Arsenal: 4 tactical reasons behind 2-0 Leicester win

3. Varied Build-Up Which Allowed for Central Progression

Arsenal have multiple tools at their disposal now to help them build out from the back. The additions of Gabriel and White offer on-the-ball ability that can pick passes long and short, just as they can carry possession through the lines.

Thomas Partey in front of them is a Rolls Royce with mobility and vision in equal measure to help, while Aaron Ramsdale is bringing elite distribution in goal unlike anything seen with Bernd Leno.

And what Arteta’s side did cleverly on Saturday was occupying Leicester’s wing-backs so that they could punish them through the middle. Forcing their shape into a back-five, as mentioned, almost acted as smokescreen to play in central areas.

Tavares would operate as the spare man in build up down the left and Alexandre Lacazette would drift off into the right pockets to pull defenders out of position.

Keeping Leicester occupied gave Partey more time on the ball to pick passes, feeding the runs of Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and overrunning the hosts all over the pitch. Their use of wing-backs was to their detriment and Arsenal found a way to turn what is supposed to be a benefit.

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