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Mikel Arteta building a City in North London; a thread
Although he was second in charge at Manchester City, Mikel helped structure a revolutionary 4-3-3 while developing a unique style of play that fits City’s personnel. It’s safe to say he’s using a similar blueprint while re-building Arsenal, showing many similarities; seen below
Creative RW (Saka - B. Silva). The two move freely in-between the lines, gliding inwards and offering one-twos by linking up with the CF / RCM. Both alike, share a similar trait in cutting-inside with their left-foot to shower the opposition with threats centrally + shots
Inside Forward (Martinelli - Sterling). Wingers with ST instincts aren’t uncommon to exploit in a 4-3-3. With Gabi, Arteta can replicate Sterling’s goal-threat by deploying a LW with flawless half-space & back-post movement, impeccable timing, and a ST’s impulse for space
False 9 (Lacazette - Aguero). As for our #9 it’s fair to say Mikel wants a player that links up like a 10, but flows, finishes & moves like a CF; a 10.5, as Arsène Wenger once called it. That 10.5 brings others into the game & has a role built on interchangeability + proficiency
Holding Midfielder (Partey - Fernandinho). For that role we’ll need a diligent powerhouse who’d do as much on the ball as off it. With Partey, Mikel’s found a press-resistant gem that can cut passing lanes, break the lines with pinpoint passes, and drive his team out of a press
Fluid #8s (Ceballos / Ø - KDB / Foden). We’ve recently seen Ø, ESR, and Ceballos start centrally but drift towards the wide-zones showcasing effortless interchangeability with the wingers + good fluidity while occupying the half-spaces & wings. Noticed a similarity in KDB / Foden
CB (Gabriel - Laporte). Mikel’s emphasis on a left-footed centre back was apparent from day one. A lefty allows us to initiate our build-up with more options through the additional angles we unlock; becoming a necessity in every possession-based side
LB (KT - Mendy / Angelino). Through our left-back, we get a unique asset that offers us a wide attacking option on the furthest left-hand side by joining the front 3. Our front line essentially becomes a front 4 or 5 in-possession while attacking a low-block
