Claudius wrote:
I agree with you that he is trying to win.
But if he really wanted to win more games, he would be as pragmatic as Emery.
One way to do this would be to make the most of the resources we have. Anzac constantly points out that we are one of the worst teams creatively from midfield in the league. So one thing Mikel could do practically is field a 4231 with Ozil in behind Lacazette. That would immediately boost our creativity. We could still shield defense by allowing Xhaka to drop into that semi-left back position.
But I don't think he wants to do the pragmatic point-maximising thing. He wants to win within the boundaries of his system.
Agreed, and it is also a trait shared by the likes of AW and Pep, and Klopp as well.
In terms of our creativity Ozil still leads the club for chances created this season with Pepe 2nd.
I still feel like the 343 is not Arteta's end game in terms of preferred shape and roles, but has been his best option to cover the weaknesses in our defence whilst still providing width and quality on the flanks. The problem with the shape is our CM options in that they can neither protect the back3 from themselves, nor can they add quality in the final 3rd.
Perhaps rather than a 4231 I'd have tried a 3412 with Pepe as the wide right in an attacking role rather than use a WB, and Ozil in behind a front 2.
The biggest tactical issue we had v TH was the ineffectiveness of our 2 CM midfield and an inability to promote the ball into the final 3rd.