Brighton vs Arsenal is a match where two positional-play-based coaches who excel in coaching build-up with fascinating ideas go head to head.
In this thread, I will explain the tactical possibilities and likelihoods of what may occur during the match.
THREAD.
In this thread, I will explain the tactical possibilities and likelihoods of what may occur during the match.
THREAD.
Brighton under de Zerbi are insistent on playing out from the back. They build in a 4-2-4 with two CBs and the double pivot sometimes positioned inside the 6-yard box.
The two FBs are deep with two players BTL creating a midfield box alongside two touch-line wingers.
The two FBs are deep with two players BTL creating a midfield box alongside two touch-line wingers.
They then aim to draw the opposition in to bait them into overcommitting or ball-chasing.
When a gap opens up they can either play into one of the pivot midfielders or pass directly to the two players BTL.
When a gap opens up they can either play into one of the pivot midfielders or pass directly to the two players BTL.
Once these gaps open up they can either retain possession in the oppositionβs half or play directly in-behind to their wingers 1v1 most notably Mitoma.
Arsenal have multiple ways of dealing with this. They can use their usual press with Saka inverting onto the ball-side CB which would allow White to jump to Estupian.
Instead of Odegaard sitting on the #6, he'd shift onto one of the pivots as Xhaka or Partey covered the other.
Instead of Odegaard sitting on the #6, he'd shift onto one of the pivots as Xhaka or Partey covered the other.
Though it would force the Arsenal back-line to shift over and be susceptible to runs in behind.
This Arsenal team has shown that theyβre more than capable of dealing with this, considering how brilliant their high line has been this season.
This Arsenal team has shown that theyβre more than capable of dealing with this, considering how brilliant their high line has been this season.
Arteta can also implement a 4-4-2 press as Arsenal did against Brighton in the EFL Cup.
In which Vieira and Nketiah pressed the Brighton CBs, Lokonga and Elneny pressed the Brighton pivot, the Arsenal wingers matched up against the FBs, etc.
It would look like this.
In which Vieira and Nketiah pressed the Brighton CBs, Lokonga and Elneny pressed the Brighton pivot, the Arsenal wingers matched up against the FBs, etc.
It would look like this.
The goal for Arsenal would be to force Brighton towards one side as Nketiah does here by covering the passing lane to Dunk.
Then use man-marking on the flanks to trap them using the touchline as an extra defender and force them into a mistake.
Then use man-marking on the flanks to trap them using the touchline as an extra defender and force them into a mistake.
The risk in Brightonβs build-up approach is how vulnerable they can be if they lose the ball, and Arsenal can punish them in transition with the likes of Martinelli, Nketiah, and Saka.
Brighton off the ball employs a similar pressing shape to Arsenal with one of the wingers (March) inverting onto the CB, with the FB ready to jump to back up the press.
While it's a good pressing structure from Brighton, Arsenal have Aaron Ramsdale who will use his long-passing range to boot it up the pitch for a chance to win the first and second balls.
Or he could look for long direct balls into the wingers mostly Martinelli.
Or he could look for long direct balls into the wingers mostly Martinelli.
This is primarily how Arsenal tried to gain control and sustained attacks against Brighton in the EFL Cup due to their failure to play out from the back because of Holding and Cedric.
In their defensive third, Brighton will revert into a 4-4-2 mid-block with Trossard and Lallana forming a front 2. Arsenal can then use their 5v4 numerical advantage, positional fluidity/rotations, and wide penetration to create at will in the final third.
On the occasion when Tierney /Zinchenko position themselves next to Partey in the build-up. It will confuse Lallana as he'd have a decision to make on who to cover, Partey or the LB. He would most likely pick Partey which means Arsenal have two ways they can progress.
Either pass to Tierney for him to play the ball to Xhaka BTL, then carry in space and release Martinelli or quickly pass to him and make an underlapping run in the half-spaces.
Or Tierney can pass to Partey who can zip the ball BTL with venom and precision to Odegaard.
Or Tierney can pass to Partey who can zip the ball BTL with venom and precision to Odegaard.
It will be a tough match for Arsenal but due to their ability in transition if they win the ball back off Brighton's build-up. Also, the threat of long balls to Martinelli against Brighton's average athleticism on the LHS with Dunk and Veltman.
That will be the difference.
That will be the difference.
Anyways, end-of-thread hopefully you enjoyed reading it & any feedback is greatly appreciated!
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