Arteta’s Arsenal blueprint in action vs Sheffield United

The starting lineup against Sheffield United definitely had Mikel Arteta’s tinkering touch about it. Seeing Granit Xhaka slot into left-back, Bukayo Saka play in the hole behind Alexandre Lacazette and Dani Ceballos play as an auxiliary left wing-back at times caused some hearts to flutter. Fortunately for Arsenal, the manager’s fiddling worked. But, beyond that, certain aspects of the game showed the style the manager wants to play moving forward.

Starting from the top, Alexandre Lacazette‘s role was played to perfection. It was one that has been played out to varying degrees of success, but against Sheffield United the French striker was especially productive.

Lacazette is getting on in terms of his age and dropping deep isn’t his greatest strength, but the movement around him allowed him to pick up pockets of space effectively, with the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli running beyond him.

In the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Arteta’s preference of Lacazette over a poacher like Eddie Nketiah illustrates what the Spaniard wants out of his center forward. He wants someone who can contribute to build-up play but then also burst forward, arrive in the box and finish off chances.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical blueprint in action vs Sheffield United in the Premier League

The dynamism and balance of the forward players created havoc for the entire 90 minutes. Saka and Pepe swapped positions fluidly and Martinelli was a threat throughout coming in off the left flank. Out of these three players, the oldest is Pepe at 25. Those supporting the striker are all young and their pace and dribbling qualities can be a solid foundation for years to come.

The midfield was a bit of a toss up enforced by injuries. Thomas Partey played an unusual single pivot role in midfield. He has often featured alongside Granit Xhaka but he had a solid outings against the Blades. Although he got caught in possession on occasion, he was a menacing presence throughout, cutting out attacks while progressing the play.

Arteta insists on playing out of the back and having midfield players who are comfortable on the ball and press resistant will be crucial in this rebuild.

Moving down to defense, Calum Chambers and Xhaka were extremely effective. While Kieran Tierney is undoubtedly the ideal left-back, bombing forward and whipping balls into the box, Chambers’ role was eye catching. As he got forward, Chambers often drifted inside shifting between Saka and Pepe to provide another passing options. Passing triangles galore.

Sheffield United is, obviously, not the toughest test for Arsenal. But what Arteta wants out of certain positions is plain to see and a clear blueprint will be instrumental in the summer window as Arsenal continue their rebuild.