5 Arsenal alternatives to David Luiz in defence against Slavia Prague

Chambers – Mari – Gabriel in a Back Three

Does anybody want to see Arsenal return to a back three system? Based off of the initial response to Luiz’s injury, there are quite a few who’d like to see Arteta revert to old ways.

What it would allow is to have left footed players on the left side without shackling them with defensive duties. Saka could play left wing-back with Cedric on the other flank which would, in possession, allow Chambers to move into a double pivot with Partey as Xhaka tucks into defence to allow the wing-backs to provide the advanced width.

Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard would move infield either side of the centre-forward with the double pivot structure behind them and triangles could be built in the half-spaces to open gaps for Aubameyang to run into.

A walk in the park. Just unlikely to be something that Arteta opts for. Impossible, in fact.

Having underwent more than one stylistic transition since taking the job, Arteta will never adopt a fairly substantial alteration with personnel who haven’t played in that system since mid-December. It’s not like the side will have forgotten the system – although never say never – but it will be seen as mental step back that will faintly erase the stamp he’s seeking to put on this side.

It’s an option, but his possession based style with an attacking midfield diamond doesn’t work with three at the back. Generally, Arsenal don’t work with three at the back at all unless they’re playing counter-attack football. Unlikely.