Arsenal: 4 benefits of 4-3-3 tactical shift under Arteta

3. Granit Xhaka’s Engine & Positioning Put to Use

Is this…good? Everything about Xhaka the player suggests having him higher up the pitch is a danger: he turns sluggishly, is slow in transitioning back to goal and doesn’t boast the technical craft to weave past a challenge around the opposition box.

What he does have, however, is an incredible engine. The only time this season, and arguably in many of his previous campaigns, where he looked even remotely tired was in the 2-1 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park: a game where he was thrust straight into the starting lineup despite having just spent two and a half months in the treatment room with a serious knee injury.

He still completed the 90 minutes.

Now seen pressing higher, he also cuts off passing lanes sharply in those advanced zones. He’s still slow, of course, but he’s an aggressive counter-presser. It’s a quite remarkable shift in role for him on account of all the reasons why it shouldn’t work, but Arteta has unwavering trust in the Swiss to cover the spaces and defend running back to goal. For now, it’s working.

One of the best traits of Xhaka is that he never shies away from the ball. Ever. Hate him or love for any multitude of reasons, he will always show for a pass in any situation, for better or for worse. Having him play on the angle more advanced than Partey means there is always the option for the Ghanaian when he’s in possession in deeper areas.

Everyone is aware how adept Xhaka is in progressing the play and when he does pick up the ball he’s those few yards closer to goal to make it count.

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