Despite the fact that this was a poor Newcastle side, it was integral that Arsenal would go into their season-defining game against Villareal with a positive mindset and the performance provided on Tyneside was definitely required. In this piece, an analysis of Arsenal’s win against the Magpies is discussed.
In possession
In the absence of Tierney, Arteta has been forced to alter the dynamics, utilising a 4-3-3 as opposed to the conventional 4-2-3-1 in order to retain much-needed balance. Regarding Arsenal’s build-up play, they opted for a 3-2-5 structure, with Luiz, Gabriel and Xhaka creating the back three. Bellerin was tasked with the inverted role when possession was within their half, forming a pivot with Mohammed Elneny. Ceballos operated as an advanced ‘8’, playing within the half-spaces, with Odegaard performing a similar role through the right. Both Martinelli and Willian held the width from the flanks and were given roles of stretching the Newcastle backline.
Player rotations were clearly apparent in the build-up play. When Odegaard dropped deep to receive possession, Bellerin would advance forward and out wide with Willian drifting infield. Transitioning forward and into the final third, Arsenal moved into a 3-1-6 frequently in order to exploit Newcastle’s back five.
Out of possession
When it comes to the Gunners’ defensive shape, Arteta instructed his players to retreat in familiar 4-4-2 mid-block, with the idea placed solely on achieving central compactness and ensuring the home side couldn’t progress through the lines with ease.
Defending deep within their own half, Arsenal’s 4-4-2 set up morphed into a 4-5-1 with Odegaard dropping into midfield.
First half
Unsurprisingly, Arsenal were the ones who took the initiative and maintained complete control of the half. The game plan deployed by Bruce was clear; sit deep, remain resolute in their 5-3-2 shape, and use the explosive Saint-Maximin in transition. Breaking down the home side’s low block was the obstacle, but Arsenal didn’t have much problem with this at all, as having six players in advanced areas was well suited against a 5-3-2 since a spare man was always available. This enabled frequent inroads to be created and it only took five minutes for the deadlock to be broken. Orchestrated by Luiz, the Brazilian’s long ball in behind was crucial. Initially, Willian occupies Ritchie by dropping deep and showing for the ball which allowed Bellerin to attack the space vacated and isolate Paul Dummett. Aubameyang fails to connect cleanly with the cross delivered from the Spaniard, but after the ball found its way to Elneny, the Egyptian riffled in his first Premier League goal, yet another long-range strike added to his small Arsenal collection.
The Gunners continued to stamp their authority and looked threatening through both flanks. On the right-hand side, both Willian and Bellerin interchanged frequently and developed a promising partnership. When attacks stemmed within this area, Hector would overlap, thereby prevent the Brazillian from isolation.
Likewise, on the opposite channel, Martinelli was a regular threat and facilitated chance creation through the left, with Ceballos also playing an important role. The clear goal was to give the 19-year-old plenty of situations in which he could face Murphy in 1v1’s and use his pace and explosiveness to create avenues. Luiz’s in possession qualities were pivotal in getting Martinelli in areas where he could hurt the Newcastle wingback.
Plenty of opportunities developed but a lack of ruthlessness was on display, an aspect that has hurt Arsenal throughout the course of the season. The Magpies heavily relied on Saint Maximin’s ability to produce individual quality in transition but Arteta’s men were excellent in retaining their defensive shape and nullified counter-attacks comfortably.
Second half
The opening 45 minutes saw the Gunners dominate proceedings, creating regular periods of sustained pressure. But after the interval, the side from the North East certainly showed more intent despite not creating anything substantial to note. Clearly, Arsenal were happy in recycling the ball and suffocating the opposition with controlled possession. But in the 66th minute, the North Londoners did manage to acquire the all-important second goal, courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli. Xhaka initially plays a forward progressive pass to Aubameyang who shows for the ball between the lines. After some tidy interplay between Ceballos, Aubameyang and Odegaard, Martinelli is found in space and executes an inch-perfect cross with his weaker left foot for the club captain to meet.
The second goal was thoroughly deserved and a win that was certainly needed for the Gunners. Despite the calibre of opposition being poor, it was imperative that a degree of confidence was generated going into what is Arsenal’s most important game of the season this Thursday.
Individual displays
Matt Ryan: Between the sticks was the former Brighton keeper, who came in for his third Premier League start for the Gunners. Despite having little to do, the Australian showed authority, claiming many crosses comfortably. In possession, he showed composure and was comfortable in all scenarios.
Luiz and Gabriel: By far Arsenal’s best centre back pairing. The chemistry between the two is strong and both compliment each other’s attributes really well. Progressive qualities were on show from the two Brazilians as well as defensive stability at the heart of the Arsenal defence.
Xhaka: Deputising at left-back, the Swiss international quietly impressed and held his own defensively. In terms of in possession play, his role doesn’t change. Xhaka drops into the back three during the build-up phases before stepping into midfield once possession reaches the final third. But defensively lies the difference as playing as a full-back means that there will be situations in which Arsenal’s number 34 will be isolated in 1v1 scenarios. With Tierney likely to be unavailable for Thursday’s game, the expectation is that Arteta will persist with Granit at left-back and certainly his lack of mobility will be something to be wary of from a defensive point of view.
Bellerin: Playing a rare game at right-back, Hector provided his team with an encouraging performance. The Spaniard did well with the inverted role during the build-up play and combined effectively with Willian in an attacking sense.
Elneny: Tasked to perform the Partey role in holding the midfield together, Elneny performed really well. Frequently offered the centre backs with a simple passing option during the build-up play and recycled possession efficiently. An excellent goal as well to his name.
Ceballos: After a calamitous showing against Villareal, many were surprised that the Arsenal manager gave the Spaniard a start on Sunday. But in all fairness, Ceballos was a key performer in opening up space for Martinelli and allowed the Brazillian to influence proceedings. Defensively however he wasn’t disciplined and didn’t support Granit regularly when Newcastle attacked through this area of the pitch.
Martinelli: The Brazillian didn’t disappoint after getting the nod through the left. A frequent threat throughout the game, excellent use of dribbling to beat his man regularly, and delivered an excellent assist for the Gabonese international. Pepe or Gabi is the dilemma Arteta has for Thursday.
Willian and Odegaard: The Brazillian was effective judging from today’s performance. Ball retention is a strong quality of his and there was a strong connection between him and Bellerin whenever the Gunners moved forward with the ball. Odegaard had a quieter game but still showed how important it is to have someone who can operate between the lines and facilitate chance creation.
Aubameyang: Over the years, the 31-year-old has received recognition for his incredible consistency goalscoring-wise. But today he showed his ability as a link player and was very secure on the ball. A goal as well to his name should propel him into Thursday’s game with a positive mindset and with the second leg potentially coming too soon for Lacazette, Arsenal will need their club captain to provide high-performance levels.
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25-year-old Gooner who loves talking and writing about football
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