[MATCH THREAD] Arsenal vs Aston Villa:
- During the buildup, Arsenal used a 2-2 box (cbs-pivots) with fbs in the same line as the double pivot.
- Aston Villa were in a mid-high 532 block with cms pressing the Arsenal double pivot and the ball sided wb close to the Arsenal fb.
- During the buildup, Arsenal used a 2-2 box (cbs-pivots) with fbs in the same line as the double pivot.
- Aston Villa were in a mid-high 532 block with cms pressing the Arsenal double pivot and the ball sided wb close to the Arsenal fb.
![[MATCH THREAD] Arsenal vs Aston Villa:
- During the buildup, Arsenal used a 2-2 box (cbs-pivots) wi...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCXvm1zWUAEzKhV.jpg)
![[MATCH THREAD] Arsenal vs Aston Villa:
- During the buildup, Arsenal used a 2-2 box (cbs-pivots) wi...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCXwEPOXsAEse6O.jpg)
- Arsenal formation shifted into a 235 when settled in the final third, with one fb joining the pivot, and the other providing width (interchangeably). Tavares wide in the 1st pic, Tomiyasu wide in the 2nd. Versatility.
- This is why I always say physical presence/dominance in the backline of an elite team is so important. Gabriel man-handling Watkins here to keep the Arsenal possession and territory. Thus, sustaining pressure.
- Arsenal pressed high in a 4411 against Aston Villa's 2-1 buildup. With man-marking in the middle. Laca - Luiz, Partey - lcm, Lokonga - rcm.
Saka pressing Mings while bending his run to cover shadow Targett. Tomiyasu jumps, backline shifts to cover him.
Perfect sequence.
Saka pressing Mings while bending his run to cover shadow Targett. Tomiyasu jumps, backline shifts to cover him.
Perfect sequence.
- This Ben White run was fun. I was telling y'all that he was special on the ball. Another component of this run is the other Arsenal players pinning Villa players. Video in the tweet below.
- Targett has to stay with Tomiyasu, AV cms have to stay with the ARS double pivot. The rest is Ben White's quality.
- This time around, Targett is not as high, Watkins covers Ben White not to allow him to drive forward. Which then gives Tomiyasu more space and time to pick out a pass. Great ball from him to Saka which results in quick progression.
- Great throw by Ramsdale. GK distribution isn't only with feet. Great quick thinking by Ramsdale in both situations.
- But, he was great with feet as well. He shouts Lokonga to drop deep (1st pic) and then lofts the ball above his head into ESR's feet.
Great understanding, communication and passing display.
Great understanding, communication and passing display.
- Again, versatility. ESR driving with Tavares overlapping. Seconds later, Tavares cutting in with ESR. Tavares' shot won them a corner kick which resulted in Arsenal's first goal.
- The rb can switch play with his weak foot under pressure, and your rcb can drive and then pick a long pass with his left foot to the left channel. Versatility.
- These wide rotations/combinations are fun. Tavares wide combining with ESR who then interchanges passes with Lokonga. When ESR gives it to Tavares, Lokonga attacks the channel. This run creates space in the halfspace for ESR to attack/receive. Signs of good coaching.
- AV turned into a 4231. They, now, press in a high 442/424. Arsenal with the same buildup.
- AV's buildup also changed into a 2-2 box with wbs deep. Arteta has turned into the old reliable 442 to negate this. Auba and Laca pressing the cbs in reception point while also cover shadowing the AV double pivot. Good adaptation.
- Front foot defending by Gabriel. He is having a great game.
- Auba's overall game looks the best it ever? did. Dropping deep, linking, laying it off... Signs of good coaching, once again.
- What a save!!
- Arsenal intensity dropped after 3-0 which is understandable. Dominant display by Arteta's team though. Pressing, and general play, looked way better.
- Aston Villa's 532 were not good. But, United struggled against this setup. In that game AV's wbs were more aggressive though.
- Aston Villa's 532 were not good. But, United struggled against this setup. In that game AV's wbs were more aggressive though.
- If Arsenal can perform at this level for a long time (especially with the absence of a european competition), they can challenge for top 4. Which was actually my initial prediction before the season started. Better days ahead Arsenal fans.
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