After The Window Shuts, Will a System Change Work for Arsenal by NO
There we are – The transfer disruptions are now over until January unless of course we can some players who are out of contract and we offer them contracts (very few of this nature are available). The result of this transfer window for Arsenal (being an upgrade or downgrade) is a subject of arguments and counter arguments whose verdict is still out there but people agree on a few things – That we have 6 senior defenders 12 senior midfielders and 4 senior forwards.
The names are as follows: Defenders are Debuchy, Mertersacker, Konsienly, Gibbs, Monreal and Chambers
The Midfielders are – Arteta, Flamini, Sanchez, Diaby, Wilshere, Ox, Walcott, Ozil, Carzola, Rosicky, Ramsey, Podolski (A few such as Sanchez Walcott and Podolski can be useful in filling up for strikers when there is dire need)
The Strikers are Welbeck, Campbell, Sanogo and Giroud.
Currently we utilize the squad at four defenders – (Risky at only six available); five Midfielders – Not fully utilized and one Striker out of four which is workable. Of course I know we can promote the players in the youth side to cover some of the places we are lacking in but for a championship tilt in at least four fronts, may need a more tried and tested squad.
Looking at what we now possess, maybe a three man defense would be a wise move to make. I know many will not be comfortable with the change of system (in mid season especially) but hear me out…..
First, in this situation and looking at the players we have, the three man defense would be to ensure utility in the area that we are truly endowed in – the midfield.
Secondly, I also happen to believe that a football match is won or lost at the midfield. This in my opinion is where a potent attack begins and also the place where effective defending is mounted.
Thirdly, a well worked out pattern that involves perhaps three CBs and Wingbacks is truly a very mobile system which under our current squad would be enabling us play at our best elements.
One of those elements is speed. The current Arsenal squad has Ozil, Welbeck, Sanchez, Ox, Walcott and Even Hector Bellerin in its ranks. These are players who are very quick and would move the ball very fast leaving an opposing defense confused and left for the dead in our good day, forcing errors and opportunities for us to score goals.
The second of those elements is technical ability. Again, the current Arsenal side has some of the most apt players in the EPL in terms of technical capacity. What with a side that boasts players like Sanchez, Welbeck, Ozil, Carzola, Ox, Rosicky, Diaby, Wilshere etc.
In my view the pattern that would best represent utility of the current squad and best compliment the squad we have today would be: 3 Man defense, 2 wingbacks, 1 defensive midfielder, 1 Central midfielder, 2 Central Attacking midfielders (who I will call Right Wing Centre Forward and Left Wing center Forwards) and a Center Forward.
For instance, facing Manchester City (at Home) on the September of 13th, I would play the following
————————–Welbeck (CF)
—————Sanchez (LCAM), ——Ozil (RCAM)
——————————–Ramsey (CM)
———————–Flamini (DMF)
Monreal (LWB) ———————————OX (RWB)
———Mertesacker, Konsielny, Chambers (CBs)
————————-Szczesny(GK)
Key: CF – Centre Forward, LCAM – Left Center Attacking Midfield, RCAM- Right Center Attacking Midfield, CM – Central Midfield, DMF – Defensive Midfield, LWB – Left Wing Back, RWB – Right Wing Back, CB – Center Backs, GK – Goal Keeper
Rationale of pick
First, we have to be cautious as we transition into the three man defensive unit. Monreal (who should be asked to be cautious as he ventures forward) and hopefully with his defensive bias, should be able to track back and help out in the defense when we are short at the back, and OX on the right side who, from evidence of his having played there and performed in the shortness of this season games, and with enough pace to track back when necessary – but with a bias for going forward – would be a good mix to start with. In the second half, we can bring in Debuchy – on the RWB and Podolski/Carzola on the LWB role (I would pick Podolski).
In this pattern, the ‘Bergkamp hole’ is a shared duty with Sanchez doing the left side of the role and Ozil doing the right side meaning they are both in the centre of the field where they are very capable and will harass any defense. The three would form a spear attack capable of terrifying any defense in the EPL today. Consider the fact that Sanchez and Welbeck can rotate roles make for even more intrigue that can unlock defenses with lightening efficiency.
Ozil will have his day in the Centre and next to his a competent partner too. The two will be receiving the ball from the wingbacks, the midfield and the CBs and spraying passes to each other, to Welbeck or to Ramsey who will be popping up in places where defenders of the opposing side have been forced to exit. Indeed, if the system is executed to perfection. You could get the game being decided by one of the centre backs who takes an advanced position in concert with the wingbacks and the other CBs taking turns to aid in attack in those rare moments.
I know, a change of system mid season is a scary prospect and also looking at what is happening at Old Trafford, for instance, where the system has been implemented with below par outcomes and fear that the system may not be the best for our cause. However, I feel we have the players much more capable to play this system than any other team in the EPL today – and we should fear not to put our squad to its best possible utilization.
In fact Old Trafford, having started the shift and we following them in the change should be a comfort we can take. Their implementation of this system can help us see the pros and cons beforehand and allow us to strengthen our own version before we roll it out. Players like Debuchy and Gibbs can slowly be eased into the new pattern (worried if they can really adapt and Walcott to play wingback.) Monreal has played Center Back before and can quickly adapt as well…
What do you think of this formation Gooners?
NikkoGunners
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