and take in probably the last “easy and chill” few days before the insane upcoming season and I’m so very glad that they were able to do that, just wished it was closer to London to be honest because traveling can be absolutely mental to and from the USA, even on a chartered flight.

    I heard that a few of the girls went to a watch party, took a few questions and from what was told to me, every single one of the players was incredibly kind, gracious and super generous with their time with the fans, and of course I wouldn’t expect anything different but its always nice to hear.

    Honestly I would be lying to you if I said I knew what today will be like or what I actually think will happen. All things considered, if this is even an “in his defense” situation, if there’s one thing that the current manager keeps us all guessing and my guess would be that this extends to the opposition as well.

    But if I were to take a guess I would say that we’ll see somewhat of a similar lineup that I mentioned a few days ago, but I would assume Frida and Kim will play as the CDM and have Rosa start right behind Stina.

    As far as what I’m looking for this particular match I would say its match fitness and intensity. I wanna see the intention behind the runs, the tackles, the pressing and basically anything that will imply being ready for the match against Rangers.

    Whatever happens I’m not really concerned or excited about the actual result, I just want to see intensity like I said and most of all, everyone staying injury free.

    Enjoy the match

    d ❤

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  • Don’t do it…

    My friends, I could’ve sworn I had posted something today but as life would have it, and by life I mean my bad memory, I in fact did not post a thing and with the sheer panic of that realization, as it’s getting later and later in my day and won’t have time to write, I have no idea what to write about and I’m basically dealing with what some people would consider writer’s block but I think it’s different.

    It’s been a very long and tedious summer as it relates to football for me. So many matches and competitions that don’t really include AWFC and life just isn’t the same without the girls playing often. It has become such a massive part of my life and this blog is a massive part of that as well because, as I’m a creature of habit and routine, writing every day roughly at the same time it has given me some sense of purpose in the AWFC space and I’m very grateful for that and I’m proud of how weird this blog and podcast are.

    Speaking of… I do intend to release a weekly podcast episode but I’m still not positive about how I will feel. Among the reasons why its because every podcast and show does the same thing, the same type of previews, the same predictions, etc and frankly I find it so boring and predictable but all of them are so fun and interesting and I’m always curious to know what people say but more than anything is HOW they say it. Much like hearing our current manager speak… it’s not just about what he says but how.

    And while I’m at it, its so wild to see people fly across the Atlantic to float the silliest and easiest and most ambiguous of questions of the manager, whose feet should be held to the fire in every single press conference, but alas, such is the nature of people wanting access to the club and don’t wanna ruffle any feathers.

    Aaaaaanyway, I’m actually excited about tomorrow because any match vs Chelsea is interesting to me and I’m gonna try my best to be less invested emotionally this season, but we all know that is not going to happen.

    I’m expecting a 2-2 draw and I don’t know if there are penalties or what… Either way this is the last friendly which only means one thing: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFICATION first.

    d ❤

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  • Good problem

    For many, the lack of goals was the biggest issue with the team last season. I am not someone to dispute stats and so on but I do think there are other things that need to be addressed in other to get to another level and it all starts and ends with one person aka the current manager.

    But he/us have a very good “problem” at the moment and that is that we have a lot of attacking power. Beth, Stina, Russo, McCabe, Hurtig, Caldentey and Rossa. That’s a lot of players for very few positions and as much as it will be difficult to find the ideal trio or quarter and so on, the fact that we have these players at our disposal is pretty incredible.

    This problem always reminds me of artists that have an incredible catalog of songs and they have a very hard time figuring out what their setlist should be. There is always a few that will miss out and fans always have an opinion.

    The REAL problem is when you only have a couple of good songs and you have to figure out how to build a set around it so that it makes sense regarding the flow of the show… like you don’t wanna play your best 3 songs back to back to back because then what? Of course you’re fans are gonna know the B sides and deep cuts but the chances are that the casual audience will just check out, unless you perform those less good songs, really really well and you sell then damn thing.

    In sports you can have something similar happen, when you have one or two star players and the rest of the team play for their strengths and so on and unlike a concert, this has a much more realistic chance of it being a good thing as we have seen time and time again. I find all of these parallels very fascinating.

    The defense is getting up there with the attack as far as really good players in all positions and with Daphne now we have depth in the GK position as well. But like I’ve mentioned in the past few blogs, I still think we need another player in midfield if nothing else for rotation. And let me be clear, this also applies and should apply to the rest of the team.

    What I’m looking out mostly for this season is lots and lots of rotation and as much as I love the idea of a best XI, I’m so down to seeing a lot of different XIs.

    d ❤

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  • One regret

    As many of you know, I live in LA which is NOT DC. I had been pretty resolute in my decision to not spend money/time and travel to watch the girls play these friendlies here in the USA but I have to say that after some thought I do have one regret and thinking back, even though logistically it wouldn’t have worked anyway, I might’ve changed some plans around.

    My regret is that I missed the open training session which to be completely honest, interests me more than a match itself. Not just because it’s a friendly with zero stakes, but also because I have been to a couple of matches, whereas I’ve never witnesses a training session and this is something that I sadly passed on and I didn’t even know it would take place, but I should’ve known better.

    In the couple of matches I’ve been able to attend, one of my favorite parts, if not may favorite was the anticipation right before and nothing exemplifies that more than the pre match warmups. It’s fascinating. The idea of watching them train is basically that on steroids, while taking away any sort of nerves and anxiety on my end, making it all much more enjoyable.

    This is one of the many things I envy people that get to see the girls play every weekend. It’s so amazing that they get to experience and it makes me so very happy plus from the people I know directly I know most, if not all, absolutely love this too and they cherish and value it so very much.

    Looking ahead there’s a big chance I won’t be able to watch the match vs Chelsea live and not sure there will be an option for me to watch a replay but I have to say that I feel that this is a transition season in a way and I’m more anxious than I am excited.

    Very curious to know what you think!

    The reason is because I feel we need a world class player in midfield unless the current manager plays Katie there, and I’m willing to die on that hill and million times over because she’s an incredibly gifted player that can play literally anywhere. There’s more depth needed and I’m also not against another defender so there’s less pressure on Leah and LWM.

    d ❤

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  • Gunners N’ Rosa

    In terms of the worst titles and puns I have come up with this might be one of the worst, and that is saying a lot. Regardless of my terrible and lame attempt at being funny I do wanna get serious for a moment because I watched extended highlights of the match and then I watched it again in full and I wanna talk about Rosa.

    Now, I’m hesitant to label her one assist to Alessia as this new partnership as if they were telepathically connected because they aren’t yet, but I’m very excited about that potential link up. Also because Rosa seemed to be given some freedom and she played central and also on the right a bit.

    If this is what we see in a few days I wouldn’t be mad. Not saying this is exactly what I would do if I were the manager, just sharing something with you. Also, I’m always championing for Katie to play more and more central and advanced on the pitch so I’m including her at left back because I don’t see a team without her in it.

    d ❤

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  • Kuhl kuhl kuhl

    I am one of those people that feel that Katherine is a very special player. I understand why some people have some apprehension and the loans she’s been on justify that situation but it’s more like confirmation bias in a way. I do not fully trust the current manager’s judgement and ability so the fact he sends her on loan doesn’t automatically mean that she is NOT ready. I just have to go with what I see.

    What I see is a very poised, elegant player that hasn’t been give a proper chance yet and as usual I don’t think that this manager is capable of getting the best out of her and I don’t think he knows what her best position is.

    When she signed I remember reading or hearing that the same Danish coach that worked with Harder said that Kuhl was considerably better at the same age and maybe I sound like I dislike our manager that much but I trust basically anyone over him. I’m ok with that and I will die on the hill that we will thrive under a different person in charge.

    One of the words that comes to mind when I think of Katherine is “fluidity”… everything just flows and moves elegantly and effortlessly. We have that with Lia and Kim and sometimes with Frida but definitely not with Pelova. I personally never thought she was at the level of the rest of the squad and would’ve sent her on loan instead of Kuhl because I don’t see a ceiling with her, but I do with Victoria.

    But, in her defense, I just will always go back to knowing in my heart of hearts that all players have a limit to their capabilities if they play under the current manager. Anyway, this isn’t about comparing anyone because I also think that Victoria has a bright future ahead, perhaps not at Arsenal but that’s a different thing altogether.

    The reality is that if we imagine Victoria was as good as Kim and Lia, and this injury happens… wouldn’t you replace her with someone as good? The lack of transfers in the midfield department are worrisome for me but I think Katherine can help us in the meantime.

    I can see Kim and Lia hold down as two 6s and have Rosa as a 10 and Alessia as our 9 with Beth and Caldentey on the flanks. I would like to see that actually. But I’m always torn as to what I’d like to see and what I predict the manager will do so Idk.

    So, if you’re following you’d be like: Demian wtf you silly donut, where’s Kuhl in all of this?

    I rather see Kim as a 10 than lie deep so maybe that double pivot is Lia and Kuhl. That would be great too.

    Also I cannot wait to see Amanda come back.

    d ❤

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  • That kit tho

    Yesterday’s pre season match in DC was pretty interesting, to say the least. I didn’t particularly find it very interesting or thoroughly informative for that matter but there were a few things that stood out to me that are worth talking about with the biggest and most important of all being the debut of the third kit.

    I can’t explain to you how hideous I find the current away kit. Obviously it’s all a matter of opinion and there are no right on wrong ones, but that second kit is just about the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen and it sucks that we’re gonna have to see it so often. It’s truly awful to me and the more I see the girls use the kit they wore yesterday, the better. The Stella kit was one I also found ugly as hell until I saw one in person and I changed my mind and there was also the added value and aura of it being a bespoke kit for the women’s squad and I truly wish something like that was done again.

    There are not many things I enjoy more in life than watching Leah, Kim, Katie and Beth play football on the same pitch together. So for that fact alone yesterday was good? But like I said before, I wasn’t enthralled and didn’t see anything exciting other than Kuhl’s vision and strength, and she also seems a foot taller… and Kafaji was really, really good.

    Of course its a friendly and not everything is going to be perfect and not every player is gonna be fully fit and ready to go but with a few matches coming up very soon, the sooner we know, as fans, what to expect on the pitch the better for our anxiety and for our expectations and assumptions.

    I haven’t heard any updates on Manu and hope she’s ok and without trying to sound ungrateful or rude, I’m excited to see Daphne because she’s my favorite keeper in the world and I can’t get over the fact that she plays for us and of course she has to play in order to play for us haha.

    What I saw yesterday was basically a continuation of the predictable and pragmatic way the current manager has decided this team’s identity is. With that said, let’s see what happens next match against Chelsea and I’m also curious to know how they line up and how active their new players are, etc.

    But going back… imagine if we had a better manager, someone actually good who would energize and unite the fanbase and players. It’s not much to ask for because it’s what we deserve and I’m here to tell you that if you feel the current manager is what we deserve, you are wrong and you deserve better.

    Can’t wait to this damn season to start.

    d ❤

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  • First 45 in 45

    In 3/4 of an hour we will finally see our girls play again. The lineup is out and even thought I have my opinions about it, I don’t think they are strong enough nor are they interesting enough to go on about them. I’m just happy that Arsenal Women are back and that we get to see and not just speculate about things.

    There are a few things that I’m looking forward to and literally zero of them have to do with the current manager’s pre or post press conferences. I’m so over his rehearsed corporate rhetoric that listening to him just gets me in a bad mood.

    What I’m actually looking forward to is seeing how sharp Leah is. I want to see where Kim plays as we don’t have Lia Walti in the team and this is the most important position to me. I would love to see Katie play alongside Little I’ve explained a million times on here before. Most likely it’ll be Kuhl deeper with Kim and Frida on either side.

    Another thing I’d like to see is not just Beth Mead playing but I would also love to see her play freely and be allowed to switch flanks.

    But if there’s ONE thing that I would single out that I would really like to see I have to say that it would be long range shots. Shooting from outside the box like McCabe and Nobbs would do multiple times per game. We need so much more of that it’s not even funny. And also its a good strategy against low blocking teams and you’d expect the current manager to have sorted that out by now.

    And actually I’m gonna go back to Kuhl. I’ve always liked her and I think she is an incredible player and should’ve gotten a run in the team as I think she’s better than Pelova and with love, I don’t care what anyone thinks about that. She is better. 😉

    Gonna go make a smoothie and enjoy the match.

    d ❤

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