Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs BATE Borisov: 5 things we learned – Mesut Ozil returns

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal celebrates his team's first goal, an own goal scored by Zakhar Volkov of FC BATE during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between Arsenal and BATE Borisov at Emirates Stadium on February 21, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal celebrates his team's first goal, an own goal scored by Zakhar Volkov of FC BATE during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between Arsenal and BATE Borisov at Emirates Stadium on February 21, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal gives his team instructions during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between Arsenal and BATE Borisov at Emirates Stadium on February 21, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal gives his team instructions during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between Arsenal and BATE Borisov at Emirates Stadium on February 21, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

3. The reason for balance

Any meaningful analysis on that match is a little redundant given the disparity in quality between the two teams. The match is awkward to break down because of how defensive BATE set up and how much of the ball Arsenal enjoyed.

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That said, this was one of the more balanced and controlled performances that I have seen from the Unai Emery Arsenal in some time. They moved the ball neatly and quickly, they remained in their spaces to largely nullify the counter-attack, they rotated in the final third with ingenuity and intelligence. And there is a reason as to why they looked so cohesive.

The 4-2-3-1 shape that Emery employed is arguably the best formation in football — every formation has its pros and cons, but this might be the most complete. Mesut Ozil provided that added central midfielder. The full-backs offered width. The two holding midfielders shield the back four.

This is the system that Emery should play every week. It is also an indication of the damage of the restrictions that Emery has had to deal with this season with injuries at full-back. The 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 is the way forward. This victory proved it.