• The Arsenal

  • Arsenal - Ipswich, Friday 27 December at 20:15 UK time.

Tactics I know you've basically shown a haram ball line up there but what you're describing is basically a 4-2-2-2. The problem is that the full backs are not 4-2-2-2 fullbacks, they're CB working as fullbacks specifically so that they can invert.

We've started to pack our midfield in a similar way to Pool now and play less of a box and more something like a 3-5-2 in posession. Sometimes we do the double invert and have MLS + Timber join a DM and the wide forwards join Odegaard and we basically get the reverse of the box midfield, an MW formation which is what happened with Ipswich. This packs the midfield way too much but as a result the CMs have more license to roam forwards which we saw with Odegaard's and Merino's shots in that match (Ode shoulda finished better his own great work).

I like our options with Leo and Kai as 2nd strikers, the latter's goal was a direct result of this changed setup. We need that pure CF now that can fit this structure.

Gabimart was a disaster this match despite again trying very hard. Can't fault his effort but with the way we play now I'd say give Ethan a try for that slot.

    tetball has an inverse logic to it. in order for the attack to function we have to create overloads from our own half, usually involving our fullbacks. in the absence of saka I propose that we need to our fullbacks to get even more aggressive as an attacking force, even if it leaves us a bit exposed. if we keep repeating the usual deep ball circulations with FBs tucking in all the time, the forwards are going produce fuck all. let timber and MLS get forward in some kind of fullback/centremid/libero role and let them create some overloads. they've both shown they're skilled enough to do it.

      Gazza M in the absence of saka I propose that we need to our fullbacks to get even more aggressive as an attacking force,

      I think Timber's already doing that. I don't know if it was just Ipswich but we're starting to do a lot more runs up the middle now, Timber among those joining.

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