Arsenal: 3-4-2-1 not possible without Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez

The futures of both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are up in the air. If they leave, it would lead to major changes both on and off the pitch for Arsenal.

It is common knowledge that Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are the two superstars on Arsenal’s books. Were they to decide to reject the new terms offer – there are many reports that have suggested this, especially since it was confirmed that there would be no Champions League football next season – and leave North London, it would be a massive blow.

Without the lure of the elite competition of European football, or the attraction of fellow world-class players, the club would find it a lot harder to find the necessary players to help them get back to competing for major honours. Not only that, but the departures of Ozil and Alexis would likely signal the end of the 3-4-2-1. And here’s why.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

Wenger cited ‘defensive stability’ as the reason for the switch of formation back in April. Never in all his 21 years of leading this club had the notoriously stubborn Frenchman changed his tactics so drastically. He had played three at the back just once before, and that took place 20 years ago, a sign of his unwavering support of the 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 systems that he has usually employed.

While the added defensive solidarity was certainly a benefit of the formation, the change also, and perhaps more importantly, allowed Ozil and Sanchez to become even more influential. Playing as inside-forwards, both men were able to find pockets of space between the lines or drift wide to pick up the ball. This is because of the presence of the wing-backs, ensuring that attacking width was maintained when they floated inside, and that there was defensive solidarity against a possible counterattack.

There is no one in the current squad who could replace these two in the inside-forward positions. Lucas Perez, Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Iwobi and Joel Campbell are all incredibly gifted players, but none are comparable to Ozil and Sanchez. They lack the nous to exploit the space and the decision making to pick the right pass at the right time.

Their departures would therefore likely lead to another tactical change. Considering the fact that we’ve beaten Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea with the 3-4-2-1, I would prefer not to change systems again. Unfortunately, though, it is often personnel that dictates system, and that could well be the case here.

Next: Arsenal: 3 replacements for Kylian Mbappe

There is plenty of change on the horizon at Arsenal, and further tactical alterations would only make the future even murkier, especially without the starring duo of Ozil and Sanchez.

Home/Arsenal News