Arsenal: Arsene Wenger reveals his template for the future

When asked about what tactical changes, Arsene Wenger revealed he asked the Arsenal front-three to defend the whole pitch. He has revealed his template for the future.

The North London derby was not all that close. Other than a few moments here and there — a Harry Kane shot straight down the throat of Petr Cech; Christian Eriksen clipping the post; Heung-Min Son striking over late on –, for the most part, this was a comfortable win for an Arsenal team that played as well as it had all season.

The significant upturn in performance, especially considering the laboured predictability that they toiled with against Manchester City prior to the international break, was somewhat surprising, and it led to many questioning what had changed with a group of players that was primarily the same, bar a couple of rotations.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

Arsene Wenger was indeed asked that much in his post-match press conference. In particular, he was quizzed over the increased defensive work of the front three, specifically in their willingness to press high up the pitch, impressing themselves on the Spurs back-three. This is what he had to say:

"“That is where the change was. We are an offensive team but we need to keep the balance right. We need of course the strikers to contribute, to defend. I believe that is where the change was today. They defended very well from the front. You feel that the intensity was there straight away <…> in situations like that you can feel the concentration is there.”"

That is the template that Wenger must now follow moving forward. He has seen his side put in similarly blistering performances in recent years — 3-0 wins over Chelsea and Manchester United in the past two seasons –, only to tail off in the aftermath, unable to replicate the same level of intensity week in, week out.

If the dreams of a title challenge and a top-four position are to be realised, then Wenger must persist with the strategy implemented against Spurs. He must continue to demand a high-energy, vivacious, offensive style. He must continue to field Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette as a vibrant and fluid front-three. He must continue to play with a high-line, shrinking the midfield and pushing his side up the pitch. And then, he must trust that his players can execute to the level expected of them time and time again.

Next: Arsenal Vs Spurs: 3 players who stepped up

Arsenal have always been a searingly dangerous side when they play at their best. But they are at their best so infrequently, that it often does not matter. The Gunners were at their best on Saturday. Wenger has found his template. He must persist with it.

Home/Arsenal News