In the first part, we looked at the type of profiles needed to execute Arteta’s tactics effectively. Now, let’s try and decide the best combination of Arsenal players we can have on the field at the same time:
1. Does The Defence Require Any Modification?
Arsenal’s defence has been one of the brighter spots in the team this year. The goal-keeper and the back-four have all churned out impressive performances. They easily deserve to retain their places in the team. Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White and Gabriel are efficient at playing out from the back. Kieran Tierney is the primary source of width down the left flank, while Tomiyasu a bit more restricted on the right has worked well too.
The approach need not be set in stone. Against Burnley, Arteta attempted to use Tierney in a more inverted role to let Martinelli stretch out the Clarets’ defence. Against Liverpool, both full-backs were asked to play deeper to bypass the high press. Against Newcastle United, Tomiyasu was asked to overlap more as the Magpies blocked attacks centrally.
While the players themselves need not be replaced, their roles can be modified. It is important to define the roles of the defenders per the opposition setup. This will help Arteta take maximum advantage of any flaws in the opposition, and create new dimensions of attack.
2. Double Pivot or Three-Man Midfield:
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have worked well together in a double pivot for most parts. In their absence, Mikel Arteta’s men set up in a 4-3-3 with Odegaard and Smith Rowe as interiors. The duo looked bright in their new role. They could drop deeper to receive possession with more space and time. However, this set-up had 2 major drawbacks:
- Arsenal looked more vulnerable defensively with Smith Rowe and Odegaard. If the Gunners are to play a 3-man midfield, either two of Xhaka, Partey and Lokonga must be integrated.
- Smith Rowe and Odegaard often had to drop deeper and wider to receive the ball. This slowed down the build-up as very few forward passing options were available. When Arsenal did look for the long pass, Saka and Martinelli were isolated on the flanks.
A 1-2 (DM+2CMs) set-up and a 2-1(2DMs+AM) set-up, both have certain advantages and disadvantages. Ideally, Arteta can use a fluid structure that can help the team switch from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 easily.
Imanol Alguacil uses a similar system at Real Sociedad. Alguacil deploys David Silva alongside Mikel Merino and ahead of Martin Zubimendi in a 4-1-4-1. However, Merino can drop deeper to form a double pivot whenever necessary.
Arsenal’s structure, similarly, should rely on the opposition set-up. In the case of a higher press, dropping an additional midfielder into the deeper area could help the Gunners create numerical advantages to aid progression down the middle.
When the opposition defends in a solid mid-block, central passing options become inaccessible. Also, less pressure on Arsenal’s back-line could allow one additional midfielder to push ahead. In such a scenario, Arsenal could play with two 8s in the half-spaces. This would help the Gunners progress by creating numerical advantages in the wider areas.
Thomas Partey has been the most convincing player in a holding anchor role. Martin Odegaard can play as the 8/10 down his preferred right side. Granit Xhaka on the left would play as a 6/8.
3. Integrating Smith Rowe And Fixing The Forward Line:
Emile Smith Rowe has 1,282 league minutes under his belt this season. 8 of his teammates have had more game-time. However, the Englishman is Arsenal’s top goal scorer in the Premier League this season with 8 goals. He also has 2 assists to his name. In recent weeks, Smith Rowe has found himself starting on the bench. The 21-year-old missed several games due to a groin injury.
Initially, Arteta attempted to play Smith Rowe down the left, Saka down the right and Lacazette centrally. While this move aided ball retention, it made the team more redundant in front of the goal. Lacazette has not been at the end of too many chances this season.
This put the entire onus of goal-scoring on the young shoulders of his English counterparts. Involving Martinelli in the playing side has added another dimension to Arsenal’s game. The Brazilian is not as tidy in possession but provides a more bold and direct approach to the game.
Emile Smith Rowe cannot displace Gabriel Martinelli from the team for this reason. The Brazilian forward offers a different skill-set that the other players in the team cannot replicate. Saka likewise, remains un-droppable.
The most obvious option would be to sacrifice Odegaard for Smith Rowe. The former Real Sociedad man does not offer much of a shooting threat from advanced areas. However, Odegaard has been crucial to Arsenal’s build-up and progressions.
The Norwegian also shares a good rapport with Tomiyasu and Saka on the right flank. Odegaard, like Saka, is left-footed. From the right side, he can cut central to attract defenders. This could free up spaces behind the defence and in the wider areas. This is a dexterity none of the other Arsenal players can contribute.
Coming to Alexandre Lacazette. The 30-year-old has been actively involved in Arsenal’s build-up and creation phase. However, the Frenchman’s meagre contributions in front of the goal pose a serious problem to his place in the team. Lacazette’s contributions dropping deeper, also can, arguably, be recreated by the combined efforts of Smith Rowe and Odegaard.
If Lacazette were to be benched, Arteta would have two options to line up his side:
I. Utilize a False-9: Historically, Arteta has never been able to utilise a false-9 effectively. Managers like Guardiola have a different interpretation of the role. When Manchester City utilise a false-9, multiple players occupy the 9-role in rotation and relation with the other teammates. However, in Arsenal’s set-up, the number 9 dropping deeper isn’t complemented by supporting actions from his teammates. This leads to two major problems:
- Overcrowding the central areas of the field. Too many bodies in the central areas help the defenders cover more men with less effort. It also leaves the Gunners with fewer forward passing options.
- Such a set-up allows the opposition to play a higher line of defence. This further reduces the space for the Arsenal players to function in.
II. Martinelli in a Central Role: This is a move that the fans have been calling for a long-time. Gabriel Martinelli has been effective on the wing recently. However, the wider role inhibits shooting angles for the Brazilian youngster.
In a central role, Martinelli will not offer the same involvement as Lacazette. However, he can be a potent force to engage the opposition defence, and run directly at the centre-backs. This movement could open up spaces for Smith Rowe, Saka and Odegaard too.
We had earlier discussed that rather than fixed “positions”, the aim should be to define “roles” that compliment the skill-set of each player. Martinelli in a central role brings out a better use of his poacher instincts and directness. It also enhances the ability of Odegaard and Smith Rowe to function behind him.
Final Formation:
All in all, this is how Arsenal’s ideal eleven could look:
Shape In Possession:
We remain loyal to Arteta’s current tactical set-up in possession. This set-up can function as a 3-4-3 in the initial stages of build-up. It can also take up the 2-3-5 shape that the Gunners eventually do in possession.
The biggest advantage would be that all the players are deployed in situations that to the maximum possible extent:
- Enhance their strengths
- Disguise or hide their weaknesses
Read More:
- Arsenal’s Best XI – Part 1: Designing the Ideal Playing XI for the Remainder of the Season
- The Players Arsenal Targeted but Failed to Sign in the January Transfer Window – Whom and Why?
- Evaluating Arsenal’s Winter Transfer Window: The Signings and Departures
Shape Out Of Possession:
The Spaniard has largely used a 4-4-2 shape when his team does not have the ball. This set-up had certain disadvantages.
From the 2-3-5 shape, Arsenal can shift to a 4-1-3-2 with minimum hassle. This helps the Gunners to:
- Restrict passing lanes down the central regions
- Have players covering for each other if necessary.
- Minimize the playing field to force the opposition into rash decisions.
Do you think this set-up could work for Arsenal? What could be added, removed or modified to improve it even further? Does it align with your ideal setup? Do let us know in the comments.
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