Arsenal: 3 talking points from Pepe-inspired Crystal Palace win

Arsenal: 3 talking points from Crystal Palace win

By Henry Payne | May 20, 2021

Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli (2nd L) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on May 19, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Frank Augstein / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by FRANK AUGSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Arsenal’s Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey (up) vies with Crystal Palace’s Zaire-born Belgian striker Christian Benteke during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on May 19, 2021. (Photo by FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images). /

Show Me Arsenal in 4-3-3

Ever since his arrival, many have assumed that Mikel Arteta would emulate Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City tactics.

However, only a few times have we seen Arteta utilise Man City’s usual 4-3-3 formation – besides in the final stages of this contest – including when his team was chasing the game against West Ham earlier this year. If Arsenal are to score more goals, Arteta must turn to the 4-3-3.

For the most part, Thomas Partey was good at Selhurst Park. Mohamed Elneny’s energy undoubtedly helps the Ghanaian, but he is more than capable of playing as the sole ‘conductor’ at the base of the midfield.

Emile Smith Rowe has the intelligence, creativity, and industry to play as one of the ‘free No.8s’. The one player that Arsenal are missing in central midfield is a goalscorer. Thankfully, they have someone on their books that fits the bill.

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