Mikel Arteta has been experimenting a lot with the squad in search of perfect balance. Under his management, the team have noticeably improved defensively (in comparison with Unai Emery's reign) but in terms of attacking output, the Gunners don't look quite impressive.
Against Prem minnows, Arsenal usually show the entertaining, free-flowing football with proper game-management that we all want to see.
However, when it comes to playing against the likes of Wolves, Everton and even Aston Villa, let alone playing against City and Liverpool, the Gunners turn into a very vulnerable team.
On paper, Arteta has a good set of players who are able to beat any side in the Premier League but in reality, Arsenal are stuck in the middle of the table, which no fan will ever accept.
Is there any way to improve results? We believe Arteta should switch his tactics to accommodate his best players in XI. Of course, the following reflections are just guesswork but let's try to figure out what could be changed in theory.
Arteta has settled on a 4-2-3-1 formation. The problem is we lack quality central midfielders to provide the team with the progressive movement of the ball.
Partey is the only Arsenal midfielder with the ability to break the first line of pressing by producing an accurate first ball forward or by dribbling past his opponent.
No wonder, Arteta relies heavily on David Luiz, who can produce an exquisite ball over the top at any range. His injury limits our attacking potential and the build-up play likely to look slow again and easy for the opposition side to deal with.
What could be a solution to it? We suggest dropping Odegaard and Saka to central midfield and leaving Partey a single pivot.
So what look will the attacking build-up take?
We suggest that Partey should drop to defence and form a 3-man line with Gabriel and Holding with each of the trio being able to supply an accurate first ball forward past the first pressing line.
Both Saka and Odegaard can provide the team with a better flow and progression of the ball in the key area and connect the play between the attack in defence.
At first glance, it leaves us more exposed to counter-attacks with midfield looking more vulnerable. It does. But with better ball control and the right pressing structure, Arsenal should not give many opportunities for opponents to spring lightning breaks.
Note, that Arteta can shift players between various positions. For example, ESR and Odegaard can form a midfield duo and Saka can be stationed in his favourite position.
If Tierney is injured, Saka can deputies for him at left-back, which he did successfully earlier.
The key is to have two players ahead of the back three with strong ball-progression skills either through dribbling or through a pass.
Compare it with the squad Arteta fielded against Villarreal last Thursday.
Of course, he had limited options upfront but Martinelli could have played as a spearhead and Nelson as a left winger.
In no way, we've tried to scapegoat Xhaka but the point is to have your best in one XI and play to their strengths rather than wasting Granit on the wing as he hardly offers much to the team as a left-back.
Instead, Arteta could test a more attacking-minded XI with a huge potential to ask lots of questions of any opposing team. Besides, this kind of attacking build-up feels more like an Arsenal type of play. At least in theory.
Would you want Arteta to test this kind of tactics? Lay out your thoughts on the suggested approach in the comments!
