We have seen nine behind the ball, ten behind the ball, but the first match of the 2006/7 gave us something that we rarely see - eleven behind the ball, waiting for a rush forward.

It was Arsenal v Aston Villa - a routine and unexciting affair - and quite an insight into what we were going to see for much of the season.  When Arsenal got the ball everyone in the opposition went back, and back, and back, just waiting for a break.

Caused their keeper a few problems - he kept getting the ball and then had no one to give it too.

Last modified: May 27, 2007