Arsenal: The 5 big tactical consequences of Thomas Partey arrival

4. The counter-attack lives

In reality, teams are using an increasing number of formations. We may describe Arsenal as playing in a 4-2-3-1, but they actually use different shapes depending on the state of the game. Arteta implements 2-3-5 in possession as outlined above, but when defending deep, his team shifts into a 4-4-1-1 with the attacking midfielder playing behind the lone striker and the two wingers dropping to form a flat-four midfield. The point is this: different styles, approaches, and systems are needed at different points in matches.

Traditionally, Arsenal have featured a vicious counter-attack. From Thierry Henry racing down the left flank to Cesc Fabregas feeding Theo Walcott, they have often had creativity and distribution in central areas to release frighteningly fast attackers in wide and advanced areas. More recently, though, it has been missing. The counter-attack has been blunted somewhat.

There are plenty of reasons for this, but one is the lack of protection in central midfield. Arsenal turnover possession infrequently in midfield. They were notoriously easy to play through under Unai Emery, and since Arteta has taken over, while the high press has improved, that clinical edge in the final third is still missing. Partey will certainly provide a greater edge in midfield. He is a superb tackler and interceptor. But he also has the athleticism and skill to carry the ball forwards with speed, to break lines with passes, and to instigate direct attacks. The counter-attack might finally return.