Welcome to episode 1 of the podcast that will be part of the Sorted newsletter. It's more of a passion project as it deals with something close to my heart: sports—in particular, soccer (or football as we call it globally). I want to approach my passions the same way I approach my work. Plus, I've always found that sports hypotheticals are a well that never runs dry, which has many a fan (myself included) daydreaming and contemplating, "What could have been?" Imagine that!

Let's dive in, then. Today, I wanted to start with something I've personally always wondered about—a football rumor we've all heard! First, a whisper that turned into murmurs and eventually made its way to mountaintop exclamations: Cristiano Ronaldo to Highbury.

Our story begins in the small town of Funchal, Madeira—a tourist spot at best, but not much to write home about. That wouldn't last for long, of course. Ronaldo grew up with little, working hard for what he could get. This work ethic was exemplified by his mother's efforts to provide for him and his siblings—a story many of us can relate to.

That work ethic translated so well for Cristiano, especially when it came to football. For all we can say he's known for now—the limelight, the flashy ad covers, and the endless endorsements—this guy is a true baller. Someone who loves the grind as much as the performance.

He didn't yearn for the spotlight, but simply to be one of the best to ever play the game. That's what he wanted. Heights that others find too daunting to fathom—Ronaldo wanted all of it.

Fast forward a few years to 2003, and we see a still young and mostly unpolished footballer, but with that special something. That spark. It's already shining through by this point. With a face that took a few hits of puberty and a smile yet to be corrected, Cristiano Ronaldo had burst onto the scene, having already achieved regular first-team rotation for his boyhood dream club, Sporting Lisbon. It wasn’t long till his incredible athleticism and dynamism caught the eyes of two very influential clubs and at an undeniably crucial moment in sporting history.

Take a listen to hear more!

Logic and Analysis:

Question:

What would have happened if Cristiano Ronaldo had chosen to play for Arsenal instead of Manchester United?

Methodology

The analysis focuses on the 2003-2008 period, examining:

* Arsenal's tactical setup under Arsène Wenger

* Team performance metrics with and without theoretical Ronaldo integration

* Comparative analysis with actual Manchester United performance

* Expected statistical impact based on:

* Playing style compatibility

* Team tactical evolution

* Performance metrics

Data Sources

* Historical Premier League statistics from FBref

* Arsenal tactical analysis 2003-2008

* Ronaldo's performance metrics at Manchester United

* Team composition and formation data

Key Findings

1. Tactical Fit Analysis

Arsenal's 4-4-2/4-3-3 hybrid system under Wenger would have accommodated Ronaldo similarly to United's setup. Key compatibility factors:

* Wide forward role in Arsenal's fluid attacking system

* Freedom to cut inside from wide positions

* Counter-attacking opportunities in Wenger's fast-transition play

2. Statistical Projections (2003-2008)

Based on our analysis, Ronaldo's projected statistics at Arsenal:

Let’s take a look at the data

Lets start with Arsenals seasons starting 2003/4. Lets look at season Actual Goals, points as well as position for each season.

3. Team Impact Analysis

Arsenal's projected league positions with Ronaldo:

* 2003/04: Champions (unchanged - Invincibles season)

* 2004/05: 2nd (up from 2nd)

* 2005/06: 3rd (up from 4th)

* 2006/07: 3rd (up from 4th)

* 2007/08: 2nd (up from 3rd)

4. Style Evolution Impact

Ronaldo's presence would have influenced Arsenal's tactical evolution:

* Earlier shift to more direct attacking play

* Enhanced counter-attacking threat

* Modified role for existing forwards (particularly Henry)

* Different pressing dynamics

Fighting for position:

Ronaldo vs the arsenal squad shows some very interesting aspects to his ability to create and facilitate. In fact it shows that to a significant degree the effect would have impacted the style of play the volume of goals.

Conclusion

It seems Ronaldo at Arsenal would have:

* Accelerated his individual development similarly to United

* Marginally improved Arsenal's league positions

* Created a different tactical evolution for both clubs

* Potentially extended Arsenal's title-challenging period

The most significant impact would have been seen in the 2006-2008 period, coinciding with Ronaldo's exponential development.

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