Having taken the lead after seven minutes, Leicester City seemed more than happy to sit in their 4-4-2 shape and keep a hapless Arsenal at bay. Unfortunately for them, Arsenal found their routes through the right and the work of Nicolas Pépé was influential in the goals that they scored. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Manchester City’s flawless record in 2021 offered Arsenal little hope of finding a result against the best team in the land. City delivered, as their typically fluid 4-3-3 shape shone through, blitzing the home team early on. Mikel Arteta’s men fought back with their own intriguing structures and similar principles, but City looked in first […]
Arsenal initially controlled possession quite well and showed some promising approaches when breaking the Benfica midfield press, yet were unable to find the finishing touch against the Portuguese back five. Benfica grew slowly into the game and took the lead through a Pizzi penalty, but things were immediately levelled by Saka’s reply two minutes later. […]
Leeds came to the Emirates Stadium with their characteristic man-marking approach. However with some smart play from the forwards, Arsenal were able to overcome Leeds’ defensive scheme to take the lead early on, and extend it to 4-0 just after half-time. Leeds threatened a comeback in the second half with two goals, but Arsenal were […]
Though Arsenal had decent spells, Aston Villa’s organized defensive shape and work in transitioning proved too much for Mikel Arteta’s team. Arsenal had their most controlling periods towards the end of the game, thanks to their changes, but reverted back to old systemic problems in desperation for points. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. […]
Boring, low-quality stalemates are not supposed to have twenty-eight shots within the game! Despite this deceiving shot count, neither Arsenal nor Manchester United were effective at breaking through each other’s similar defensive setups, which led to wild shots, poor decision making in the final third and zero goals. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. […]
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, […]