Arsenal vs Wolves: 4 things we need to see from Arteta’s side

2. Calmness in Defence

Arsenal have been dominating games with much greater frequency of late, a trait that it is no coincidence has coincided with the shift to a more controlling 4-3-3 shape.

Granit Xhaka pushing further up the pitch to form a group with the left side has seen his defensive duties eased somewhat, which has been supplemented by greater willingness of the central defenders to push out from defence to support Thomas Partey in midfield.

We’re seeing Gabriel and Benjamin White follow their man, assert pressure on the forwards and be more expansive, aspects of the game that the pair fulfill expertly.

Against Brentford this limited the Bees to little going forward. Their counter-attacks were nipped in the bud and Bryan Mbeumo and Yoana Wissa had precious little joy in central areas. The only time Brentford looked at all threatening was when passes out from the back were slack. There was an unusual amount of sloppiness, sometimes handing over needless turnovers.

White and Gabriel have been exceptional this season. The defensive record of the team demonstrates that aplenty. But sometimes it might feel a little too easy for them, and a touch of carelessness crept into their play.

It wasn’t a lot, but when teams don’t press high a touch of calmness can escape them. It’s only a very minor concern, but against Daniel Podence and Raul Jimenez, for example, this can cause more threat. If Arsenal don’t gift opportunities to Wolves then this is their game to win. There is enough in the attacking tank to score goals and win, so against a side who score few of their own all it requires is composure at the back should be enough to see the three points out.

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