Arsenal: 3 tactical changes we could see from Mikel Arteta

1. More balanced full-backs

The biggest personal change between what Arteta was working with before the break to what he is working with now is the return of Kieran Tierney to full fitness. After using Saka as an advanced left-back to cover for both Tierney and Sead Kolasinac, Arteta now has a traditional and natural left-back to use.

This will have several knock-on effects, from releasing Saka to play further forward to how the central midfield is structured. However, perhaps the greatest impact might occur with Hector Bellerin on the opposite flank.

Thus far, to counter the offensive positioning of the left-back, Arteta has used Bellerin in an inverted right-back role. Bellerin has never looked the most comfortable in that position, especially when playing out from the back under pressure, and he is at his best when allowed to bomb forward and beyond the winger with overlapping runs. Arteta has stymied that part of his game. Until now.

With Tierney on the opposite flank providing more balance to the entire system, perhaps Arteta will give Bellerin the license to push forward that he so desperately desires.