Arsenal: 4 reasons Arteta should go 4-3-3 vs Tottenham

3. Tottenham Struggle When Being Pressed

It’s a noticeable weakness of theirs and if Arsenal are to fully exploit it then they’ll have a better chance of doing so with in this system.

4-3-3 resembles a 4-1-4-1 more than anything, and what it would mean is having both Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard in central positions to force the ball wide or long. Aubameyang may only have one goal this season but he has busted numerous guts pressing from the front, while Nicolas Pepe has put in some stellar defensive work too.

Does it come with risk? Absolutely.

Should Tottenham beat the press then obviously Arsenal are far more exposed. Partey in the single pivot can only do so much and it will require absolute focus from Ben White, Gabriel and Takehiro Tomiyasu who will be holding a high line to squeeze the press. Everyone is aware of Son Heung-min’s pace in behind and that threat will always be on for the visitors.

But if the double pivot resumes then Arsenal not only have fewer effective pressers in forward areas but run another risk of having Partey join in the press, which if beaten leaves the vulnerable-to-anyone-running-at-him Xhaka manning the screen all alone.

Instead of pressing with 4/4.5 bodies, Arsenal can push higher with five in a more conjoined press. It’d be bold and it’d be risky, but hit them where it hurts. Especially in the vital opening stages.

Continued…