Boxing Day brought a much-needed win for Mikel Arteta. Not only does it buy him time, but the convincing way his Arsenal side dispatched their unflattering London rivals provides a blueprint for the future. His team showcased a functional system, combinations, and a balanced framework in an entertaining affair. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel […]
Arsenal’s meeting with Manchester City would be the fourth and final time the master would lock horns with his protégé in 2020. Though Gabriel Martinelli and a change in system looked to counter the heavy blow of City’s 4-2-2-2 shape, self-inflicted damage helped consign the hosts to another loss that leaves their teacher more and […]
Everton did not even need to bring their A-game to defeat Arsenal. Though their passing was ineffective, Carlo Ancelotti’s men had other routes in order to defeat their opponents. The result puts Everton in the top four, whilst pilling on more misery for Mikel Arteta, who is firmly under the spotlight. Tactical analysis and match […]
The North London derby followed the narrative that most were expecting. Tottenham Hotspur’s compact defensive block remained untouched from Arsenal’s poor buildup structure and were rightly punished by two excellent goals. Tottenham remain on top, while their biggest rival’s dreadful slump down the table continues. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Twelve months ago, […]
A year on from Unai Emery’s sacking, the hosts seemed to have found themselves in the mire again. Arsenal looked to break down Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 4-2-3-1 shape, but a lack of creativity and a characteristic display from the guests only served to pile on the pressure. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Murmurs of […]
Arsenal dominated from the start thanks to their well-designed pressing system which helped to take advantage of the deficits in United’s buildup. Neither attack was overly impressive, and it took Arsenal some time to capitalize on their superiority. Eventually, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put them ahead from the penalty spot and from there on Mikel Arteta’s side […]
Manchester City were able to return to winning ways in the Premier League against Arsenal with a new system which featured an unorthodox distribution of roles for the players on the pitch. City’s new arrangement saw them have good control of the match, helped by their solid pressing and counterpressing. In the end Raheem Sterling’s […]
Liverpool brought their usual pressing aggression into this game and kept Arsenal pinned into their own half. However, on one of the few occasions where Arsenal were able to play through the press, they went 1-0 up. This did not last long though, as Liverpool continued to dominate after equalizing quickly via Sadio Mané. Andrew […]
With a congested fixture list, both teams rested plenty of regular starters. However, the fluidity and focus on spacing that Mikel Arteta has brought to Arsenal was once again visible, even if it was not executed spectacularly. Leicester meanwhile were somewhat reliant on individual efforts from their attackers to make breakthroughs. A second half own […]
A variety of tweaks in buildup and a superb debut performance from Willian saw Arsenal open the 2020/21 Premier League season with a commanding win at Craven Cottage. Having taken the early lead through Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal looked composed and dangerous every time they went forward, as Scott Parker’s side failed to cope with the […]