Team systems have also evolved, negating the long ball. This season our team has launched, some would say humped speculatively, more long balls than any other team in the league and look where that has got us.
In a game awash with statistics, I wish someone would compile them to prove that passing back to the goalkeeper gives the ball away. From my own observation it happens…
Comparisons with Beardsley and Waddle are valid and, in some respects, Ben Arfa is better. He is physically stronger, especially running with the ball, and shoots more powerfully than any of them.