In the 2021-22 season, Arsenal had a bad start. After the Premier League started, they suffered a three-game losing streak and ranked last in the standings. This is undoubtedly a nightmare for the Gunners who missed the European competition this season. At that time, it is estimated that no one would have imagined that when the season was drawing to a close, Arsenal would be able to beat Manchester United led by Ronaldo and Tottenham led by Conte to firmly grasp the initiative in the fight for the fourth place, and it is expected to return to the Champions League next season. So, how did Arsenal gradually get out of the haze through tactical adjustments and show a “spiral upward”? What is the prospect of the Gunners fighting for the fourth place? In this regard, Liverpool legend Carragher and Manchester United legend Neville made some comments.
Carragher says Arteta’s tactical change has been “impressive” and has laid the groundwork for Arsenal’s revival. At the same time, he also pointed out that in the crucial battle against Liverpool, the Reds may use the potential weakness of this tactical adjustment to attack.
In the 29th round of the Premier League in the 2021-22 season, Arsenal defeated Leicester City 2-0 at home and “returned” to the top four in the Premier League after taking all three points. In the past 11 league games, Arsenal have won 9 games, which gives them a firm grasp of the initiative to compete for the Champions League tickets for next season.
It is worth mentioning that in the past 11 Premier League games, Arsenal have conceded only 7 goals. Carragher explained Arteta’s recent tactical adjustments in detail on the show, and also pointed out the potential Achilles’ heel of the current tactical play.
“Look at Arsenal’s defence, they’ve conceded only seven goals in the last 11 games, it’s reminiscent of Manchester City,” Carragher said.
In Arsenal’s 2-0 home win over Leicester City, high-intensity pressing from the Gunners’ midfield helped keep the Foxes under control.
The high pressing of Odegaard and Xhaka liberated Thomas, and the frontcourt Odegaard and Martinelli controlled the opponent like a “pressing machine”.
Arsenal striker Martinelli’s pressing up the left flank made the Gunners more aggressive.
Carragher analyzed: “It can be seen that Arsenal’s formation is very forward, and Xhaka has more tasks in the team, so after a game, his running distance can reach more than 11 kilometers. But sometimes , Blindly emphasizing the effect of high pressure will not be very good, because under the high pressure in the frontcourt, there will be defensive holes on both sides of Thomas. Then against Liverpool, this is what Arsenal must pay attention to when pressing high. .”
Carragher says Liverpool may be targeting the defensive holes left by Arsenal’s high pressing.
Later, Carragher added: “However, as you can see from the current Arsenal team, Arteta’s tactical fine-tuning of the team’s midfield has worked well.”
Before becoming Arsenal manager, Arteta worked as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. Carragher believes this is why the current Arsenal team shares similarities with defending champions Manchester City.
Carragher said: “There is no doubt that Arsenal have been in very good form in the last 10 Premier League games.”
Carragher said bluntly that Arsenal’s front five is reminiscent of the tactical system Guardiola created at Manchester City.
“Arsenal’s midfield structure is reminiscent of Pep Guardiola’s team, and obviously Guardiola has a huge influence on Arteta. Manchester City also often have five people covering the pitch in the front, and they take advantage of the width of the pitch to disintegrate. The opponent’s defense. Among them, Odegaard and Xhaka are very advanced, while Thomas is deep, which is easily reminiscent of Manchester City’s B-Silva, De Bruyne and Rodri.”
The sharpness and attacking power of Arsenal’s frontcourt created uncertainty in the opposition’s defence and midfield control.
“Such a tactical style of play makes opponents have to think, should the central defenders defend the Gunners’ attackers, or should the midfielders ‘take care’ of them? While they are thinking and hesitating, the team’s central midfield is easy There’s a huge gap, and that gives the shooter an opportunity.”
Carragher said: “Odegaard’s first goal against Watford was telling, and you can see from this goal a picture that often appears in Arsenal games – in front of the Gunners All five players rushed into the opponent’s penalty area.”
At Watford, when Odegaard scored the first goal, there were five Arsenal players in the box.
“When Arsenal or Manchester City have these five players on the field, even if the team concedes the ball, they can regain the ball very quickly.”
Neville: Arsenal must prove they are worthy of trust
At the same time, Manchester United star Neville explained his previous remarks that he “doesn’t trust Arsenal”. He said he now hopes the Gunners can break into the top four in the Premier League, although Arsenal still have a few “hard games” to play.
Arsenal are back in the top four after a 2-0 win over Leicester City.
“About a week ago, I said I couldn’t fully trust Arsenal, and that was because they hadn’t really lived up to expectations. But now the pressure is on them, in a sense, in expectations, They will finish fourth. I think Arsenal will finish fourth this season, but they also have Liverpool on Wednesday night, Aston Villa on Saturday, Manchester United, Tottenham on the back. competition.”
“Now they have to go forward and prove to the outside world that they can be trusted and that they can play in the Champions League. This is completely unexpected compared to the beginning of the season.”
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