A BOLDER EMERY CAN DELIVER SILVERWARE! by Nicholas Oyoo
Unia Emery is a bold manager. He will watch the players and make his decisions even if it affects the high calibre players Wenger, for instance, feared to touch. He will take the decision. It has got Arsenal on an unbeaten run of 16 matches, though in the recent past, something is happening that he needs to come out bolder than ever – Arsenal are not scoring goals with the frequency they need and also Arsenal are slow off the blocks. The fact that Arsenal have not led a game going into half-time is reason to worry.
Against Wolves, in the 76th minute, Emery had Kolasinac pulled out and replaced with Mkhitaryan. Unless Xhaka was asked to take the left back role, Arsenal were playing with three defenders and yes, they were exposed, but also the equalizing goal eventually came. With Aubameyang and Lacazette on the pitch, often we have Aubameyang playing on the wing, where his best traits are underwhelmingly deployed. It also affects the pitch bromance Lacazette and Aumabmeyang have in the game. When deployed as a duo – which has happened once, and was against Fulham – Arsenal were huge winners of 5-1. Clearly, taking a game and dominating it for Arsenal might need the resolution that Lacazette and Aubameyang should both play as forwards. Often this season, the story has been about balancing attack and defense.
One system that can do that, and stop teams like Wolves playing on a counter attack and fielding the brick wall in defense, I believe, is one that gives concentrated attacking roles to our best and superior side. Otherwise, after Wolves, the template to stop the Arsenal might be borrowed from Wolves.
3.3.1.3 could be the best system for Arsenal to finally take off from the first whistle to the end.
—Iwobi—Lacazette—Aubameyang—
———————Ozil————————
Guendouzi——–Torreira—–Mkhitaryan
—-Bellerin——–Holding——Kolasinac—
———————–Leno————————
The three defenders must be strict and disciplined to defend first before venturing out. The Wingers should play like Wingbacks and attack equally as defending, and also give assistance in the central midfield area too. Ozil should work hard to find the forwards with defense splitting passes, spraying his passes all over the place. Aubameyang and Iwobi to do what they do best, attack from either wing fronts to stretch the defenders and Lacazette to play his inspired central forward role. Aubameyang and Iwobi being assisted from the wings will give them the support that will help them become fearless in executing their duties.
It will be an even bolder Emery and a chance to win games more convincingly.
Nicholas