Arteta's 4-3-3 is an asymmetric system in which it's fluid in many facets of play but the general shape it takes up in settled possession is a 3-4-3 with the right back inverted (Tomiyasu). The idea is to keep PÊpÊ/Saka pinned high and wide and to create via combinations out wide
On the right, Tomiyasu stays inverted so it's a Walker/KDB/Mahrez type dynamic on that side whereas on the left it's far more fluid with the left back having license to push forward and combine with the winger and player in the left half space between the lines. Superb creativity
However, from a defensive point of view, the counterpress and compactness in midfield is top class too thanks to the compactness afforded by the inverted fullback alongside Partey.
Again, thanks to the top positional play in the front 4, they're positioned well to counterpress.
Again, thanks to the top positional play in the front 4, they're positioned well to counterpress.
This is the general idea behind the system and it's really good. However, considering we have seen little of this system under Arteta, where I will be keeping a close eye on today is in relation to #1) their settled press and #2) their build-up structure. Very encouraging though!
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