Arsenal: 3 new tactical wrinkles Mikel Arteta has introduced

2. Tucking both full-backs in

One of the reasons for Arsenal’s added defensive balance, especially when in possession, is the more restrained roles of both full-backs. This is where Arteta differs from Pep Guardiola and from the approach he took before play was suspended.

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Before, he tucked the right-back in and pushed the left-back into the final third to act almost as a left-winger. On this occasion, however, Arteta tucked both full-backs inside. He still featured the 2-3-5 formation in possession that was used before, but instead of a central midfielder (Xhaka) sliding deep and to the left side, the left-back (Sead Kolasinac) simply remained in deeper spaces instead of pushing forwards and the central midfielder (Bukayo Saka) moves into advanced positions.

Whether this is something that remains throughout the season remains to be seen. It would be fair to assume that if Xhaka returns to the central midfield, he will not play the position in the same way that Saka did on Saturday. Nevertheless, Arteta is proving that he does not necessarily want his full-backs to fly forwards as is accustomed in modern football.

Given the full-backs Arsenal currently have available, there is doubt regarding this approach. Kolasinac is at his best when he can bound up the flank. Hector Bellerin, too, is a natural overlapped, while Kieran Tierney is a superb crosser. If they play the position too conservatively, you negate their best assets. It is not an issue just yet, but Arteta may amend their roles as the season progresses.