Arsenal’s 4-3-3 tactical shift under Arteta is clearly defined

Arsenal are a developing side. They’ve been a developing side throughout Mikel Arteta’s reign, and will continue to be so as this young group grows collectively.

Across this season there have been waves of new tactical advances. Arteta has sought solutions to problems and attempted to be proactive in his approach, just as he has made mistakes in his planning.

The biggest tactical shift of all this season is one that has been brewing over the past few months. Any time the formation comes out and is lined up as a 4-2-3-1, it’s been wrong. Arsenal have gravitated away from the double pivot in a progressive manner, with a 4-4-2 out of possession and a 4-3-3 in possession far more reflective of the players’ respective positions.

In modern football roles are more important than positions, though. They define players more aptly. What Arteta is doing with the team at present is altering the individuals’ tasks, with nowhere more noticeable than with Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.

Arsenal’s main tactical shift under Mikel Arteta sees Xhaka operate as a left-sided No. 8 in a system more like a 4-3-3 than a 4-2-3-1

The mere thought of Xhaka being a left-sided No. 8 is enough to send shivers down the spine. Immobile and slow, just because he’s left-footed doesn’t mean it’s a role suited to him.

But it is working. And as visualised above by Scott Willis, it is clearly defined.

Xhaka now operates as the left-sided No. 8, with Martin Odegaard occupying a similar position on the right. The pair do not have the same remit in matches, but they do construct near identical passing triangles either side of Partey.

This approach helps Arsenal build numerical overloads in wide areas, always having 3-v-3 attacks to match the opposition, which is seeing Bukayo Saka have more joy than previously with less demand on him to take on multiple defenders in the same sequence.

With duel No. 8’s also dropping to cover – Xhaka is trusted to manage the spaces – it reduces the need for an additional central midfielder in the pivot. Partey’s role becomes even more paramount but his managing of defensive transitions is exceptional and the screening/cleaning role he carries out is to a very high standard.

What this tweak to the dynamics does is also add clarity to the summer transfer window. Arsenal know exactly what they want and the supporters do too: a replacement for Xhaka as well as cover on that left side, a new right-back, and the elusive centre-forward to perform every role that Lacazette plays, just better.

Having dabbled with the system previously without success, it has developed gradually since December to become unmistakable on matchdays.

Not every week will Arsenal get away with having Xhaka commit so high, as Benjamin White and Gabriel won’t always spring off their line to cover in midfield successfully, yet Arsenal have evolved into a more lethal attacking force that can create chances with much higher frequency.

The gaps in the system are there. We all know where the upgrades need to be. But the framework is in place to make those adjustments. Arsenal have looked much better for it.