I rewatched Arsenal's win over Everton. Here are a few things I noticed from #afc from a tactical and personnel perspective 👇
Arsenal started pretty sloppily in possession, forcing vertical passes. But if and when they lost the ball, they hunted it in packs to retrieve it. Here, White loses the ball and four Arsenal players instantly press together, forcing a quick turnover
Here, Zinchenko has the easy option to pass it sideways in the build-up phase. But instead, he baits Iwobi into pressing, skipping by him easily before playing the progressive pass to Xhaka. Not earth-shattering but he just never settles for the comfortable option which I love
In my opinion, Arsenal are the best team in the league when it comes to playing from the back, surpassing Man City this season. Zinchenko has helped this massively. No panic just recycle the ball until the opening comes to start the attack
Jorginho had a day to forget. The Italian was lightweight against Everton's physical midfield, giving the ball too easily. I like him but his physicality leaves a lot to be desired. However, Arteta did confirm that he was feeling unwell
Arsenal pressed man-to-man. This forces the opposition to either go backwards or go out wide, cutting off the central progressive options. It's a bold tactic but it has rarely gone wrong this season. Best way to consistently turn the ball over and turn defence into attacks
Xhaka hasn't been the most glamorous player on the ball recently but off the ball, he is so good. When we give it away he leads the press. Here, he forces Everton the whole way back to Pickford who clears his lines instead of going short
Zinchenko and Martinelli were the two best players on the pitch yesterday IMO. Their understanding was great to see. When Zinny gets the ball, Martinelli starts high and wide before running centrally, knowing Zinny will find him. It consistently creates havoc for the opposition
Arsenal usually build in a 2-3-5 or 3-2-5 shape with Ben White either tucking into the defence or joining Zinchenko/the No.6 as a midfield three. However, this didn't work at Goodison Park considering how isolated it left Saka against 2 or 3 Everton defenders
The solution? build in a 2-2-6 shape and let White pick up a position further forward to support Saka. It worked beautifully as Everton were much more stretched and Saka was able to pick up more dangerous positions in the right half-space (where he got his goal from)
Another colossal defensive display from Arsenal's two CBs. They both won their duels and defended the spaces left in transition very well. Here, Everton have the 3vs2 superiority but Saliba and Gabriel don't panic. In fact, the latter shows his underrated ability to read the game
Arsenal's intense pressing is again seen here. Everton have comfortable possession in the build-up phase before Odegaard leads the two-man charge alongside Martinelli. The Toffees can't progress and eventually just kick the ball for an Arsenal throw-in
Zinny bypasses the press before Martinelli shows his hold-up ability, holding off 2 Everton defenders. The decision to have White further up is vindicated, he takes McNeil away from Saka, who finds that right half-space. Great pass from Zinny and even better finish from Bukayo
In the build-up to the second goal, Odegaard loses possession before Martinelli and Saka quickly cut off Gueye's passing angles, forcing him backwards. In the end, Saka knicks the ball brilliantly and Martinelli shows his finishing ability, sliding it under the onrushing Pickford
In the second half we see the swarm-like pressing mentality whenever Arsenal turn the ball over. 5 players quickly run at Maupay and the Gunners get a throw-in as a result
Ramsdale does well to save here but Zinchenko's positioning is key to stopping Doucoure from scoring an easy tap-in. Intelligent defending from the Ukrainian
The 3rd goal is the blueprint for breaking down narrow blocks. Zinny skips past the press before playing the vertical pass. Martinelli+Xhaka run through the middle to attract opposition defenders while Trossard stays high and wide, patiently waiting before making the killer run
Same thing again here. Arsenal play the patient game, knocking it around in central positions whilst the wingers stay high and wide, waiting for the right moment to make the run. Here, they are unlucky not to score another
The fourth goal sees Vieira high and wide again but this time he is used as a decoy, dragging Godfrey out of position. This gives Nketiah the chance to pick up the vacated space unmarked and of course, Zinchenko's pass is perfectly weighted. Martinelli's near post run also great
Ramsdale's 2 saves here were so so good, denying Davies from close range (0.66xG chance). Also, Martinelli needs praise for his part in this. 92nd minute and he's probably knackered but he runs the whole way back to clear his lines and preserve the clean sheet. Amazing mentality
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