Arsenal – Everton: Arteta’s Buildup Picks Holes in Ancelotti’s Defensive Structure (3-2)

Poor defensive positioning in a lax structure off the ball was enough for Arsenal to grab all three points, despite a second half renaissance from Everton. Both teams showcased vast improvements in their performances, producing some great attacking phases, as well as five goals each in this fun tactical affair between an up-and-comer and a manager who has done it all.

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

Arsenal and Everton have followed pretty similar patterns throughout the season. Two turmoil starts to the campaign, heavily falling from expectations both had set, which resulted in a managerial sack before the bulk of the season had been played. The previous encounter highlighted the destruction both sets of managers left; deprived of ideas and a decent structure as Everton and Arsenal played out a dreadful goalless draw.

This would be the last fixture for both interim managers, as Arsenal and Everton made permanent appointments. Unai Emery’s successor would be former captain Mikel Arteta, Barça-bred and second in command at Manchester City, revered for his tactical acumen. Though results have not been flooding in, the general consensus is that Arsenal have seen major improvements since his arrival.

Arteta has put Arsenal in a 4-2-3-1 formation, far more possession-orientated in comparison to earlier in the season. Building from the back is far more organized, with Lucas Torreira now deployed to dictate play next to Granit Xhaka in possession. Mesut Özil drops into the right . . .