Arsenal: 4 things Arteta's side must avoid to secure top four

Arsenal: 4 things Arteta’s side must avoid to secure top four

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts on the final whistle in the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 23, 2022. - Arsenal won the game 3-1. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Mikel Arteta the head coach / manager of Arsenal celebrates victory with Mohamed Elneny after a 2-4 victory during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

3. Keep Changes to a Minimum

In terms of the starting lineup, Arsenal must avoid making any more big changes to the side.

Nketiah is the No. 9 now, keep him there
Mohamed Elneny has been excellent in midfield, keep him there
Don’t move Xhaka to left-back

What Arteta did away at Chelsea was understandably implement a gameplan to match the high quality of opposition. It worked. But what he has found is the right personnel to see him through until the season’s end. Granted, with Tomiyasu is back he should come into the fold, and while the shape will change from time to time during matches, there is no reason not to stick with those who’ve won the last two games.

For the most part Arsenal have now settled on a 4-2-3-1. Keep that in place.

Nketiah has proven himself more than worthy of starting in the No. 9 position for each of the remaining matches, Elneny has cemented his place in the team, and Xhaka should never be moved to left-back ever again – even with Nuno’s self destruct against United.

There is clear short-term planning being favoured over long-term targets with the team selections Arteta is making, especially with Elneny over Sambi, and now he’s gone with them he should stick to them.

This team has settled somewhat after the damaging injuries and three successive defeats, and there is no reason to over-complicate from hereon in.

Continued on next page…

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