Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: 3 mistakes for Arteta to avoid

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures during the English League Cup third round football match between Arsenal and AFC Wimbledon at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 22, 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 JUSTIN TALLIS / 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 JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

3 of 3

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal gives instructions during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Norwich City at Emirates Stadium on September 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

3. Press Crystal Palace High and Aggressively

What is missing from this Arsenal team? What is the next step to take that will ultimately see more goals?

Press with initiative.

In fits and spurts Arsenal have looked like a side willing to play a higher line and limit the opposition’s time on the ball. Those moments have been few and far between.

When there are two central midfielders who don’t foray forward as frequently, and a quartet of forward players who are physically able to harass the opposition and play on the front foot, why there hasn’t been more high pressing is peculiar.

Palace pose an inviting proposition to do so as well. With two central defenders who are good on the ball Vieira now adopts a higher line that can be got at. Take advantage of their starting positions and try and break the play open where the creative trio of Saka, Smith Rowe and Odegaard can combine in threatening positions.

Monday is a chance to be braver off the ball with two more sitting central midfielders maintaining shape in front of defence. Get at Andersen and Guehi, force them into errors and break away from the overly structured shackles that weigh the team down.

Shock Guendouzi return?. dark. Next

Be brave.

Home/Arsenal News