Arsenal Vs Newcastle United: 5 things we learned from

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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal is put under pressure by Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on December 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

2. Back-Four is here to stay

When Arsene Wenger implemented the back-three during the closing stages of last season, he admitted that it was not solely for tactical reasons, though there were clearly on-pitch implications that had been considered. He said that it was to provide a distraction for his players to focus when they were playing, such were the toxicity and animosity of the atmosphere of the club at the time.

Because of that, it was always the prevailing thinking that Wenger would, eventually, revert back to what he knew: a back-four. And even this season, when he was continuing with the back-three, Wenger revealed that a back-four was his preferred formation, even though he would persist with the back-three. Well, now I think it is safe to say that the back-three has gone.

Arsenal have played with a back-four in their last two Premier League matches. They also played with a back-four in their final Europa League fixture, which came after having switched to it in only the 11th minute against Manchester United when Shkodran Mustafi hobbled off. I think that Wenger is now wanting to stick with what he knows and what he feels comfortable. And that is a back-four.