Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have become synonymous with defensive resilience in recent years. Excluding the recent 2-2 draw against Sunderland, the Gunners were on an exceptional defensive run, winning eight consecutive games without conceding a goal.
The central defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba has rightly received plenty of praise. The pair are among the best defenders in European football and are at the heart of everything positive Arsenal do at the back. That said, the team as a collective deserves just as much credit for the coherence they’ve shown this season.
Defending from the front
One of football’s most popular sayings is that defending starts from the front, and Arsenal have embodied that mantra under Arteta. The Gunners boast one of the most effective pressing structures in world football, and two players in particular have been key to making it work.
Those two lead the press with relentless energy, constantly switching roles to close down passing lanes, press centre-backs, and chase every lost cause to keep the team on the front foot. This approach not only protects the defence but also ensures Arsenal maintain a stranglehold on their opponents.
Martin Ødegaard has been the cornerstone of Arsenal’s press since his arrival, and along with recent signing Viktor Gyökeres, he has led from the front admirably this term – at least until both were sidelined through injury.
The pressing problem without key leaders
Ødegaard has missed several matches through injury, and although Arsenal initially coped thanks to Gyökeres’ tireless work rate, the Swede’s recent absence has further weakened the press.
It was less noticeable in the 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, but it became evident in the 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze are technically gifted players capable of moments of individual brilliance, but they lack the pace and athleticism required to sustain Arsenal’s pressing intensity.
Without Ødegaard, Gyökeres, or even Kai Havertz in the side, the press often looked laboured, and Sunderland capitalised by playing out comfortably from the back on multiple occasions.
This only further underlines the calibre of players Arsenal are currently missing – and how vital Ødegaard and Gyökeres are to the way Arteta’s side function both defensively and offensively.
Let’s get talking, Gooners. Did you notice how slow the press was against Sunderland?
Benjamin Kenneth
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
I maintain that in the past few seasons, we’ve played our best football when Odegaard has been in form. Thus he was player of the season twice. He looked good on his return – unlucky on the injuries!
I agree. Odegaard has received some unfair criticism recently. I hope his absence has highlighted his importance to the team. None of Eze,Nwaneri or Merino has been able to give us what he does on and off the ball.We are a better team with him in it.
Agree with you Onya
Spot on- I never knew his importance until his forced absence through injury. Merino, Eze and Nwaneri all can’t do what Odegaard does in our team.
Agreed…i hope his return is sooner rather thsn later
Our press is the Superpower of this team. Even though it’s the defenders that get the plaudits for our defensive strength,it’s actually a team effort,right from the front.
Havertz,Gyokeres,Jesus and Odegaard are our best pressers from the front. Without them,our midfield and defense are exposed.
The problem of refeering is giving me some concern. That is why our players are hospitalised. The referees must protect the game. I was not impressed at all
Their absence is definitely missed, however I wouldn’t go as far as saying we are having struggles….
It’s been one game vs Sunderland, who are tough at home.
I wonder what Saka contributes to the team apart from scoring penalties
Well, he usually has two or three defenders around him and, one on one (when that happens) nine times out of ten he beats the defender.
He cuts in from the right and scores with his left foot.
He takes corners that are effective.
He defends when required.
He links up with Timber, White and Odegaard and that’s why our right side is so potent.
Hope that helps Matthew.
Ben, you’re right. With his unstoppable running and long limbs to slide and tackle, Havertz is even much more effective in pressing than Gyokeres. We’ll see what we lacked when the injured players return in a fortnight.
According with a report from the coach of Norway, Odegaard wil not be ready to play after this break.
He is with his national team but not playing, he should be with ours physios.??????
Alll Arsenal needs to do, just maintain the the gap until these magnificent two return, it is as simple as that.
I would have to disagree with you Ben
The proof is in pudding
Up until last Saturday we had conceded zero
Yes the defence takes the plaudits but the whole team which means forward and midfield have all put a shift in to achieve this
We have been pressing from the front , through the middle and the defence is the last line bar the GK
VG is a different player altogether then KH but no one can question he runs his socks of for us and presses harsh
Onwards and upwards