THREAD: Arteta is a top level coach! In this thread, I provide an in depth analysis of how Mikel Arteta has shown tactical excellence against top level coaches, as well as improving many aspects in our performance. RTs so more Gooners can see this would mean a lot

Tactics pre lockdown

Over recent weeks, a lot more respect has been placed on MA's name, particularly after winning his first piece of silverware back in August. But the early signs were there that he could implement a system that...

suits the current profile of players, as well as installing the correct tactics. With Mesut Ozil playing regularly, MA set us up in a 4-2-3-1, with the German playing in the whole, drifting in between the lines. Offensively, we transitioned into a 3-2-5/2-3-5 shape as we...

progressed towards the final third, with overloads created through our left-hand side. Xhaka was tasked to fill in on the left, which gave license to either Saka or Kolasinac to advance forward and provide the influence offensively. We saw this work well on a number of occasions.

Our game against Sheffield United was another example where our 2-3-5 attacking system proved successful in breaking down Wilder's stubborn backline. AMN plays the inverted role, tucking into midfield alongside Lucas. GX, who isn’t in the picture, covers the space vacated by Saka

One of the big problems under Emery was transition. The lack of structure, balance, and organisation was clear. When possession was lost, teams were able to transition from defence to attack far too easily, hence why Leno was continuously overworked. Watford away is a great

example to show this, with the home side managing an astonishing 31 shots.
However, under our former captain, we saw defensive improvements immediately. Rather than both FBs playing as conventional ones, AMN or Bellerin, dependent on who was playing, would tuck...

in and play the inverted role. Not only does this help aid playing out from the back, since they provide another simple passing option to the CBs and goalkeeper, but they also provide cover in midfield. As shown in previous annotated diagrams, with Xhaka filling in at LB

our RB would invert and maintain the pivot, helping us deal with transitional turnovers. Statistically, we were averaging six shots fewer with Arteta in charge before lockdown.

Post lockdown

Drilled brilliantly out of possession

Ozil’s absence meant that we lacked a player who could play in those pockets of space, between the lines. Again, Mikel Arteta showed that he was capable of implementing a system that suited the current personal, which was...

the 3-4-3 formation. Defensively, there still wasn’t the confidence that our current crop of CBs would provide sustainability in a back four. Instead, a back three along with a midfield pivot and wing backs, ensured that the central defenders would be provided with enough

protection. We can see in the annotated diagrams below of how organisation and discipline was a regular feature in our performances defensively, against both Manchester City and Liverpool. Wolves away, Liverpool at home and Chelsea in the FA cup final are other examples where our

5-4-1 shape proved to be successful in limiting the number of chances created. MA showed that, despite being inexperienced as a manager, he could drill a group of players effectively out of possession and nullify attacking patterns of play implemented by top-level coaches.

Pressing
Many haven’t spoken about the clear improvements in our pressing. It's calculated, with every player knowing their roles. Whether it's Lacazette or Nketiah leading the line, they are the focal point of the press, with the two inside forwards tasked to take positions that

eliminate passing lanes. If the ball is played into middle, one of our central midfielders will push forward, be aggressive, and look to make it uncomfortable for the receiver. Below is an example against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi final.

Liverpool at home in the Premier League was an example where we were rewarded from our press, capitalising on the two opportunities that came our way. Even In other games (Southampton and Norwich in the PL), we have seen us score goals through pressing. Our ‘off the ball’

performances have been a huge critique over the years, under both Wenger and Emery. But with MA, he stresses the importance of pressing in an organised and collective manner, and always providing high levels of energy and intensity.

Clear patterns of play
From my perspective, I am thoroughly enjoying the football on show when we are in possession. What I love is the flexibility and fluidity in our play. On countless occasions, we have seen us score outstanding teams goals with clear patterns of play that

have been rehearsed and repeated in training. Our first goal against Man City contained so many eye-catching elements that must be dissected. Initially, we look to build out from the back in a 4-3-3 formation. Both Mustafi and Luiz take wide positions, with Xhaka and

Ceballos dropping deep, providing a simple passing option, and drawing opposing City players. In the second image, we then see Luiz’s involvement in the build-up to the goal. We then see KT plays a great ball, into Laca's feet.

Our French no.9 plays a pivotal role in how he drops between the lines occupies players and allows Bellerin to advance forward. Notice the position of Ainsley Maitland Niles, who in possession is tucking into central midfield. We then see the final action for the goal. Bellerin

and Pepe develops an offensive partnership, with the latter delivering a brilliant cross for Auba to meet at the back post. What's really important to note is that we have seen us create chances using this particular route on many occasions. Another example is against Watford.

A familiar pattern of play is the one we saw against Liverpool in the CS. The diagrams below explain the pattern of play in more detail.

We saw a similar pattern for our third goal against Fulham. These passages of play installed into the team by Arteta aren’t just coincidences. They have clearly been worked on and repeated. Words can't describe how impressed I have been with MA. Hope you enjoyed the read