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3 ways Arsenal can break down the Sheffield United defence
By Kenneth Daly
Arsenal are well accustomed to the task of low-block dissection, and they will face another toilsome effort on Saturday when Sheffield United make the trip to Emirates Stadium.
Despite being rock bottom and winless after nine games, the Blades have often proven themselves as stern opposition this campaign, especially against Manchester City and Tottenham, and our own troubles in front of goal may give them hope of clinching a big result in north London.
But the visitors’ extensive injury list makes keeping us at bay quite a tall order, while Mikel Arteta will know that we cannot afford more dropped points after last week and must get back to winning ways.
Arsenal vs Sheffield United: 3 ways the Gunners can break down visitors’ deep block
It looks set to be attack vs defence at N5, and here are three ways Arsenal can break down the Sheffield United resistance.
Mikel Arteta on taking off Martin Odegaard vs Chelsea and Sevilla:
— AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) October 27, 2023
"It can be in relation to the performance, it can be in relation to the tactics or how the game is shifting.
But I think somebody else is going to be more suited to get freshness in the team." [Arsenal]
1. Find Martin Odegaard between the lines
Can the real Martin Odegaard please stand up?
His ingenuity blew us all away last term and earned him a nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award, but Odegaard is now well off the pace and must ditch his conservative style to help us claim victory.
Accurate, line-breaking passes are crucial to breaking down a low block and few embody that skillset like our captain. Whether dropping into central midfield or occupying the half space, Odegaard will bear great responsibility for ensuring we move the ball quickly and shift Sheffield United from side-to-side, with their constant movement likely to eventually open up gaps between the lines for some Norwegian magic.
He also poses a threat via his ability to receive possession in tight pockets as defenders will be tempted out of the backline to close him down, thereby creating space for teammates to exploit or even leading to his own shooting chances- although this season indicates a pass might be the better choice.
Quality players do not stay anonymous for long and, for Odegaard, that bad form ends here.
Continued on the next slide…