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Not too long ago critics lampooned Arsene Wenger for his inability to concoct a “Plan B” for his team when their intricate short passing game failed. The old saying was “Arsenal always try and walk it in”, referring to the teams penchant for slow tiki-taka build up play which can be easy on the eyes but incredibly stagnant at times. Well it seems that Le Prof is ready to pen one final twist in his illustrious career in North London.
Due to impressive squad rotation and a tactical renaissance, Arsenal is evolving.
The team’s recent run of form is a perfect example of just how dynamic the Gunners have become. Of course they can still beat opposition with possession-based football, but now Arsenal have the personnel to make important tactical shifts. Take the team’s victory over Manchester United at the beginning of the month. Arsenal surrendered 60% (per whoscored)possession to the Red Devils. However with the speed and fluidity of their slick attacking triumvirate comprised of Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez, the Gunners put away the Mancunians in the first half.
Similarly, this blueprint also worked against Bayern Munich in which the Bavarians claimed 70% of the possession (per whoscored)and played mostly like the home side. In both of these instances Arsene Wenger’s men went about their business in very different ways. Against Bayern Munich, the Gunners had to remain resolute and defensively stout. They spent the majority of the game without the ball and for a team like Arsenal, that can be incredibly tiring. Not only physically but mentally as well. Yet Arsenal stayed composed and looked to counter when it became possible.
Theo Walcott played a huge part in both of these games. Against Manchester United his speed was utilized to perfection. He found pockets of space in United’s defense which allowed him to bring the superstars around him into play. He walked away from that game with two assists to his name and arguably his best performance as a center forward.
“I don’t think Bayern were ready for that type of player to come on, they were all geared up to play against pace”-Rio Ferdinand
Versus Bayern Munich he looked to imitate his display against United and although he forced an absolutely jaw-dropping save from Manuel Neuer, he was unable to make as much of a statistical impact. However, that is not to say that he wasn’t incredibly useful. As former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand told BT Sport, Walcott’s pace literally ran the Bundesliga champions’ defense ragged. By the time Olivier Giroud came on in 72nd minute, Jerome Boateng and company were already geared up to battle against speed and the Frenchman’s bullish presence completely threw them off.
“As a defender you play against pace, pace, pace all game and then someone comes on and he wants the ball in and wants to be physical and you have to change your game quickly as a defender. If you are not on it, you can find that difficult.” Ferdinand told BT Sport as quoted by the Mirror. “I don’t think Bayern were ready for that type of player to come on, they were all geared up to play against pace.”
Finally we can see how Arsenal’s personnel is allowing them to play with contrasting styles throughout the duration of single match. Of course, Giroud and Walcott have been teammates for some time now, but they are actually being utilized in ways that bring out the best in one another. This strategy can also work in reverse, with Walcott being able to use his speed coming off the bench after a pair of center halves have been forced to corral Olivier all afternoon.
Then there are the games against Watford and Everton which began and completed the Gunners’ perfect week, respectively. Against Watford, Arsenal came up against one of the stingiest defenses in the Premier League. In this season we have already seen how susceptible Arsenal can be against a well organized team that look to sit deep and soak up pressure. However, against the Hornets Arsenal remained patient and with their tight passing game they were once again able to unlock a defense and put the game away.
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That is the type of Arsenal we have come to expect. However what is most surprising is the team’s ability to keep a clean sheet. Often when Arsenal come up against a team like Watford they have a tendency to get frustrated and push too far up at the attacking end, leaving themselves exposed. There were a few hairy moments throughout the match at Vicarage Road but for the most part Arsenal remained solid.
Finally, against Everton, fatigue began to creep in. After such a taxing display against Bayern Munich, Arsenal was clearly on its last leg. This time, though, the Gunners sought a more direct route as opposed to their normal flowing style. Two goals smacked in off the noggins of two Frenchmen. Instead of short passes around Everton’s penalty area Arsenal used perfectly played crosses from their midfield maestros, Mesut Ozil and Santi Carzola, to bombard the Toffees.
Long balls and headed goals are not things that are usually attributed to Arsene Wenger managed sides. But on a night when energy was a premium and the opponent was desperate for a positive result, tactics had to change. Also, Gabriel Paulista’s beastly tackle on Romelu Lukaku and Petr Cech’s denial of Gerard Deulofeu were perfect examples of an Arsenal side that has gained that all important spine that everyone keeps going on about.
In Arsenl’s last four matches we have seen a clear framework for beating all sorts of competition. Whether you want to hold on to the ball all day or sit back and defend, Arsenal can break you down. Whether it be a lightning fast counterattack or a set piece header, the Gunners can score. The days of the soft Arsenal are gone because the big men at the back won’t stand for it. Arsenal have become a new beast and their competition should be scared.
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