Arsenal: 3 ways Mikel Arteta masterplan came to fruition

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Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (C) scores their second goal during the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London, on July 18, 2020. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / POOL / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

1. Counter-attacking football

Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to press high up the pitch and control matches via extended periods of possession. He hails from the Guardiola system. He was brought to the club to instill this very same style at Arsenal. However, pragmatism is also important and Arteta recognised that his team was not ready to compete with City in a toe-to-toe game. And so, he adapted.

As against Liverpool, he installed a counter-attacking approach that the players executed superbly. The back three were excellent. Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos rarely went in front of the ball and remained positionally disciplined and well-structured. The front three worked hard to close down the spaces and exploded forward when they had the chance to. It was a lesson in counter-attacking football.

Add in the system, too. The 3-4-3 is a limited shape when trying to control matches and dictate play — the lack of a third central midfielder is a major problem, in this instance. But when playing on the counter-attack, it is ideal. The third centre-back adds another body in the penalty area. The wingers are released of defensive responsibility, while the wing-backs can push forward at the right moment without exposing space at the other end.

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Arteta adapted to the opponent, and he did so brilliantly. This was a tactical masterplan, and it now puts Arsenal on the verge of a fourth FA Cup in seven years.

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