3 tactical tweaks Arsenal must make without Oleksandr Zinchenko

By Adam Keys | May 13, 2023

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City and Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /

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3 tactical tweaks Arsenal must make without Zinchenko /

3. Build up from the back

Arsenal’s high-risk, high-reward system has worked all season, but it cost them against Southampton when Aaron Ramsdale’s sloppy pass went straight to Carlos Alcaraz, who clinically picked his spot and slotted home.

With Tierney on the pitch, Arsenal need to be careful of playing such high-risk football. He does not have the light feet, composure and technical ability that Zinchenko does, and will be punished by Brighton’s press if put in this position.

Aaron Ramsdale wins the PL Save of the Month Award 🧤❤️ pic.twitter.com/oiutwRufFH
— Le African Gooner (@leafricangooner) May 12, 2023

With a double pivot, Arsenal need to utilise the width of the pitch, the two in midfield, and allow the play to build more slowly with fewer options ahead of the ball should Xhaka drop into a deeper position.

However, this could draw Brighton out more, give Martin Odegaard more space to operate as a #10, as well as Bukayo Saka, Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus more room to roam, as we saw against Newcastle.

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