Wolverhampton Wanderers – Arsenal: Wolves All Bark, Gunners All Bite (0-2)

At this stage of the season, only the result matters… right? Arsenal undoubtedly had the attacking control, but did Wolverhampton Wanderers find some more solutions against one of the league’s best defenses?

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

What a terrible run for Arsenal. The tables soon turned on the Bayern München tie, before Aston Villa rocked their control, bypassed the press and scored two late goals to take away a huge chance to take advantage in the title race.

Possession turned stodgy at the Allianz Arena before Bayern took advantage at home. Arsenal’s tactical issues came to the forefront: a high press disengaged by the wide-split from the opposition center-backs and a buildup unbalanced by a couple of dictators and funnelled into one area. Out of the Champions League, attention is solely on the title race and Arsenal have several hurdles left in their calendar.

Gary O’Neil is the type of coach who could adjust his team to combat such issues. Without Pedro Neto, their form has taken a hit as the season has wined down. However, this is a team full of strong, physical runners, cemented in a style that they have used for a while. Potentially a sticky opponent . . .