Arsenal vs Liverpool: Arteta must find the right tactical balance

The talking can now be done on the pitch! In a week where North London Derby postponement prompted inordinate outrage from the football community, attention will finally return to on-field matters on Thursday night when Arsenal and Liverpool meet in the second leg of their finely-poised Carabao Cup semi-final.

Since his appointment in 2019, Mikel Arteta has advocated an aggressive coaching philosophy which demands non-negotiable commitment from every squad member, and the gallantry promised has become increasingly evident as his process takes shape.

However, with a staunch rearguard effort to thank for remaining in this tie, will the boss find the right balance between ambition and practicality at the Emirates?

The question is particularly pertinent following our erratic start at Anfield last week when – not for the first time this season – the inexperienced Gunners threatened to crumble under relentless Liverpool pressure, exemplified by a number of careless giveaways in dangerous areas and an early wayward back-pass by Gabriel that fortunately did not end up in the net.

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal must strike a balance between attack and defence ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Liverpool

But while the nervy start and Granit Xhaka’s dismissal could have easily marked Arsenal’s final surrender, the numerical disadvantage inspired a resolute defensive blockade. It was one reminiscent of those that featured in our last cup triumph, and limited Klopp’s typically prolific outfit to just a single shot on target – with an incredible Minamino miss late on representing the hosts’ only clear-cut chance on the night.

The Reds’ blunt offensive display can perhaps be attributed to AFCON-related absentees as, without the clinical duo of Salah and Mané, they struggle to drag defenders out of position. They also do not have the required creativity in midfield to unpick low blocks, instead resorting to an aerial bombardment from wide areas that demands great concentration but can nevertheless be resisted by commanding centre-halves.

Therefore, although Arteta has always demonstrated steadfast belief in his ambitious long-term project, and can point to the spirited recent performance against Man City as evidence of our front-foot potential, he will also be acutely aware of where Liverpool’s weaknesses lie and could be tempted to employ a counter-attacking style to secure a place in the Wembley final.

It may not be the most prestigious trophy on offer, but the Carabao Cup represents Arsenal’s only chance of winning silverware this campaign (assuming the Premier League title is out of reach…) and claiming the prize would provide another tangible sign of the progress we are making under the current regime.

We already have the unexpected bonus of a buoyant home crowd for the second leg and will be further encouraged by the opportunity to silence our newly-found critics.

Let’s show our not-so noisy neighbours what a proper statement looks like!