
A man in need of support
A colleague on GT inspired me to articulate something that has been on my mind in recent weeks, by writing this excellent piece earlier today.
Thomas Bahnson identified a problem that has become evident as Arteta’s team have recently struggled to break down a well-organised low block from Newcastle, Everton and Brentford. He also pointed out how these teams have in part, nullified our main attacking weapons by doubling up on our talented wide men, Saka and Martinelli.
The article looked at three feasible alternative approaches that Arteta could take, including the 352 deployed frequently in pre-season, which would bring Martinelli far closer to Nketiah, at least until Jesus is available.
However, whilst this is an option, it is in reality a solution to the Martinelli dilemma, which is the one that has been playing on my mind? Certain sections of our fanbase are questioning the young Brazilian’s form, and even suggesting Trossard might get the nod over him against City tomorrow.
For me at least, Martinelli’s form is not the issue but more his isolation since Nketiah replaced his injured compatriot. The fact that the English striker plays more in the centre of the pitch is not a criticism, as that is his game, but we all know that Jesus drifted out and interchanged and interacted with his international team mate on the left.

Gabi missing Gabi
Since December therefore, Martinelli has been increasingly isolated on the left wing, and this has recently been exacerbated by the opposition mentioned doubling up on him. Saka on the other flank is a more natural winger for sure, but also has constant support from Odegaard and a near constant offer of back-up or importantly overlap from White or Tomiyasu.
On the left, because of Arteta’s formulaic use of Zinchenko as a full back without the ball but a central midfielder in possession, Martinelli only has Xhaka as support and virtually no overlap. Because he is on his own holding the width as instructed with no support, and of course on his wrong foot, he can on occasions seem to be running into blind alleys. Is this his form or his fault? I would say no on both counts.
We have all admired Arteta’s vision and role in shaping this team into title contenders but are we perhaps seeing just a bit of the old stubborn streak so evident earlier in his tenure. He designed a method of play to get the best from Aubameyang in a 3421 and it won us the FA Cup, but it did not take other teams long to work out the cross-field switch to the Gabonese, after we loaded play on the right. Is it now the same with Zinchenko and his role in the team?
Are you crazy?! The Ukrainian has just been voted our player of the month in January!

January’s POTM (Image credit to Pricey Arsenal.)
No, I am not crazy, more considering options to bemuse opposition teams who think they know exactly how Arsenal will play with Zinchenko in the line-up. A smart coach will know 2 things for certain. One is that if an Arsenal attack breaks down, then any quick, accurate ball to the right flank will expose us, as the Ukrainian will not be back in his fullback position. Secondly, they know that doubling up on Martinelli, or showing him the outside will negate the threat from our left, as there is seldom an overlap to support the Brazilian.
I have long thought Arteta was under-using Kieran Tierney and I now believe this more than ever. As Man City, early in their period of success, rotated Kolarov and Clichy based on the opposition and the competition it seems more obvious without Gabriel Jesus and until his return, it may be the time for us to do the same.

Time to alternate to keep the opposition guessing
So far when Tierney has played this season Arteta has asked him to play the role in the way Zinchenko does, and to his eternal credit the Scot has resolutely endeavoured to do so. Of course, the former Celtic skipper is not as technical or assured on the ball as the Ukrainian skipper, as his strengths lie elsewhere. Namely, he is a better defender than our current first choice, and crucially he can fly down the left wing, offering the overlap that Martinelli relished last season. His crossing or cutting back will also offer an alternative attacking option we do not truly have at present.
So, the fourth option available to Arteta, which will free up Martinelli to play to his strengths and leave him far less isolated is to play Kieran Tierney at left back in the matches where the opposition is likely to copycat Newcastle and Everton. This is not in any way a criticism of January’s Player of the Month, or indeed the Manager of the Month, but flexibility is an underrated characteristic in a coach and tactical flexibility and rotation might just be the solution.

Tierney’s strengths will help Martinelli against certain teams
A by-product, or fringe benefit is you like, of playing Tierney at left back, and allowing him to play his natural game, is that it might allow the superb Grant Xhaka a day off, as Zinchenko could stand in at left 8, where he often leads his national team.
Let us not forget that last season, the majority of the fanbase thought a fully fit Tierney was a shoe-in for Club Captain. He has not become a bad player just because the team has evolved in style.
Food for thought?

Passionate fifty-something Arsenal supporter who has been making the journey to N5 regularly since the early 1980s – although his first game was in 1976. Always passionate when talking about The Arsenal, Dave decided to send a guest blog to Gunnersphere in the summer of 2011 and has not stopped writing about the Gunners since.
He set up his own site – 1 Nil Down 2 One Up – in February 2012, which he moved on in 2016 to concentrate on freelance writing and building Gunners Town, which he launched with Paul in 2014.
The objective of GT was to be new and fresh and to give a platform for likeminded passionate Arsenal fans wishing to write about their team. Dave still of course, writes for the site himself and advises the ever-changing writing crew.
Tierney is too good for arsenal ! Should leave and spread his wings much to offer,
Arteta has no vision
Lost the league due to not playing Tierney
(: Its about passion of the game)
Need the feel good factor !!!!
Excellent piece. Not a Gunner (Forest, Hibs and Scotland) but don’t get why KT has been frozen out. From what I’ve seen of Arsenal recently completely agree with your take on what he’d offer.