How do you impose yourself without the ball? Brentford answered that question in impressive style, as their counterpressing took the forefront against a dysfunctional Arsenal. Though this defensive system looked less effective in the second period, Brentford scored their second in vintage Premier League style. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. From a broader […]
A match that stood symbol for both teams’ domestic campaign. The hosts’ buildup continued to lack the desired result, as Arsenal offered very little end product or balance. Though Everton tinkered, another ugly win continues to keep them in contention for European football next season. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Arsenal and Everton […]
After early phases of even pressing, Liverpool flexed their authority, gained control and put their trademark pressing triggers in place. What was needed was a switch, and the entrance of Diogo Jota gave Liverpool the offensive potency they had missed. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Throughout the illustrious history of the Premier League, […]
The North London derby followed a similar chain of events, in terms of Arsenal control and Tottenham Hotspur defense. However, flexibility down Arsenal’s left channel and Spurs’ incapabilities of defending that area, as well as issues with their buildup play, handed their rivals a deserved victory. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Previous derbies […]
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. […]