To say it’s been a turbulent start to the 2021/2022 Premier League season for Arsenal is an understatement. A combination of below-par performances and abject results have left Gooners incredibly frustrated with the manager’s tactical decisions. Mitigating circumstances were present in the opening day fixture at Brentford as the unavailability of Gabriel Magalhaes, Thomas Partey […]
1) Formation Since boxing day, Mikel Arteta has favoured a 4-2-3-1 and it’s a formation that the former Arsenal captain believes is tailored to the current side and allows key individuals to be utilised in areas in which they can showcase their best qualities. 2) In possession During the build-up phase, Arsenal set up in […]
The goalkeeping situation at Arsenal is an interesting topic. Bernd Leno has been the undisputed number one for three years and when considering the north Londoners acquired his services for £19 million back in 2018, he’s been good value for money and certainly one of the better keepers the Gunners have had since the departure […]
Whilst it’s been a very poor season for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal manager, he can certainly be encouraged by his side’s form since Christmas and the way his players have finished the league campaign on a high. In this piece, an analysis of Arsenal’s victory against Brighton is discussed. In possession On the final […]
Arteta’s conventional 3-4-3 vs the hybrid 3-4-3 Guardiola, Klopp, Rodgers, Solskjaer, Bielsa and now Tuchel; a list of impressive managers who have come up short against Arteta. Whilst it’s been a horrendous season for the Spaniard, he once again showed his capabilities in setting a team up accordingly to nullify one of the top teams […]
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 […]
A midfield general is what Arsenal have lacked since the days of the invisible wall, Gilberto Silva. Someone with athleticism, mobility and a relentless engine. But finally, after years of neglecting this fundamental profile, the Gunners captured Thomas Partey towards the dying embers of the summer 2020 window. The deadline day signing lifted the spirits […]
Not many Arsenal fans across the globe would have envisaged their beloved club to be sitting in 9th place with 9 games remaining, especially after the joys of a 14th FA cup triumph back in August. So what went wrong? Individual errors and refereeing decisions are valid points but Arsenal’s biggest downfall has lied with […]
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 […]
The Arsenal set up 1) In possession Utilising the familiar 4-2-3-1, Arsenal were building through the thirds in a 2-3-5 shape. Cedric would initially remain deep, with Tierney deployed as an outlet through the left channel, allowing Willian to occupy the half-spaces. The 2-3-5 became a 3-2-5 occasionally with Elneny dropping in between the two […]
