Arsenal have scored just one goal this January with Alexandre Lacazette failing to convert despite playing in all the month’s games. The need for a striker is growing increasingly obvious.
However, what other sides have worked out is how to stop Arsenal’s most dangerous area, the wings. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka built up strong momentum against the likes of Southampton, West Ham, Leeds and Norwich City.
However, against Manchester City and Liverpool both players found it incredibly difficult to influence the games. Simply, both top Premier League managers instructed their defenders, midfielders and wide players to suffocate the space surrounding the pair. Saka's goal against City was a rare moment of freedom allowed to the England international.
Arsenal’s full-back situation, on the right especially, means that often support is limited and Saka and Martinelli will be expected to beat their man. When up against two, three or even four players however the chances become exponentially more likely of a loss of possession.
Thomas Tuchel came into Chelsea where their wide players were facing similar problems and changed the formation to a three at the back system.
The wing-backs, Reece James, Marcos Alonso and Ben Chilwell supported Chelsea’s wide attackers and overloaded the wings.
The wingers are supported with both overlapping and underlapping runs drawing away defenders and pressers to either create an option for the incisive pass or space for the player in possession to attack the backline.
Arsenal have shown success defensively with a back three away at Anfield this season. They have even shown the capacity to win trophies too in the FA Cup during 2020. Beating both Manchester City and Chelsea playing the formation.
With Nuno Tavares, it seems there is an option to play Kieran Tierney in his Scottish international role as left centre-back and push on the offensive Portuguese.
On the right, there is a tougher selection process due to limited options. Cedric Soares appears the best senior player for a wing-back role but the former Southampton man, with respect, just simply isn’t of the required level to progress the Gunners forwards.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has improved his offensive game but currently remains out injured.
Arteta could take a gamble on young 20-year-old Ryan Alebiosu who has been on the bench in the previous two matches.
The right wing-back has seven assists for Kevin Betsy’s under 23s side and has impressed enough to get the call into the first-team squad over Zak Swanson.
With time left in the window, Arsenal could also bring someone in although, with the main focus on midfield and striker, this is unlikely.
The bottom line is that Arsenal have been found out and unless they get lucky and their future opposition simply does not apply the same tactics on Saka and Martinelli, then something needs to change.
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