Arsenal: 4 tactical triumphs vs Tottenham

4. Arteta Got His Team Selection Right

There was some talk that Arteta was placing his job in the hands of Granit Xhaka with his team selection. While his job wasn’t on the line with that decision, plenty of his credibility was.

Fortunately the Swiss didn’t let him down.

In many ways it was the safe option to return to the double pivot with Partey and Xhaka. These two have played together more than any other combination and until new arrivals come into the midfield, the argument for it being the best pairing available is a strong one – even if Sambi offers an entirely different dynamic.

But this is a huge derby match played under extremely sensitive circumstances for both sides and opting for the experienced stability in the centre of the park paid dividends: Partey and Xhaka were solid, progressive and effective.

Crucially, also, was the decision to return Saka out to the right. Taking Nicolas Pepe out of the team, a player who regularly frustrates but does offer goal threat in a side that was lacking, was a big call. Arteta wanted a base to build from with the centre-back and central midfield ‘box’, one that gave the freedom to the forwards to express.

They didn’t disappoint.

In a nutshell:

• Team selection/structure
• Saka high and wide
• Working around Spurs’ mid-block
• Pace and space in transition