Arsenal’s approach and philosophy of play is anchored by quick through passes blended with attacking flair in 4-4-2 system. This formation enabled them to win three Premier League and four FA Cup trophies, winning the 2003-2004 EPL season without losing a single match under Arsene Wenger’s management.
They penetrated easily all types of defensive formations during the days of Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Dennis Bergkamp, Fredrik Ljungberg, and Nwanko Kanu, among others.
These players possessed physical, technical, and mental abilities that matched diverse game plans of Premier League teams. Henry, Pires, and Vieira combined well by executing slick-passing and faster-attacking flair football from the midfield to the flanks. They were creative and hence, changed their game plan quickly depending on the opponent's tactics.
After their exodus during the Gunners' transition period, things changed drastically. The new signings, namely Emmanuel Adebayor, Abou Diaby, Theo Walcott, and Tomas Rosicky, with the young players from Arsenal's academy, have not acclimatized well with the Gunners' playing formation. The current crop of players lacks passion, mental, and creative abilities required to play against defensive-minded opponents.
The Premier League teams that used to be rated as underdogs have discovered that Arsenal is stoppable when you close all the space in the midfield and park the defense. AW's playing formation has remained the same since the professor took over the managerial task.
They have always initiated their attacking from the defense to the midfield through their slick passes executed in a triangle form. Shooting from outside the box and long, aerial ball tactics are avoided.
Through and short passes dominate their attacking prowess.Thus, when playing against physical teams like Bolton and Stoke City, among others in the EPL, who prefer 4-5-1 systems of play, it becomes difficult for the strikers to penetrate a nine-man wall.
Arsenal has played well against 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations that give them space to utilize their quick short passes and attacking flair that precipitated so many of their classic goals. When allowed to display their style of play they are unstoppable and have won most of their fixtures against attacking minded opponents.
However, all is not lost. I still believe the Gunners' playing formation can bring success if creative-minded players can be signed during this January transfer window to impart fluidity, sparkle, and life in the current Arsenal midfield. The lack of the Fabregas, Hleb, and Flamini combination is being felt greatly.
These players combined well in the 2007-2008 EPL season, when initiating the Gunners' attacking flair. Their creative and defensive abilities propelled Arsenal to the top of the EPL table.
1 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment
G Collector 5 months ago
Generally well thought-out and well-written.
I disagree in two areas - one, Rosicky. He had a massive impact. I remember Hleb with his admittedly beautiful dancing feet, alone in from of goal, looking like a lost lamb. Rosicky could move and pull the trigger. If you turn back the clock, you will see that his loss to injury was a major turning point last season. While not as spectacular as the loss of Eduardo, I think it was more damaging to the team. Eduardo had only begun to make regular first-team appearances.
Secondly, Flamini. He was not very creative. He was, however, incredibly dedicated and hardworking. We have no one with that fire. Adebayor is lazy. Cesc needs to see that fire in others around him before he can conceive of it in himself. The defense is a little too stolid. The others are too young and inexperienced. I still believe (with no corroborating evidence) that his departure originated when Gallas was made captain. Had Flamini been made captain, had Arsene seen the value in doing so, I think we would still have him.
I think you nailed the strategy problem. We need to change tactics versus teams that just park the bus. Luckily, I think what we have seen in the past few weeks is an indication that Arsene has also recognized this and is making adjustments.
Let us just hope we can avoid hemorrhaging players this summer and start to build a solid squad again.
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.