A Champions League final that can be summarized by risk. Luis Enrique found a solution to Paris Saint-Germain’s first-half problems, even if they were not at their creative peaks. Mikel Arteta struggled to get his team out of the situation they put themselves in, a shoot-out defeat that handed PSG their second consecutive trophy. Tactical […]
Continental competition can give additional glow to the campaigns of both clubs in this clash, but Arsenal already are in the mood to celebrate. An achievement not accomplished for over a generation belongs with the team again, and they kicked off their stint with new status in style. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel […]
Mikel Arteta’s side had to be patient to find their goal here, starting with a 3-1-3-3 possession shape in the first half before switching to a rotational 4-3-3 shape in the second half. Leandro Trossard eventually found the crucial goal late on, while controversial events in the final minutes also went Arsenal’s way as they […]
The pragmatic portion of the Champions League semi-final pitted together a traditional defensive bastion with a club reborn in that image. There would be a sprinkling of Hale End magic from Mikel Arteta to appeal to the twelfth man on the evening, but the foundation for his side’s success remained a resolute rearguard against an […]
The meeting at the Metropolitano would always underwhelm against the explosive standard of scoring from the first Champions League semi-final, but the tie remains on tenterhooks in its own way. A trio of penalties produced the most dramatic moments on the evening, exhibiting the flow of a fixture where defensive solidity and minimizing mistakes made […]
Eberechi Eze’s early goal was enough to get Arsenal over the line in a challenging game against Newcastle United. The away side’s high press proved tough for Arsenal to negotiate, and Mikel Arteta’s side surrendered possession for much of the game in order to defend their slim lead. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. […]
Arsenal arrived with a high pressing approach here, and Mikel Arteta attempted a solution to Manchester City’s own high press. However, City’s attacking quality proved too much, as Rayan Cherki’s and Erling Haaland’s decisive strikes helped City close the gap in the Premier League title race to just three points with a game in hand. […]
On an evening at the Emirates Stadium that starkly contrasted with the action across the pond in Bavaria, the two sides showed why there are levels to fear in Europe’s elite club competition. The hosts have gone too far deep to turn back on a plan that is pushing players towards physical exhaustion while their […]
The weight of history is hanging over Arsenal. Dumped out of two cups in a fortnight, they are not rising to the occasion of the run-in. But as another defeat marked a typically miserable month for Mikel Arteta, the biggest bottle job of all is not beyond the realms of possibility. Tactical analysis and match […]
Arsenal are finding ugly ways to win, but how should fans feel at the midway mark of their Champions League quarterfinal? They left Lisbon with a clean sheet, and the advantage in the tie, but there are still signs the side are playing with the margins of football a little too finely. Tactical analysis and […]