Arsenal’s identity crisis – Why possession is no longer the answer

Arsenal are known to rely on possession style soccer. But is it as effective as it once was? Does it even suit the current crop of players?

Win, lose, or draw, Arsenal have always been able to boast the title of the “most attractive” play in English football. Arsene Wenger has implemented a possession-first style of play that has come to be synonymous with the club itself. This ever-present style has driven player recruitment and game day selection, but is this where they are best?

With half the season behind us, take a moment to think back to the Gunner’s stand-out performances. It’s not the sideways and backwards passes, endless cycling around the 18 yard box, and 70 percent possession that we remember.

No, it’s the sweeping counter attacks, with players committing to forward runs, combining at speed, and driving toward goal. So why not make this the Plan A? Take the most recent Liverpool game as a case-study.

Liverpool’s second goal came as a result of the hosts committing too many players up field, getting caught out of position and being undone with a blistering counter attack having only two players behind the ball.

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This was the product of a misplaced backwards pass between Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Alexis Sanchez deep in Liverpool territory. Within the blink of an eye Salah was off to the races with only two defenders to beat.

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The Gunners regularly open themselves up to the counter by insisting upon overly-patient play within a possession-first style. What’s more, this type of play does not break down the organized defences of 2017.

Conversely, the Gunner’s third goal was the antithesis of possession football. A quick switch of play to Mesut Ozil where he plays a 40-yard 1-2 with Alexandre Lacazette to bypass the entire Liverpool midfield and guts the back line.

Imagine, a direct ball with a direct run. Now you may say, “that’s not where Arsenal’s strength lies”, but I would wholeheartedly disagree. Speed-merchant fullbacks, an attacking talisman in Alexis, numerous marauding central-midfielders, and a striker in Lacazette who’s happy to run behind.

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This is how they should play to score more goals. Play this way to get caught less on counters. Play this way to win.