Billy Carpenter
@billycarpy.bsky.social
⚽️ writing and analysis, usually in the form of giant Arsenal long-reads. I also write for SCOUTED. Here's my newsletter:
https://billycarpenter.substack.com/
https://billycarpenter.substack.com/
Valiant attempt at red
November 26, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Valiant attempt at red
5. Passing lanes: Instead of over-engaging the ball-carrier, track runners and jump attempted line-breakers. They don't really lose it on miscontrols. I noticed they’re only 54.5% completion on line-breakers in the Champions League.
November 26, 2025 at 6:32 PM
5. Passing lanes: Instead of over-engaging the ball-carrier, track runners and jump attempted line-breakers. They don't really lose it on miscontrols. I noticed they’re only 54.5% completion on line-breakers in the Champions League.
4. Weak-side overcompensation: Their full-backs can sometimes over-help and over-squeeze when the ball is on the other side. This is good for late arrivers at the back post.
November 26, 2025 at 6:32 PM
4. Weak-side overcompensation: Their full-backs can sometimes over-help and over-squeeze when the ball is on the other side. This is good for late arrivers at the back post.
3. In general, test recovery pace (and agility) in wide areas. This will compound over the game: because of their injuries/suspensions, our late legs are better than theirs’ (Martinelli, Madueke, etc).
November 26, 2025 at 6:32 PM
3. In general, test recovery pace (and agility) in wide areas. This will compound over the game: because of their injuries/suspensions, our late legs are better than theirs’ (Martinelli, Madueke, etc).
2. Keep CBs second-guessing: Because of their M2M, you can a) pull out a CB and then hit it to a winger in-behind. But also, b) Merino vs Upamecano battle will be one to watch: Merino should win in the air. Double-9 thing could be helpful for midfielders/FBs running in behind.
November 26, 2025 at 6:32 PM
2. Keep CBs second-guessing: Because of their M2M, you can a) pull out a CB and then hit it to a winger in-behind. But also, b) Merino vs Upamecano battle will be one to watch: Merino should win in the air. Double-9 thing could be helpful for midfielders/FBs running in behind.
1. Attacking set pieces: Bayern have surrendered 6 in the Bundesliga, which is 75% of their total goals allowed. They pack the six-yard, but temperamentally, they don’t seem aggressive in chaotic situations in the box. Can be flat-footed. I'd look at flick-ons.
November 26, 2025 at 6:32 PM
1. Attacking set pieces: Bayern have surrendered 6 in the Bundesliga, which is 75% of their total goals allowed. They pack the six-yard, but temperamentally, they don’t seem aggressive in chaotic situations in the box. Can be flat-footed. I'd look at flick-ons.
Was thinking about this intro quote again.
November 23, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Was thinking about this intro quote again.
Think Merino has a lot to do with this back-five from Frank. Back-post crosses felt like a sure thing without an extra body.
November 23, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Think Merino has a lot to do with this back-five from Frank. Back-post crosses felt like a sure thing without an extra body.
As I was looking for more context on injuries, something that stuck out to me: out of the top-5 leagues, the Premier League had the most aerial duels and the most successful tackles, but: the fewest fouls, fewest yellows, fewest reds.
November 22, 2025 at 7:39 PM
As I was looking for more context on injuries, something that stuck out to me: out of the top-5 leagues, the Premier League had the most aerial duels and the most successful tackles, but: the fewest fouls, fewest yellows, fewest reds.
Starting to wonder if the ask of modern players is sustainable.
November 18, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Starting to wonder if the ask of modern players is sustainable.
Diabolical subs.
October 30, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Diabolical subs.
Arsenal needed a quicker trigger.
October 26, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Arsenal needed a quicker trigger.
I've been experimenting with one-pagers to condense my longer scouting reports into key insights for coaches. Basically: how to set a player up for success.
Here’s a draft for Piero Hincapié, whose time is near.
Here’s a draft for Piero Hincapié, whose time is near.
October 25, 2025 at 1:38 PM
I've been experimenting with one-pagers to condense my longer scouting reports into key insights for coaches. Basically: how to set a player up for success.
Here’s a draft for Piero Hincapié, whose time is near.
Here’s a draft for Piero Hincapié, whose time is near.
"Set Piece FC"?
You haven't even seen our final form.
You haven't even seen our final form.
October 22, 2025 at 2:39 PM
"Set Piece FC"?
You haven't even seen our final form.
You haven't even seen our final form.
Marginal gains.
October 21, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Marginal gains.
“Zubimendi will give Arsenal a calm, controlled presence in the midfield.”
Zubimendi with Arsenal:
Zubimendi with Arsenal:
October 1, 2025 at 9:15 PM
“Zubimendi will give Arsenal a calm, controlled presence in the midfield.”
Zubimendi with Arsenal:
Zubimendi with Arsenal:
Gabriel, one second before scoring
September 29, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Gabriel, one second before scoring