Arteta squad has tactical advantage he did not have in 2022/23
The tactical landscape at Arsenal has shifted significantly since the start of the 2022/23 season, thanks to his improved squad, which allows for more versatile and adaptable gameplay.
A Pivotal Turning Point
Prior to the recent game, the Arsenal faithful might have felt a bit uneasy. No team held a 100% record in the competition, and the race for the top two spots was extremely tight. However, after the completion of game week 3, the scenario has transformed dramatically.
With just one victory, Arsenal went from looking over their shoulder to potentially securing a spot in the next stage. Winning their upcoming game against Sevilla at home will propel them to 9 points, making it mathematically impossible for Sevilla to catch up. If Lens can beat PSV in Eindhoven, then even the Dutch team won’t be able to surpass Arsenal. This would place Arsenal at 9 points, Lens at 8, and Sevilla and PSV at 2.
Even if PSV manages to defeat Lens, it would still be a considerable surprise if Arsenal doesn’t advance to the next round. Both teams would need to outperform the Gunners in the final two games and win against Sevilla, which is a challenging task.
The Return of Takehiro Tomiyasu
Despite the recent victory not being a masterpiece, there are several positives to focus on. One such positive is the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu to his brilliant best, which bodes well for Arsenal. This 24-year-old Japanese defender, who can play anywhere across the backline, has endured injury setbacks in the past but has showcased his quality time and time again.
Having Tomiyasu back provides Arteta with a versatile defensive option. His presence complements Oleksandr Zinchenko, who excels in possession but can sometimes be a defensive liability. Having both Zinchenko and Tomiyasu allows Arsenal to switch between an attacking and a defensive approach as needed.
For matches like the upcoming one against Sheffield United, where Arsenal will seek to dominate play, Zinchenko is the preferred choice, offering an additional outlet. However, in games where Arsenal must withstand pressure or face a high and wide winger, Tomiyasu becomes the better option. Arteta has shown a knack for changing these players in-game, depending on the situation, and their injury issues over the past year make this rotation a feasible choice.
Declan Rice’s Rise
Another standout in recent weeks has been Declan Rice. He brings something different to Arsenal’s midfield compared to Granit Xhaka.
Rice possesses the ability to collect the ball deep in his own half and drive it into space, alleviating pressure.
This is especially valuable when Arsenal is defending deep and opponents are pressing aggressively.
Rice’s skill set as a “6” is far superior to his capabilities as an “8.” With Thomas Partey’s return on the horizon, it will be intriguing to see Arteta’s choice for the more advanced midfield role.
Just as with Tomiyasu and Zinchenko, Arteta has an attacking and defensive option within the Rice/Havertz/Partey trio. Against teams Arsenal looks to dominate, it’s likely to be Rice and Havertz.
In trickier away games, Rice and Partey (or Jorginho if Partey is unavailable) can provide the defensive backbone.
The Impact of Summer Signings
The summer signings have undoubtedly enriched Arteta’s options by enhancing squad versatility and quality.
As Arsenal continues its campaign, the key will be to take it one game at a time.
The transformation in Arsenal’s tactical options from the 2022/23 season to the present is undeniable. Arteta now possesses the ability to adapt his squad to the situation at hand, thanks to the presence of players like Tomiyasu, Zinchenko, Rice, and the promising summer signings.
The Gunners have the potential to approach each match with a tailor-made strategy, making them a more formidable and adaptable team. With these advantages, Arsenal fans can look forward to a season filled with tactical diversity and strategic brilliance. On to Sheffield United at home!
Arteta squad has tactical advantage he did not have in 2022/23