IS THIS THE NEW ARSENAL PATTERN FOR 2016/2017 SEASON? by NO
The rumours that Arsenal are chasing both N’Golo Kante and Granit Xhaka looks like a suggestion that players like Ramsey have had their last opportunity and maybe moved on. It may also suggest that Cazorla will revert to his number 10 role as the alternative to Mesut Ozil who has had a wonderful season and few players could replace him in that position even beyond Arsenal. It may suggest that there will be a three-man midfield. That may mean a change of system of play to 4.4.2 diamond from the one we have relied on of 4.2.3.1.
Scoring the Goals
Either Sanchez moves forward to join a new recruit up front who, in my wild picking, would be probably Alvaro Morata. Should Sanchez move on then I would wish Mahrez to be drafted into the side as the second striker attacking with freedom to roam the entire left wing. Morata get the freedom to attack from the right with freedom to explore the right wing. With Morata and Sanchez, they in fact have the capacity to interchange and appear from both wings. With Mahrez, we will get the very same effect, even more better performance can come of a Morata – Mahrez partnership. With this partnership, chances of more goals from a stable partnership can be the result.
Main Cog
The team will be built around Ozil and that the reason we are offering him the biggest pay check ever in the history of Arsenal FC. You do not get an offer of this nature from Arsene Wenger if he does not have a special place for you. Last time someone was offered a big paycheck, Robin van Persie had Arsene Wenger shifting the pattern to accommodate him and it also happened with Cesc Fabregas. Many thoughts around the conventional 4.3.3 normally had Ozil operating to one of the wings normally the right side, but with the pattern below that will not be necessary. With his six goals and 19 assists now finding a willing squad to fire in the goals.
Three-Man Anchor
Of the three-man midfield, first a must say that Elneny will have a shout at an opportunity to throw out any of the three who do not perform. In my view Coquelin will face a determined Elneny looking to secure first team status. Elneny can score goals while Coquelin rarely makes for goals. The challenge will mean a few odd goals from the both Elneny and Xhaka just to fend off the challenge. Kante would be the first name in the team sheet but even he will face potential bench time as these three players can all play in the three positions comfortably. This midfield would also be capable of snuffing out many attacks even from strong teams across England and Europe.
Keeping the Goals Out
For the back four, Gabriel will come good eventually but I suspect Koscielny should be pushed back to his best, and therefore in comes Skhrodan Mustafi to give him a run for his money and eventually replace him in a season or two. Mustafi will have a run of games due the usual issues of injury, cards, suspensions and rotations. He will start by doing exactly what the Gabriel started off doing for Arsenal’s defense in this season.
The First XI
Here is the team I realistically see pushing the challenge for Arsenal in 2016/17 Season, based on the early signs of activities in the transfer market.
Sanchez(Mahrez)——–Alvaro Morata
———————-Ozil———————-
————-Coquelin——-Xhaka————-
———————-Kante———————–
Monreal—–Konsienly, Gabriel—-Bellerin
————————Cech———————-
To ensure that the challenge does not lose steam and there is a squad ready to fill up the spaces in all areas, the following players should be drafted into the squad. The three-man anchor would be a major blockade for any team that wants to score goals against Arsenal. The anchor would also act as the source of delicious attacks with Ozil driving these attack agenda. The major drawback with this pattern of course is the exposure of Ozil who can be isolated and picked out if the execution is wanting. The other drawback would be the wings that are not constantly manned and could be used by some well-prepared teams to stretch Arsenal.
Bench Power
João Cancelo from Valencia FC would be a great addition to the squad in that he can play both Right back and Left Back as well as right wing when called upon and a great challenger for; Alex Nicolao Telles from Inter Milan would be a wonderful signing to understudy and eventually replace Monreal who is pushing his thirties and needs to be rested in some matches to avoid injuries. Raphaël Guerreiro from FC Lorient would be slightly cheaper option with completely similar attributes to replace Monreal. Shkodran Mustafi of Valencia should be brought to replace Mertesacker and ultimately replace Konsienly. Bernd Leno from Bayer 04 would be a worthy long term replacement for Petr Cech. With players like Elneny, Wilshere, Iwobi, Campbell, Carzola and Welbeck when he recovers and returns to the squad, there should be overwhelming firepower to challenge anywhere in Europe and any team with such a squad. Should players like Walcott, Oxlade Chamberlain and Ramsey stay they do have goals in them but I would suggest they are replaced with more consistent players. If the likes of Gideon Zalalem, Dan Crowley, Serge Gnabry and Chuba Akpom get a chance in the first team, then there would be more chances to more goals.
Would a 4.4.2 diamond pattern with a strong three-man anchor and double striking option be the final piece of jigsaw that see Arsenal challenge more sustainable?
Nicholas Oyoo