THREAD: Analysing Arsenal's lack of creativity. In this thread, I will analyse Arteta, the problems we have with creating chances, the systems I would like us to persist with for now and much more. Likes and RTs so that more Gooners can see this would mean a lot, enjoy

Arteta is doing a very good job, particularly with the way he has improved the structure/balance in our play, out of possession. Under Emery, defensively we were disjointed and the spaces in between the backline and midfield were far too big. Comparisons are shown below.

We are a much better pressing team under Arteta. It's calculated, with players eliminating passing lanes, forcing the opposition to go long. Whilst we have been below par, in my opinion, in recent weeks with regards to our press, it's still an element that we have improved on.

Arteta has realised that over the years, we simply haven't been good enough out of possession. He's worked on these aspects and the improvements are clearly visible. The only glaring problem I see, along with certain players playing out of position, is the lack of creativity.

Imo, creativity is much more than just stats. It's about how one operates in between the lines and in tight spaces. Can the player receive the ball on the half-turn, be a link, draw opposing players in, create space for others and make the correct decisions in possession.

Pre lockdown, whilst there still was a problem with regards to creativity, we were certainly creating more chances than what we are now. 4-2-3-1 with a 2-3-5 attacking shape, and Ozil drifting between the lines. Now I just want to make it clear that this isn't about Ozil. What..

I'm trying to explain is that we are lacking that player who can play in spaces and how we desperately need to address this in January. In the following diagrams, you will see how important this player is in the build-up to creating chances, without actually making an assist.

Against Sheffield United, we see Mesut being vital in the build-up for our opening goal. He receives the ball from deep (the link between midfield and attack), plays the ball to Laca, and his movement between the lines creates space for Saka.

A supporting player for our right-sided attacker. Pre lockdown, we were building attacks far more frequently from the right because we had our No.10 combining with Pepe, preventing him from isolation. A partnership that was working well.

The examples shown are just a few of many where there was a lot more balance in our play. Our 4-2-3-1 and 2-3-5 shape gave us more balance and allowed us to build attacks from both the left and right-hand side, with many partnerships developing.

So let's look at our 3-4-3 hybrid system. The clear advantages in this system are the flexibility it provides us in defence. Out of possession, we can shift to a 5-4-1 and this has proved to be a success in games where we surrender possession and allow the opposition to take

the initiative. The problem with this, however, is that it's not sustainable against the 'lesser teams', where the onus is on us to impose ourselves. What we also need to realise is that Saka is the player who is fundamental in linking midfield and attack together.

The issue with this is that because out of possession, Saka is playing as a LWB, when we do win the ball back and look to capitalise on a turnover, our transition from defence to attack is poor because his starting position is too deep, which hinders our creativity.

What we saw against Leicester was Arteta change the system and play a flat 4-3-3. So essentially, in possession, we deployed a 2-3-5 shape but utilised it differently. Xhaka and Ceballos were tasked to cover the spaces vacated by the two full-backs, Tierney and Bellerin.

When our CBs/CMs would have the ball, the two wide attackers in Saka and Auba would tuck in, occupy Leicesters wing backs, which created the space for long balls in behind to be played to the FBs. First half we had success using this method, with Luiz playing a key role.

Problem with playing a flat three is that we don't have the players to play this 'Liverpool system'. Firstly, our attacking pattern became very predictable and Rodgers knew this. What's also clear is that Xhaka and Ceballos are not great ball winners and don't cover ground well.

INTERNAL SOLUTIONS: What I would do is play a 4-2-3-1, and utilise a 2-3-5 shape that's shown below. But we can alter our shape in ways that change continuously, which will make us less predictable. Saka or Willian playing in between the lines.

Against Sheffield United at home, we were up against a team who deploy a low block. In the 55th minute, we shifted to a 4-2-3-1 and this proved to be the pivotal tactical change that helped us create avenues and break the deadlock.

Willian played through the middle, drifted from right to left. Pepe on the right and Saka on the left, with Auba down the middle. Fluidity, interchangeability and a system that we should utilise to increase the lack of creativity within the team. Similar to pre lockdown tactics.

My next solution is playing a 4-1-2-3 system and use the shapes shown below. Saka on the left side of midfield, along with Nelson playing as an inside forward from the left. Pepe and Nelson tuck in, opening up passing lanes, occupying 'zone 14' (No. 10 positions), with Bellerin

and Tierney creating width. We would have to be cautious against teams who can transition from defence to attack quickly, but we would have partnerships developing from both the right and left. A front three of Pepe, Auba and Nelson is balanced, with Saka at LCM.

What we could also do is play the same system but make individual changes. Partey playing as a number 6, with Willian and Saka as two advanced 8s. I believe that Willian is best suited to playing in central positions and a line up like this allows player rotations and fluidity.

Right now, the solutions that I have presented are not sustainable. But they can get us through to January. The key is to maximise creativity without leaving ourselves open defensively. A flat midfield three is not a solution imo and we should only play one of Ceballos/Xhaka.

We have seen the disadvantages our hybrid 3-4-3 system has with regards to creativity. A 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-2-3 is what we should try. We need one or two central players playing in between the lines. The question is obviously whether Willian or Saka can be that creative link. I would

like to see ESR in the EL group stages and see how he fairs. But I do think that he is a player who still isn't ready to feature in the PL and be pressured to perform. We just need to find a way that can get us through to January, where we can then invest in a creative player.