The predictability of Arsenal – it’s all in the formation
by Marco Bilello
Editor’s Note: I am always looking for different writers to come to YAMA and ply their wares with us. I do tend be selective but I believe I stumbled on a great one for the readers. This is Marco Bilello. He and I had been discussing tactics alot when I asked him about writing something for us. The result is a very well thought out and articulated look at Arsenal, their move to the 4-3-3 (or 4-5-1). I enjoyed reading it I know you will too. – DAG
I never thought I’d say this but it was genuinely interesting to hear Gary Neville explain the merits of the 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 formation during the half time interval at one of the recent meaningless Internationals. His rationale for many teams adopting this formation is to avoid being over-run in the middle of the park against top quality sides. Neville gave the example of playing against Brazil as the point in case, although I can’t remember England faring too well against Brazil in recent years.
I am about to simplify his rationale somewhat but in short, he felt that it was better to over-crowd the midfield with bodies to starve teams with flair players any space and cut the gaps that can appear between defence, midfield and attack. And, when the play breaks down, it should theoretically be easier to break with numbers in attack. That was his theory anyway.
So, what’s all that guff got to do with Arsenal? We’ve been at The Emirates since 2006 and pretty much since the day we moved from Highbury, we have played 4-5-1 / 4-3-3, depending on how you perceive the system. In that time, we have won nothing.
Yet, one of Arsene Wenger’s first acts when he joined the Club in 1996 was to ditch the 5-3-2 formation he inherited from Bruce Rioch into a more expansive 4-4-2 formation.
So, why did Wenger change that philosophy, almost immediately when we moved to the Emirates? I go back to Mr Neville’s comments on why teams adopt the 4-5-1 / 3-4-3 formation; to try to pack the midfield out with bodies to prevent more talented teams any space. Are we therefore a team that is set out to stop the good ones from playing and exploit the lesser teams by over-running them and capitalising on their mistakes
It’s very easy to think that way. Wenger didn’t need to cram the midfield with the great teams of the Highbury era. Yes, the pitch was smaller so we could condense play and break quickly, fluidly turning a functional 4-4-2 into either a 4-3-3 or even 4-2-4 formation when the wide players broke. We basically had better players back then and could exert our own game on the opposition knowing we had options all over the park where goals would come from. You can generously count on one hand the number of players in our current team that would get into any of those pre-Emirates sides. You can count even less that will give you 15-plus goals per season!
Those were also the days where we rarely – if ever – started with just one lone central striker too. A far cry from the team today, with RvP running the line on his own, marshaled by four defenders. More on that in a moment though.
These days the side starts the game in what is effectively a 4-5-1 formation (it’s not 4-3-3; look at the positions the wide players adopt) with one lone striker (usually RvP) expected to do a huge amount of donkey work, running the channels, chasing the ball and offering himself whenever we attack as what is often the only option as an available forward pass. When that pass isn’t on, most of the time we can only go sideways or backwards, pass after pass until play breaks down, often with us surrendering possession with a crap hopeful and over-hit cross into the box.
Don’t be fooled by the possession stats. Yes, we dominate possession and play some neat patterns but teams have wisened onto this and let us have the ball. They know full-well that if they zonally mark the space and put bodies between our midfield and our striker that it’s difficult for us to find a forward pass. In those instances, the likelihood is that the move will peter out at some point without their goalkeeper being put under any threat. If I had a penny for every time I’d seen that this season, I may have cobbled together enough cash to pay my season ticket next season. Yes, 6%, you are having a laugh
The strangest thing about the system we have implemented over the past few seasons is that it doesn’t compliment the strength of our players. The back four aside, many of the players are shoe-horned into positions to fit the system rather than it being the other way around. The biggest joke of all is that we do not have one natural wide player at the club. Take Theo out of the side and we are also lacking any sort of pace in the final third; something which was a hallmark of Wenger’s Highbury sides. Look at the names of players who have played on the flanks this season and see if you think any of these fit the bill:
- Nasri: One of our most consistent players this season but considerably more comfortable as an attacking central midfielder and produced his best performances when playing in Cesc’s role.
- Walcott: Has the pace, but does not have the guile or the ability to deliver crosses when out wide. On the rare occasions that he does put in a good ball, there is usually nobody in the box to get on the end of it
- Arshavin: Similar to Nasri but a lazy version who lacks vision to play centrally, so the best place for him is out wide, where he can often hide and disappear from games
- Bendtner: Not his biggest fan, but he will never be a winger. Have to feel sympathy for the guy as whenever he comes on, he’s forced to play out wide
- Chamakh: A decent target man, who signed as Bordeaux’s player of the year having spent the whole season as a striker. Holds the ball well but is arguably the slowest attacker Wenger has ever signed (that includes Davor Suker) and doesn’t have the final ball to play wide
- Diaby: A central midfielder (when fit)
- Rosicky: Similar to Nasri in his prime but the injuries have taken their toll
- Ramsey: Quite why he played out wide against West Brom, I will never know
- Vela: Remember him? The man signed on the back of his striking exploits for Mexico in the 2005 FIFA U17s World Championship, regularly takes up the left wing slot when he has a rare cameo appearance
- Denilson: Oh dear
Given Gary Neville’s rationale, it’s easy to see why Wenger wants three players in the middle of midfield. With the technique of our players, it should enable us to dominate possession and when we don’t have the ball, have enough bodies to nick it back. Also, by having one holding midfielder, our susceptible centre halves should be more protected from any breaking runners
Now, I’m not saying that we shouldn’t play 4-5-1 / 4-3-3, but when the system isn’t working and we’re going sideways, struggling to test the opposition keeper, surely it makes more sense to change the formation, rather than just swap personnel like-for-like?
We’ve only done that a handful of times this season; away at Man Utd in the FA Cup, away at West Brom, away at Stoke and at home to Aston Villa, In all of those games, we were behind and chasing the game. So, what does that say about our current group of players and the 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 system? More importantly, what does it say about the 4-4-2 system? We seem to only revert to it at the last resort when we are chasing games, which in its own right suggests that it is a more attacking system.
I’ve been impressed when we’ve played 4-4-2 this season. We’ve certainly not had any less possession; in fact we’ve probably had more of the ball. In those games listed above, we’ve also been more threatening and created more chances with two central strikers. And, the Man Utd game apart, we’ve also scored goals when we’ve switched.
The biggest problem I have with the way we play the 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 formation is the way we use the central striker, or more appropriately, the player we use for that role. In spite of his astonishing goals to games ratio this season (21 goals in 32 games) RvP is not your typical number 9 and not particularly suited to playing the lone striker role. He doesn’t have the pace to play on the shoulder of the centre back and make runs behind the opposition back four. Therefore, teams know they can drop deep and force us to play directly in front of them without too much fear of being turned.
Furthermore, because of his technical ability, RvP often drops deep or wide to receive the ball. When he does try to hold the line, he often finds himself moving between markers along the opposition back four. He also rarely challenges for any 50-50 aerial balls.
Yet, the more I have seen of him this season, the more I am convinced that his best position is playing off a main striker in the Bergkamp mould. He has the vision, touch and technique to link play and this season, he has also proved that he can consistently score goals. As an attacking force, it would have been nice to have seen us give opposing teams more to think about by playing a main striker – whether that be Chamakh or Bendtner – with RvP playing behind. We’ll never know if it would have made any difference to our fortunes but when teams have come to park the proverbial bus, we have the personnel to change the tactics rather than keep banging our heads against a brick wall using the same system.
It just seems so obvious. It remains to be seen if Wenger will stick with 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 next season. I guess a lot will depend on what happens with transfer movement this summer. Will Clichy, Cesc and Nasri leave? What deadwood can we actually get rid of? Will we buy the players we so desperately need; a solid centre half, some true wide players and an out-and-out goal scorer? We’ll find out soon enough but one thing I do believe will be addressed is that we will not be so predictable next season.
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Ive meant to publish about something like th is on one of my blogs and th is gave me an notion. TY.
Read this paragraph in an email that was published in the F365 mailbox. The writer is discussing a David Conn article he read.
“What Conn succinctly highlights is the fact that three Arsenal shareholders have just taken £240m out of the club. This is clear profit gained mostly over the last 6 trophy-less years while Arsenal had the highest ticket prices in the league. The propaganda – also promoted by Arsenal supporters on this site – was that the club needed to be “prudent” and “restrained” to fund the new stadium and set Arsenal up for the future. That prudence and restraint went directly into the share price and has now been cashed in by the three “patriots” when it it could have gone into freezing/lowering ticket prices AND equipping the team with the tiny bit extra that Arsenal needed to win trophies. Stan Kroenke has already paid £240m for this “prudence” so it is little use expecting him to pay for it again in further investment.”
Who was it a few weeks back talking about David Conn drawing attention to the Arsenal ownership’s true nature? Anyways, spot on. And this shows that even though I’d like Arsene to leave at this point b/c of his on-field failings, I’m not sure how much better off we’d be if he did leave. Mainly b/c the old board and the new owner are a big part of the problem too.
@ChicagoGooner, like I have said for too long… GREEDY BASTARDS in charge at the club, who have one goal, MAKING MONEY… with that kind of money being made… is there even a debate any longer?
If half of it had been re-invested into the team on the pitch, we’d probably have had 4 trophies in the last 6 years of more.
Instead, we have ZERO, and those fools who believe all the propaganda thrown out there by the club every year, all year… that somehow making millions upon millions for the board and club, is worthy of PRAISE by the every day fan who foots the bill, and buys those highest price tickets in Europe.
I don’t get it… smh.
:skeleton:
@stag133,
Oh oh ….. you guys are gonna get it now from JROY BOWER … rushing in to defend profits for the board.
@ChicagoGooner, profits being taken out of the club, well it is expected AFC being a business first of all.
But a defense that plays the offside trap without a holding midfielder, keepers who are terrified to go for a cross, a defense that cannot defend high balls, an offense that cannot execute a decent corner kick nor set plays …………..these have nothing to do with profits being taken.
I don’t mind if there is no money for stars, BUT there was money for all the flops bought lately by Arsene. There were MANY good players going for less then AW payed for Kos, Squid, etc – Kompany is just one that comes to mind.
IF AW didn’t have enough money, OR he didn’t want to spend it, doesn’t alleviate the fact that the team plays a style which cannot be supported by the squad.
Finding a style of play which maximizes the individual qualities of players IS the main requirement for a manager.
Changing the playing style according to the opposition is another requirement.
Fixing ONGOING issues with the defense is another, not dealing with the known problems, year after year, is CRIMINAL.
This quote should really come under the previous post re Arsene’s ego.
“Wenger, who has persuaded assistant Pat Rice to spend another season at Arsenal, also evoked memories of Brian Clough when it was inferred that he is not sufficiently challenged by his backroom staff.
“I speak openly with them and ask them their mind,” said Wenger. “And after I make the decision. That’s the democracy we have here.” Asked whether a fresh voice might help, he said: “We are open-minded. It will be difficult to find a coach who teaches me how to manage a football team.”
Does that sound like some one who is open to making changes and taking advice from others?
NO
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8526851/Arsenal-manager-Arsene-Wenger-says-Barcelona-are-on-their-knees-ahead-of-Champions-League-final.html?
@Caribkid,
Yup, I figured just as much all along. Wenger, The Arrogant Twat (a tactical zero) figures he has nothing to learn even though almost every top manager has at one point or the other brought in a technical (usually younger and less experienced) and bright coach to add a new perspective or to help with innovative tactics.
But Arsene Fucking Wenger knows it all.
PS: What on earth is he doing talking about other teams and what tactics they might employ???
He even went into pseudo specifics like how Hernandez might or might not be deployed.
Who asked for his opinion??
@Caribkid, He just wants another year to do the same thing again because next year will be different. Why? Because next year, he won’t have any bad luck. This sounds like a common story seen in many movies where one normally sees an aging washed up hero/villain who wants just one more chance to set things straight or just wants to pull off one last job before heading off into the sunset. Naturally, something always goes wrong in such movies but thanks to the script writers, there is a happy ending where the aging hero/villain comes out ok. Unfortunately, Arsenal football is not such a movie.
Once Arsenal was an Palme d’Or film but now it is a semi-polished B grade movie trying to pass off as a vintage A grade work. The Arsenal movie is definately not a big budget feature but it charges much more than the biggest budget films in the market. One normally pays more for 3D features or IMAX 3D features yet no one pays more for a regular 2D features in a multiplex. One only plays more for 35mm films at a film festival when that feature is having a premier or special screening. So using this analogy, then every Arsenal home game charges rates as if it is a vintage premier screening showcasing the best stars at play. Unfortuntely, instead of seeing the best stars, we get to see mostly B grade stars plying their trade, or A list stars forced to play B grade roles.
But next year will be different. Wenger just wants to go all in…again.
And to all the AKBs out there crying for Wenger to “stay but change”.
He has said equivocally that there will be absolutely NO change to his “philosophy” and that there will also be no changes to the coaching staff.
So basically EVERYTHING will be exactly the same … just that instead of Denilson, Almunia and Arshavin we will have Connor Henderson, Mannone and Miyaichi.
Our style of play, our lack of attention to defending, our poor setpieces, our sideways passing. EVERYTHING will remain the same.
The imaginary “40,000” on the imaginary waiting list MUST be licking their lips in delight at what awaits them next season.
The dark passage of Arsenal FC 2011 : youtube.com/user/4347john?feature=mhee.Check this out.it’s amazing.
Xmas has come early, folks. One down, six to go…
Denilson: I’m off
By ROB BEASLEY
DENILSON rocked Arsenal last night by announcing: “I want to leave.”
The Brazilian star is flying home after Sunday’s game at Fulham and admits he is fed up after five years in London without a trophy.
He said: “This has been the worst season of my life and I am so upset, so frustrated.
“I am a winner and I came here to win trophies but I’ve been here for five years and won nothing.
“A footballer’s career is over very quickly so it is time for me to move on.
“This is not a sudden decision. I made up my mind eight months ago.
“I was fed up of coming home and feeling down.
“But I haven’t said anything until now because I did not want to disrupt the team during the season. And I haven’t caused a big scene.
“I’ve simply been to see Arsene Wenger and told him how I felt and he’s agreed to let me go.
“I know some people will think I am crazy. They are right. It is a great club with a great organisation, a great manager and so many talented players.
“Yes, I make a good living at Arsenal but other things in life are important.
“I need a fresh challenge and although I know I’m taking a big gamble I am ready to take that risk.”
Denilson, 23, added: “I can’t see myself returning in a Chelsea shirt, or Liverpool or Manchester City – and definitely not Tottenham. I think my future will be in Spain or Italy.”
His parting message to Arsenal is powerful and poignant. “It’s great to play beautiful football but sometimes to be a winner you have to play ugly if you want to succeed.”
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3590887/Denilson-has-told-Arsenal-he-is-quitting-the-club-on-Sunday.html#ixzz1MqRmiKPf
@macmac007,
Ha. He thinks he’s a loser because of where he plays. That’s almost as absurd as anyone figuring he’d be a good footballer based on where he was born.
Please, make this so.
@macmac007, odd. but one our biggest goats… the player most fans want out… says he’s leaving the club because we don’t win things?
Obviously, not too many folks are going to be anything less than ecstatic that Denilson would be gone… but it is kind of odd, isn’t it? what does this say about Arsenal FC?
Hope we can get a few sheckles for him… but regardless, it opens up a place for someone else, even if its coming off the bench.
I’ll say this, I think he gave good effort when he played. He just isn’t good enough to play at Arsenal. And right now, that’s saying something!
@macmac007,
Every SINGLE sentence in his statement blows my mind, its that incredible. This is like getting rejected by a fugly chick you were never interested in … LOL.
But what really takes the cake is this statement: “I can’t see myself returning in a Chelsea shirt, or Liverpool or Manchester City – and definitely not Tottenham.”
Hahahahahhaahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahah !!!!
He is a prime example of the complete fucktards that populate our team.
All said and done, this is the BEST development at Arsenal in a year.
@Fred,
He will definitely help out some club in La Liga, Serie A or Portugal. Problem is he will have to put his money where his mouth is because no team in their right mind will take him on the wages he is currently making.
Although, he could go to Spain at 60% of his current salary and net the same as with Arsenal.
I don’t dislike the young man and wish him the best for the future, but no matter where he goes, he will never be a DM.
@Caribkid,
How exactly will he “help out” some club in La Liga, Serie A or Portugal???
What does he bring to the table?
He cant break into ANY top 10 team in Spain or Italy … and he cant play for any of the Big teams in Portugal – Benfica, Braga, Sporting … or even Boavista.
Sure, these Latin countries are not as high-intensity but they still require players to you know … track their man and not be a lazy, self-entitled fuck.
A forsee him heading back to a middling Brazillian team within a year of joining any European team stupid enough to take him.
@Fred,
I’m willing to make a small wager that if he leaves he will end up in a top 10 club.
@Caribkid,
Oh I do not rule out a team on the lower half of the top 10 in Italy or Spain picking him up, I am sure a few of them will be impressed he was at Arsenal for a full five years.
I am saying he doesnt have the ability to actually break into the team he joins and would get dumped soon after he has been found out.
If he cant be motivated enough to run faster than a fat, 42 year old referee on a counter attack, I just dont see how he can suddenly find motivation at much lower wages.
Remember, NOBODY in Portugal makes the 60k pw he is making now. He might have to settle for 30% of that if lucky.
@Fred,
“This is like getting rejected by a fugly chick you were never interested in … LOL.”
Perfect analogy.
Truly a new low. I actually think this is one that might dent the armor that is Arsene’s ego.
@macmac007, Sounds like Denilson should be in charge of the summer transfers.
so, its being reported that Arsenal are “shopping” Arshavin… “to raise funds”… for Summer signings.
Please… tell me WHY WE NEED TO RAISE FECKING FUNDS?!!
How many times have we heard that there is MONEY available for Arsene to buy in Summer or January, this “warchest” is regularly mentioned… and we make profit every freaking season…
so why in the hell do we need to sell anybody, in order to be able to buy? its fecking LUDICRIOUS!!!!!!!!!
Such bullshit from this club… no wonder the supporters are starting to rumble… I hope there are major protests.
I don’t care who they sell… I like Arshavin, but whatever… don’t tell me it needs to be done to raise funds… there are at least 5 other candidates that should be forced out before Andrei…
perhaps they won’t be able to command any kind of transfer fee near Arshavin’s… but we’d save a fortune on wages alone.
SACK the whole board AND manager… this club has lost its way, and is so out of touch with reality… its AMAZING. :skeleton:
so, its being reported that Arsenal are “shopping” Arshavin… “to raise funds”… for Summer signings.
Please… tell me WHY WE NEED TO RAISE FECKING FUNDS?!!
How many times have we heard that there is MONEY available for Arsene to buy in Summer or January, this “warchest” is regularly mentioned… and we make profit every freaking season…
so why in the hell do we need to sell anybody, in order to be able to buy? its fecking LUDICRIOUS!!!!!!!!!
Such bullshit from this club… no wonder the supporters are starting to rumble… I hope there are major protests.
I don’t care who they sell… I like Arshavin, but whatever… don’t tell me it needs to be done to raise funds… there are at least 5 other candidates that should be forced out before Andrei…
perhaps they won’t be able to command any kind of transfer fee near Arshavin’s… but we’d save a fortune on wages alone.
SACK the whole board AND manager… this club has lost its way, and is so out of touch with reality… its AMAZING. :skeleton:
Good read Marco, some very good points which should be really analyzed by the powers at AFC.
The predictability of Arsenal’s play is mostly caused by the lack of adequate technical skills of the players. Unfortunately the Barca play is NOT a solution for Arsenal because, with 1-2 exceptions, we DO NOT HAVE players of that quality.
And here I completely agree with your point of players being forced into a system that doesn’t exploit their stregths.
Finding a playing style that suits the squad is the most important requirement for a managerial job.
Building a squad for a certain type a play, and not producing the expected style is a complete failure.
Iniesta, Messi, Pedro, Villa, Dani Alves, even Xavi will run at the opposition at least 3-4 times per match to keep them honest. This is how they imbalance the defense and create an ongoing threat.
How many of our players do this consistently?
It’s not a shame not being able to emulate Barca, after all most of them are current or future world champions.
The Barca style also requires a solid defense, AND defending in packs. Unless you have all three components you CANNOT build a wining tiki-taka team.
We moved to the 4-3-3 full time when we got rid of Adebayor, which if I’m correct, was just 2 seasons ago. Too lazy to check exactly when he left.
Prior to that, it was some combination of Ade, RVP, Eduardo, NB and Vela as the front 2.
Ironically, NB and Carlos had their best moments in the old 4-4-2 formation.
Thanks to everyone for their comments on the article. I hope you enjoyed reading. It will be interesting to see how we line up next season as I expect (and hope) there will be changes in personnel. For once I believe the events of this season will not pass without consequence. The failings are too glaring and too big to ignore and if we can see it, I am certain the management can.
Also, while it’s not the first time fans have questioned the direction of the Club (or Arsene Wenger for that matter), it does feel to be the strongest expression of dissent I can recall.
The team needs to be strengthened and the Club needs to make the investment. I have a feeling that will happen this summer.
@Marco, wishful thinking.
I also hope, BUT I don’t see any good reason for it.
Unfortunately I sense that things will get worse before they get better.
ManU only needs very few adjustments, ManC will BUY the best available talent, Chelsea will keep up, Liverpool is getting better, Tottenham HAS a better squad.
No matter what changes AFC will do, you cannot change the mentality, the culture, the squad, in one summer.
But here I agree with you again, HOPE is all we have left.
@Marco,
Marco,
For the last three seasons, Gooners have been saying THIS is the Summer when things will be different. Wenger HAS to see now. He HAS to change.
But HE won’t change. He WON’T see. Things WILL stay the same.
And while I respect your effort, for me this thread premise misses the point just as the ‘Life After Cesc…” one did.
It’s not about one player. It’s not about formation. It’s not about new stadiums, old officials, pitch conditions, who makes the schedules or anything else. It’s about ONE man. Because that’s what HE has made it about. (With the permission of the Board.)
I don’t base this on my OPINION of have things have gone for the last 6 seasons, I base this on the FACTS of what has occurred for the last 6 seasons.
Arsenal needs to change one thing more than any other. Nothing else will change until after that happens.
@vibe4arsenal,
“Arsenal needs to change one thing more than any other. Nothing else will change until after that happens.”
BULLSEYE !!!
“The predictability of Arsenal – it’s all in the formation ”
And who picks the formation? I believe it’s the oh-so-predictable manager.
Hope,
If you took a bit from all comments, Arsenal are not far away, RVP is never on the field long enough every tackle he commits too, looks like an injury-always holding something when he gets up. We don;t need many players, 2-3yrs ago clichy and sagna used to bomb forward now its a rarety, need big centre half next to vermailen as long as he recovers form! highbury curse. Would question who teaches defending at club, L Brady was very lazy defencively, P Rice old style full back. Arsene tactially V Poor, if you gave our team to Sir Alex this season he would have won the four. Bendtner gets critical goals, Chamack I thought linked well start of season, RVP too injury proned to be starter-you spend alll season waiting for him, team was better prior to his return goals from every where. I know he has scored in recent weeks, but we lost those games. Need left winger/midfielder, in the box strker would try chamack ahead of rvp holds play up better, burly center half, left back if gibbs does not perform, a tactician for arsene. cash in on fab,
ha! talk of formations reminded me of my college coach, who unveiled his “5-5-5” formation in pre-season camp my sophmore year. his concept was that there would always be at least 5 players in phase/area of the game.
that’s right, 5-5-5 with only 11 players!
on defense we had two backs, a sweeper, and double stoppers. tada, 5 defenders + the keeper!
in midfield we had to wingers, a rover, and the double stoppers were now converted to defensive midfielders, but were mysteriously called “links” regardless of whether they were playing in midfield or defense… 5 in midfield! confused yet?!?
on offense there were two strikers, plus the two wingers, with the rover playing “in the hole”. magic! 5 attackers able to overrun any defensive setup!!
needless to say, everyone thought the coach had lost the plot, but we somehow managed to overcome his “tactics” and had a reasonably successful season. thanks for the trip down memory lane…
ha! talk of formations reminded me of my college coach, who unveiled his “5-5-5” formation in pre-season camp my sophmore year. his concept was that there would always be at least 5 players in phase/area of the game.
that’s right, 5-5-5 with only 11 players!
on defense we had two backs, a sweeper, and double stoppers. tada, 5 defenders + the keeper!
in midfield we had to wingers, a rover, and the double stoppers were now converted to defensive midfielders, but were mysteriously called “links” regardless of whether they were playing in midfield or defense… 5 in midfield! confused yet?!?
on offense there were two strikers, plus the two wingers, with the rover playing “in the hole”. magic! 5 attackers able to overrun any defensive setup!!
needless to say, everyone thought the coach had lost the plot, but we somehow managed to overcome his “tactics” and had a reasonably successful season. thanks for the trip down memory lane…
First of all, we moved explicitly to a 4-3-3 just 2-3 years ago, if I remember right, NOT when we moved to the Emirates.
Secondly, nothing annoys me more than when folks conflate the 4-3-3 with the 4-5-1 (including this writer). There ARE real differences. But the differences have been masked by the repeated and retarded punditry of the English media that confuses both.
The 4-3-3 is NOT supposed to “flood” the midfield, that is the 4-5-1. In the 4-3-3 midfield, each position is supposed to be specialized. Even the old Ajax teams (that invented the modern 4-3-3) had a specialist DM, a specialist harrying CM and a specialist AM. With 2 Bergkamp type, second strikers (not wingers) closely supporting a fluid, pacy striker.
The 4-4-2 is NOT more attacking or less defensively stable. Catenacio was played solely in 4-4-2!!!! If you think about it, 4-4-2 is the most defensively stable and overall most efficient formation.
Generally, 4-3-3 is best for specialized, intelligent and technical players. But it also allows for players to HIDE, so it really can not be used by any team, especially a thick team like ours.
4-4-2 is suitable for majority of teams. Its offensively and defensively stable. And it is convenient for average players (like ours). Us using 4-3-3 is being too cute by a half.
4-5-1 … which is what the thick English media confuses as 4-3-3. And no, teams do not switch from 4-5-1 to 4-3-3. Anybody who has actually watched a 4-3-3 team defending knows that 4-3-3 teams actually switch to a 4-4-2 when out of possession – with 2 DMs, one forward pushing out wide (in the area of ball possession) and the two remaining forward acting as deep, roaming and harrying forwards. Classic example is Barca. Watch their player positions when out of possession. Or watch any old Ajax game videos. That is how real 4-3-3 works.
As you can see, the 4-5-1 is far more defensive overall and far more wing oriented than the 4-3-3.
Summary: 4-3-3 uses three real forwards or second strikers interchanging. It allows for a wider range of offensive tactics and well developed schemes than the 4-4-2 which is otherwise the more efficient formation. That is why I dont get why Wenger switched. We have MEDIOCRE players, he does not use ANY sort of tactics whatsoever … and the players are way too think to do anything themselves without direction. All in all, like the last 7 years, a complete shambles formation wise.
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All this said, formation is probably the least of our problems with the mediocre players we have coupled with the absolute tactical oaf we have as manager.
i have said this for 5 years straight or how many years he has just made an experiment with 451 433 bull ,when we had winning formula 442 or near bouts ,since this we have looked vulnerable since day one of this ludicrous completely uneeded change ,we never looked like a side who could conceed a goal or with this formation not score one ,this stuborness year after year to not admit this obvious point that i can assure you he knows=ie change to 442 in last mins of games after hes lost the games and expects uss to score instantly and which we do or very almost always do as in the blog post states above ,has cost us five years or how many is it now ,and enuf stress to last a lifetime,its not the players ….well maybe one or two have been poor but not really as this formation makes all players look bad ,and for anyone thinking about saying but barca this barca that ,they play with messi basicaly playing midfield and its messi and also have got villa and pedro who when not in possesion have villa and pedro playing as right and left midfielders =yes this means they are defending .and when they are in possesion they attacking ,….ie arsenal with no a-b-c we just have a-?-c which gets any one nowhere.let me know if you agree as it seems as tho not enuough people see this
If you want to win games and impose your game on the other team, 4-5-1 is the best option. Unless you are willing to concede the midfield and play a counter attacking style, in today’s game you need to play some sort of a 4-5-1.
A 4-5-1 is also a more fluid formation. You can have more players playing “between the lines” and moving between zones. For example Cesc, Wilshere, Song making runs unmarked into the final third and scoring goals.
4-5-1 also allows you to have the wide midfielders play higher up. They don’t have to do as much defensive work and frees them to make runs forward. Nasri and Walcott would not score as many in a 4-4-2.
And even Wenger’s pre-2005 sides were a mix between 4-5-1 and 4-4-2. And Wenger played 4-5-1 with Monaco.
We can switch to 4-4-2 when we’re chasing a game simply because the other team is usually sitting literally in their own box and the defensive shape of our team doesn’t matter that much anymore. It’s actually more a 4-2-4 when we do that with Arshavin/Bendtner/Walcott (all forwards) on the wings doing no defensive work whatsoever.
So we do that when we’re going all out for the win and it’s more of a throw-on-as-many-forwards-as-you-can approach rather than a systematic change, I feel.
And the reason Wenger doesn’t change the shape too regularly is because changing shapes doesn’t help unless you really have to, and want to leave the formation that the team performs best in for as long as you can before you change it.
As for the wingers – the way we play, we don’t like putting crosses into the box. Sending hopeful crosses into the box with players running in to fight for the ball is an inefficient way to attack. Accurate passing and movement works better, so that’s what we try to do.
The way we play is our wingers don’t play like traditional wingers. They cut inside and try to score goals rather than stay out wide and put in crosses.
Our fullbacks take up the wide positions and they are usually the ones crossing the ball. But ideally they are measured crosses not meant for someone to fight in the air for but rather for someone to tap in from close range.
RvP is the best lone striker in the world, simply because of the goals he scores. Well, maybe it’s a toss up between him and Messi.
Both play the center forward role similarly. In fact Rooney does the same. They all drop deep to find space and/or pull defenders out of position, creating space for others to exploit.
Rooney is probably the only one who is capable of scoring from headers frequently.
And that’s the only weak spot RvP has. If our passing game isn’t working then throwing crosses at him won’t help. In fact his instincts are such that when the ball is out wide, he usually isn’t even in the box.
But you can’t argue with his incredible scoring record. And he doesn’t just score he also assists a lot of goals. And this is in part BECAUSE he plays as the lone striker, not in spite of it. It is the freedom and room he gets to express himself that is the key.
And if we need a more physical, aerial presence we can always bring on Bendtner and Chamakh and Diaby.
I don’t know why you want an “out and out goalscorer” when we have the best goal scorer in the league in RvP. Why would you move him deeper, further away from goal? He will not get nearly as many goals or assists playing deeper. Mazza above has it figured out.
Our predictability at times has nothing to do with the formation, but more to do with the team’s quality of passing and movement. No matter what system you play, if you aren’t passing the ball quickly enough or you aren’t running around properly then you’ll suffer.
I do agree with you about pace though. We can use another Walcott in the squad.
Finally someone notices that Nasri’s best games came when he played on the right. Hazard would be nice since he likes to cut from left to right more often then not, but unfortunately I dont see him coming now that Madrid and Liverpool are serious contenders. Pool cant offer Champions League but they will offer Lille the amount they want.
Imagine a 4-4-2 with Jack and Aaron in the middle running the show. Something for the future, maybe.
?:-) Without going into the technical side of things, for which I am not qualified, formation is a problem and the oppositions are very alert to our short commings. I guess this is a combination of several things.
Firstly, we don`t seem to have faired very well since moving to Emirates. This has nothing to do with Highbury ghosts it`s just the playing area is much bigger and players that were successful at Highbury do not necessarily make it at Emirates. It appears we have changed formations to try and counter this without much success. Further more we`ve taken this new formation on tour.
So I suppose we have to consider players suitable to Emirates and an effective formation or formations that will give us results at home and away. It`s just conceivably possible that even Wenger is still hung over from Highbury.
Great article. One of the best ive seen on the goonernews feed!! I have to admit its never crossed my mind to change our system. Food for thought! I do think we need 3 signings at least in the summer. And i can see a few players leaving to make room. Rosicky, almunia, denilson and possibly bendtner.
our current style of play is nothing like the Pre-Emirates teams… and that is because our team is much weaker in key positions…
I don’t see Wenger changing styles… if we don’t have the horses … then he’ll continue to try and hide the deficiencies with our current style of play… if we were to lose Cesc & Nasri, we might have to adopt a completely different style to accomodate the team we have left…
So much rides on this off-season… what we do, or do not do with player personell… if we remain the same and stagnant, we have no place to go but down. As noted in the article with great detail, teams have figured out how to play us, and they know we can’t or refuse to adapt, and rarely do something different.
A one trick pony…
our current style of play is nothing like the Pre-Emirates teams… and that is because our team is much weaker in key positions…
I don’t see Wenger changing styles… if we don’t have the horses … then he’ll continue to try and hide the deficiencies with our current style of play… if we were to lose Cesc & Nasri, we might have to adopt a completely different style to accomodate the team we have left…
So much rides on this off-season… what we do, or do not do with player personell… if we remain the same and stagnant, we have no place to go but down. As noted in the article with great detail, teams have figured out how to play us, and they know we can’t or refuse to adapt, and rarely do something different.
A one trick pony…
Our problems start on the left. As much as I like Clichy’s effort, he is no where as skillful as Evra, Cashley or Gibbs. Combined with Arshavin on the left, there is not enough bite in the attack nor enough heft in the defence.
Perhaps we could move Walcott left until Rio matures (and Rio will be special) or let Walcott deputise for VP who can’t be expected to play two games a week for more than half the season. Perhaps Walcott’s sheer speed will unnerve defences enough for someone else to score. But i’d rather leave him on the wing and find a striker or number 10 who is a natural dribbler. There are times when only a good old-fashioned dribble will get you a ticket on the parked bus.
I believe we are three players away from a formidable team. And the 12th man in the stands would be nice to have too. If you perform better on the road than at home, there’s something wrong at home.
you lost me when you mentioned gibbs in the same breath as cole and evra. the guy is a horrible defender and an average winger at best. plz mention a single game that convinced you he is even good enough to polich their boots or at least better than clichy. mate think twice before you make your assumptions public. peace
you lost me when you mentioned gibbs in the same breath as cole and evra. the guy is a horrible defender and an average winger at best. plz mention a single game that convinced you he is even good enough to polich their boots or at least better than clichy. mate think twice before you make your assumptions public. peace
@mike in atlanta, you can’t seriously think “the 12th man” is a reason for our lack of success in any respect… they should be firing batteries at some of the players and manager … based on our play at times.
and Gibbs is not close to being ready to replace Clichy at LB…
@stag133, Never said Gibbs was ready Stag although i can see how you may have inferred that. I’m pointing out that Clichy is not skillful enough to cause as much damage as Evra does when he goes rampaging. I’ve seen low-level teams cheer their players more than Arsenal supporters do. Home support traditionally has a strong effect on performances (see the Nou Camp for instance.)
@mike in atlanta, OK. Clichy is not Evra…. he’s not Cole either… but he’s NOT the problem at the Arsenal in my humble opinion, and he’s a better player and option than Gibbs. If we are spending money on players, there many other areas we need to spend on before we worry about Clichy.
Home support at Barca? Really??? They are the best team in the world… I don’t think that has a damned thing to do with their fans cheering loudly. Newcastle has AMAZING support, what place are they in? Liverpool have amazing support… still can’t get into the top 4… The Arsenal fans have been incredibly patient… are getting soaked with the highest prices in Europe, if not the world… the club are reaping HUGE profits…. and RAISING PRICES again… and you want the fans to cheer after the shitty performances and effort they have been shown. Maybe if they cheered more, we’d have won more?
Not buying it in a million years.
@stag133, hep hep hoooooray. Very clear and on the point.
Good article but one thing: Nasri did not have his best games in the Cesc role. He played his best football as a right sided forward when he was forced to use his pace and had more options due to way he moves with the ball. When he plays centrally he becomes too tippy tappy and just follows his own passes to the full backs, takes the ball of them, and does the same thing over and over.
His season turned to shite when Walcott came back and Wenger moved him to the left. He’s crap there as well and doesn’t see the game as well as he does on the right. He also struggles to run the full back on the left for some reason, possibly because he finds it harder to the fool the right back than the left back and because he doesn’t have the raw pace to go on the outside in an overly explicit and obvious fashion, the full back reads him easily. On the right he uses more tricks and thus the run on the outside using his decent pace has more of a surprise element to it. See then run against Everton at Goodison for evidence of that.
By the way, I don’t think RVP has the mobility to play the number ten role to any great standard. He’s like a clumsy horse alot of the time, and takes too long too turn with the ball. He is no where near Bergkamp standard when it comes to playing with his back to goal and thrusting from there. He can spot a pass though and showed in the Carling Cup that he is adept at dummying the ball and doing little flicks for a partner forward, however against top quality sides he just doesn’t have the skill set to be effective enough from deep. His current position allows him to drop deep intermittently, which is actually a good thing for RVP and doesn’t show him up too much as a result. He needs the freedom he currently enjoys to show his jack of all trades class, and if partnered with someone else and shifted to a more regimented role his limitations would get exposed even more than they are now.