Arsenal: 3 improvements to make in winter break

2. Press, press, press

While Arsenal’s playing out from the back is exceptionally influential regarding the dominance — or lack thereof — of their play, equally, without the ball, Mikel Arteta’s side have looked at their most threatening when they press. And press hard.

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The Gunners have often started games very well. Bar the first half against Leeds United in which they were pressed into submission, Arsenal have largely been the superior side in the early stages. A main reason for this is their incessant pressing, that is both energetic in execution and well-organised in structure.

However, as games progress, two issues begin to develop: players tire, meaning the space is not covered as fast and opponents have more time on the ball; the backline drops deeper, almost as a reversion to their natural state, scared of direct passes into the space in behind.

Tactically, Arteta simply must drill down into the details such that they become innate for the players — they begin to play on instinct, speeding the process up and increasing the efficacy of the press. And then there is fitness work. The Arsenal players need to get fitter, which is something Arteta has spoken about previously. Two weeks worth of running will help.