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Mikel Arteta’s 3-4-3 - a thread:
Build up play:
Predominantly, there have been two different build up structures since the introduction of the 343. The first variation creates a 3-4 shape; GK + 2CB’s create the three, RWB, LB + double pivot create four. This essentially left Tierney as the free man (LWB).
Predominantly, there have been two different build up structures since the introduction of the 343. The first variation creates a 3-4 shape; GK + 2CB’s create the three, RWB, LB + double pivot create four. This essentially left Tierney as the free man (LWB).
Thus, the WB usually took up a more advanced position close to the halfway line which often helped pin the opposition RB, which consequently allowed Aubameyang to drift into the half-space and operate one vs one against an opposition defender.
This setup essentially allowed Arsenal to create wide overloads on the left; they often built down the right before rapidly switching to the left to exploit the space and create an overload.
However, the most recent variation of build up play has arguably been more effective.
However, the most recent variation of build up play has arguably been more effective.
The second variation similarly creates the 3-4 shape, however, the spare man, again the left wing back (Maitland-Niles) operates centrally which therefore allows Aubameyang to operate closer to the touchline on the left.
This, in my opinion, is the more effective build up shape because 1) Maitland-Niles is comfortable receiving the ball centrally, thus an extra central, progressive passing option is created, 2) it allows Aubameyang to operate as an outlet in the space near the touchline,
and 3) the extra central midfielder helps pin an opposition midfielder back and thus prevents another player from pressing, therefore helping Arsenal create a numerical overload in the build up phase.
For example, the positioning of AMN predominantly prevented Wijnaldum (or one Liverpool player) from pressing yesterday and therefore Arsenal were able to create an overload in the first phase i.e Aubameyang’s goal originated from finding the free man in build up play.
In possession:
Predominantly Arsenal form a 325 in possession; this helps cover each vertical line and therefore increases the amount of progressive passing options available to the player in possession.
Predominantly Arsenal form a 325 in possession; this helps cover each vertical line and therefore increases the amount of progressive passing options available to the player in possession.
A fundamental part of Arsenal’s setup in sustained possession has been the CF dropping deep to create central overloads, especially when Lacazette is in the team. The CF joins the double pivot centrally and often creates an overload centrally which makes ball progression easier.
Recently there has been great emphasis on finding Aubameyang and freeing him on the left whenever possible. This is why Maitland-Niles’ positioning in possession is so vital because he offers a link pass to Aubameyang on the left of a midfield three when Arsenal progress forward.
The positioning of AMN helps free Aubameyang because the opposition FB can sometimes be dragged inside to engage Maitland-Niles when the ball is moved to the far side; this consequently leaves Aubameyang free.
Arsenal created this predicament for Neco Williams vs Liverpool.
Arsenal created this predicament for Neco Williams vs Liverpool.
This great flexibility that Maitland-Niles offers underlines his importance; he is comfortable in midfield and can help create another central option without bringing the centre forward into a deeper position, whilst also offering a link pass to Arsenal’s main outlet, Aubameyang.
Out of possession:
Arsenal press high from the front; the WMF’ers split the opposition’s CB + FB’s on their respective sides, the double pivot often press high (dependent on opposition), occupying a man to man approach. The CB’s are not afraid to step out of the
Arsenal press high from the front; the WMF’ers split the opposition’s CB + FB’s on their respective sides, the double pivot often press high (dependent on opposition), occupying a man to man approach. The CB’s are not afraid to step out of the
defensive line to challenge lofted passes into the opponents forward players which only underlines Arteta’s aggressive strategy when the opponent has deep possession. This also helps Arsenal maintain compactness between the lines amid their aggressive midfield strategy.
When the opponent sustains possession in Arsenal’s half, the gunners form a 541 defensive block as Maitland-Niles slots back into defence, where Arteta places emphasis on protecting the half-spaces. Yesterday’s victory over Liverpool was a prime example of this.
The WMF’ers, Saka and Aubameyang remained extremely narrow out of position, thus blocking the passing angles into Salah and Mane on respective sides and therefore preventing Liverpool’s main danger men from receiving passes from the second phase.
Overall, the flexibility of Maitland-Niles allows Arsenal to find different solutions. It allows Arteta to vary his shape in and out of possession and also creates a different dynamic in build up play. The second variation of the 343 (inc AMN) has been more effective thus far.
We’re yet to see if Arteta will stick with this setup in the long-term despite extremely promising signs so far. Arteta continues to show his ability to adapt and find different solutions against a variety of opponents; he is a top, top coach.
