Arsenal build-up shape
The two most commonly deployed build-up structures Arteta favours is the 3-2-5 or the 2-3-5. And in yesterday’s derby, the Spaniard opted for the latter. Xhaka and Partey operated in a double pivot, with Cedric staying deep and at times inverting. Lacazette and Odegaard would both offer themselves between the lines, Tierney was given license to overlap, Smith Rowe would predominantly operate within the half-spaces and Saka would initially hold the width before drifting infield.
A key aspect of Arsenal’s build-up was the fluidity and rotational play between players. In order to allow both full-backs to bomb forward whilst maintaining solidity within the midfield, Odegaard would at times drop even deeper, enabling Cedric to progress up the pitch with Saka.
Once the ball was within the final third, Arsenal would always have 5 players across each channel, maintaining efficiency in attack. On many occasions, Cedric was also allowed to overlap and give Saka an option on the outside.
Out of possession:
A 4-4-2 defensive shape was retained when Spurs were in possession, with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey both aggressive when the ball was played through the first line of press. Saka supported his right back frequently to prevent Reguilon from creating at will.
First half
An energetic start, filled with many eye-catching passages of play; Arsenal’s intent from minute one was refreshing. With Mourinho opting for a back four, Doherty was seen as the weak link, who struggles defensively within this system. With Smith Rowe selected ahead of Willian, the Hale End graduate was crucial in occupying Hoijberg and opening up space for Tierney to contest 1v1’s against Doherty. Bale looked disinterested both in and out of possession and Arsenal’s number 3 used this to his advantage.
A key aspect to admire about the Gunners’ first-half display was sustaining pressure by winning possession back quickly. With Smith Rowe very unlucky to see his attempt rattle the frame of the goal, the situation originated from Arsenal being aggressive when Spurs had the ball within their own half.
Chances continued to arise and it’s no surprise that the dynamic combination of Tierney and Emile Smith Rowe were at the forefront of everything positive in an attacking sense. Having five players across each channel is a great way to counter a back four, as a spare man is always available if passes are played quickly. This is an aspect Arteta clearly realised.
A sucker punch delivered from Lamela didn’t stop Arsenal from continuing to play football. A deserved goal just before the interval was courtesy of Tierney. Smith Rowe occupies Hoijberg, Bale doesn’t support Doherty and the Scottish international drives past his man with a breathtaking drop of the shoulder. A great cut back sees Odegaard convert his first in the Premier League and 2nd in Arsenal colours. A tremendous opening 45 minutes should have been rewarded with more goals, the only criticism that could be attached to the men in red.
Second half
A similar pattern commenced after the interval; Arteta’s side dictating proceedings. Pepe coming on for the injured Saka delivered a great impact and continued his fine form since the turn of the new year. After winning possession back, the Ivorian’s quick incisive pass finds Lacazette, who wins the crucial penalty.
Pepe, Aubameyang, Lacazette; all excellent takers from the spot and the Frenchman didn’t disappoint when given the opportunity. A lead that was warranted when considering the performance, and with Lamela seeing red, one would have thought that a comfortable end to the game was inevitable. Instead, conceding cheap fouls and giving away corners were elements coexisting in the final 15 minutes. A fierce free-kick crashing into the post followed by goal preventing header from Gabriel was the closest Spurs were to equalising. But in the end, three points stayed at the Emirates and Arteta had his first taste of victory in the famous derby.
Individual performances
Bernd Leno: Overall, it was a quiet afternoon for the German, further indicating the improvements Arsenal have made as a defensive unit. But the last 15 minutes saw a shaky Leno, who looked positionally awkward when facing Kane’s free-kick.
David Luiz: Erasing the Emery period from the mind, the Brazillian has been a good signing when considering value for money. Performing in yet another big game, Luiz was commanding, progressive with his passes and demonstrated how he isn’t inept when playing in a back four.
Gabriel: A tremendous performance from the 23-year-old. There’s a reason why Kane left one on him. It came through frustration and being completely dominated by an incredible talent. Aggressive, physical and never let his man settle when he dropped deep to receive the ball.
Cedric and Tierney: The two full-backs put in stellar performances. Tierney’s shoulder drops, ability to accelerate from a standing position and go past his man with ease is sensational. A crucial functioning cog within the team, whilst Cedric showed quality both offensively and defensively.
Partey/Xhaka: Integral in allowing Tierney to attack with freedom, Granit was a key performer. Both influential in stopping transitions, retaining possession and providing progression. Whilst the Ghanaian destroyer excelled in the first half, he had a nervy ending, further indicating that fitness is still lacking.
Odegaard: His best performance for the club. A smooth operator between the lines and it was a display full of class. Always available to receive the ball, excellent one-twos in pockets of space, and scored a crucial equaliser just before the interval.
Smith Rowe: An advocate of fluidity, intelligent awareness, brilliant off the ball movement, outstanding execution; there weren’t many who performed better than the Hale end Graduate. Four chances created on the night and the partnership developed between himself and Tierney was a lethal weapon. Below is just one of many examples of the Croydon De Bruyne showing quality in his movement and final ball execution.
Lacazette: The Frenchman’s ability to link the play is crucial. His finishing however in the first half was lacking. But what’s very impressive is to see his overall performance not fade despite the chances he missed. Won the penalty and calmly converted the spot-kick.
Saka/Pepe: Saka has been sensational. But today, fatigue was evident in his display. What he did really well though was support Cedric regularly out of possession. Pepe coming on at half time was influential, playing a crucial pass in the build-up for the awarded penalty.
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25-year-old Gooner who loves talking and writing about football
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