Arsenal’s Tactics for the Upcoming Season

With the new Premier League season fast approaching it is important to discuss Arsenal's team tactics for the upcoming season. A 4-3-3 in a defensive setup and a 4-1-4-1 formation is what Arsene Wenger seems to prefer and both these formations have their own unique set of issues. Recent Arsenal teams lacked a midfielder that could link defence with offence and this is the reason Arsenal often looked inept offensively.

However, the 4-1-4-1 formation could work well this season with Coquelin as the anchor, two pacy wingers like Chamberlain and Sanchez on the flanks, and one of Ramsey or Cazorla linking up defence and offence. I would choose Ramsey due to his physical presence.

The position alongside Ramsey is up for grabs. However, only one of Jack, Santi and Özil can start. I would start with Jack as Özil has a tendency to roam which often leaves the midfield exposed.

The base formation for Arsenal seems to be 4-3-3 with Sanchez, Giroud, and Theo up front, Nacho, Bellerin, Mertesacker and Koscielny at the back while Coquelin, Santi, and Ramsey make up the three in midfield. This formation works well with Ramsey, Sanchez, and Santi pulling defenders out of position as well as rotating in midfield. An offensive thrust is what the full-backs can create by overloading the flanks.

Coquelin is more than capable of holding the midfield well and attack-wise this formation suits Arsenal the best. However, flanks are susceptible to exposure in this formation. If the ball is lost in midfield within ten to fifteen meters of the center circle or if one of the wingers doesn't track back then the opposition can easily spring a counter-attack. This is why I'd much rather see Wenger employ a 4-4-2 'diamond-style' formation than a 4-3-3 or a 4-1-4-1 one. 

The stretched diamond formation - rather than a flat 4-4-2 - will work brilliantly well with Özil at the tip and Coquelin at the base of the diamond. This formation combines the best of the 4-1-4-1 and 4-3-3 formations to ensure that the team does not lack offensively or defensively.

However, for the diamond formation to be perfect Arsenal need a player like a Pirlo or Verrati to fill the position of the deep lying midfielder. The player must have the ability to spot a teammate near the opposition penalty area so that he can play in the perfect pass. If you want to see what formation Arsenal and Arsene Wenger go with, get your tickets for the upcoming season from LiveFootballTickets website.

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