3 ways to spark Arsenal’s left-hand side into life again

Arsenal have been a brilliant attacking force this season. Forward players have been incisive, carving defences open for fun.

More recently, however, opposition defences have found success in dropping deep and constricting central areas. As a result, Arsenal have found it difficult to score as easily as they did earlier in the season.

Bukayo Saka continues to be world-class on the right-hand side, often bailing the team out through individual brilliance. The left-hand side, however, has not been as prolific. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have both been tried but with little improvement. The fluid play that was once so tough to defend against has become stagnant.

Part of that is simply ups and downs in form and the limitations of personnel. Martinelli is young and the long season may be tiring him out while Granit Xhaka is not the deft creative midfielder who will slide balls into wingers running in behind. Another reason for the flatness of the left side is down to tactics. Shifting the system through the inclusion of other players may spark new life at a crucial time for Arsenal.

3 ways to spark Arsenal’s left-hand side into life again

Here are three ways Mikel Arteta can change the left side of Arsenal’s attack.

1. Bring back the fluidity

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s purchase from Manchester City utterly changed the way Arsenal played. The Ukrainian slots into midfield and, early in the season, the left side rotations worked to devastating effect. Xhaka, Zinchenko and Martinelli all interchanged frequently. The resulting fluidity was impossible to stop.

More recently, the fluidity has been missing from the left-hand side. While Martinelli may make the occasional foray inside, he largely stays outside. Xhaka stays in the left-sided #8 position, while Zinchenko’s freedom has been constant but the rotations are less frequent and slower paced. When the winger comes inside, another player must fill his space. Martinelli is isolated on the left, not because there are no players around him, but because nobody comes to take his place out wide to allow him to cut inside. The players on the left have become too set in their positions.

Something has to change.

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2. Personnel change

If there is one player fans are eagerly waiting for (besides Gabriel Jesus of course), it is Emile Smith Rowe. The attacker showed his quality last season. His burst of pace, close control and finishing allowed Arsenal to challenge for the top four. Thus, his absence this season has been keenly felt.

When looking at the left-hand side and how things can be changed, Smith Rowe’s inclusion in the lineup remains an exciting possibility. He would come in for Xhaka. The manager would have to sacrifice some control and defensive nous to fit in the Englishman, but the resulting explosion of productivity in front of goal could drive Arsenal to new heights.

Other options to change the personnel are present. Fabio Vieira had another promising cameo against Aston Villa, notching an assist for Martinelli’s goal. His final pass delivery is on another level than anyone else in the squad. Once again, he would come in for Xhaka. Changes in other positions can be made as well.

Kieran Tierney could slot in at left-back, either replacing Zinchenko or having the Ukrainian play as the left-sided midfielder in place of Xhaka. Athleticism would be on full display as Tierney bombs up and down the left flank, holding the width for the winger, while Zinchenko maintains control centrally. Arteta has a squad of diverse profiles. He must now use it.

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3. The saviour’s return & tactical Shift

Arsenal’s attacking prowess early in the season coincided with Gabriel Jesus’ brilliant form. He was a major upgrade on Alexandre Lacazette, buzzing around the pitch with energy and combining with other forwards. The Brazilian primarily drifted out to the left, bringing Martinelli into play. His injury has resulted in Eddie Nketiah coming into the side, with mixed success.

The Hale End product is a quality player, providing both physicality and a clinical touch in front of goal. And while his combination play has improved by leaps and bounds, it is not at the level of Jesus. Nketiah doesn’t often drift wide to interchange with others. When he does so, he tends to drift to the right, leaving Martinelli isolated.

Jesus edges closer to a return and his inclusion in the starting XI should ensure that Martinelli and Trossard are involved throughout the game. Another solution could just be altering instructions. Telling Nketiah to drift to the left more could be an effective change as well. Hopefully, this sparks life into the Arsenal attack sooner rather than later.

Arsenal have performed well this season. When everyone is fit and firing, they are a joy to watch. The recent struggles down the left have hampered them somewhat, but Arteta has the tools he needs to change things for the better. It is now up to him to use them.