Martin Keown has provided an in-depth analysis of Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle United, highlighting the tactical brilliance employed by Eddie Howe that ultimately led to the Magpies’ victory.
Arsenal had high hopes of securing a win in the second leg following their disappointing 2-0 loss in the first match. With the task of overcoming a two-goal deficit, the Gunners needed to avoid conceding while also finding the back of the net. However, despite their preparations and confidence, it was Howe’s tactical plan that nullified all of Arsenal’s efforts.
Newcastle triumphed 2-0 again, which means they will face Liverpool in the final. For Arsenal, the defeat has left them with the daunting challenge of securing a trophy this season, with the Premier League or Champions League now their only targets. Howe, widely regarded as one of the top English managers, demonstrated his ability to outthink his opposition on the night.
Keown, analysing the match for the Daily Mail, explained the key tactical elements that led to Newcastle’s success:
“Newcastle gave Arsenal no chance to breathe as they went man-to-man in their press. Gordon tucked in and sat on Saliba with Isak on Gabriel as Guimaraes was tasked with man-marking Thomas Partey. Sandro Tonali picked up Martin Odegaard so Schar pushed up all the way from the halfway line to the edge of the box to make sure Rice, Arsenal’s extra man in midfield, was not free to pick up the ball. If Arsenal inverted their full-backs, Jurien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly, then Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy on the right and wing-back Lewis Hall on the left tucked in centrally to deal with the danger.”
Arsenal’s players struggled to find space and time to create their usual fluid attacking play, with Newcastle’s high press and aggressive man-marking stifling their rhythm. Despite their best efforts, Arsenal were outsmarted and outplayed in both legs of the tie.
As a result, Arsenal now need to focus on improving their performances to avoid similar outcomes in their upcoming matches. With key fixtures ahead, they must learn from their mistakes and find ways to break down opposition tactics that aim to neutralise their strengths.
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.
“Arsenal’s current squad, under the present management and leadership, seems unlikely to win major honors. The team’s weaknesses are glaring, particularly in the striking position.
The inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities will continue to hinder the team’s progress. In crucial matches against strong opponents, where chances are scarce, the team’s fate will often rest on the shoulders of strikers like Havertz, who have consistently demonstrated a lack of clinical finishing.
In such high-stakes matches, Arsenal will inevitably drop vital points, ultimately affecting their standing at the end of the season.”
The use of inverted full backs leads to a build up in what is already a conjested area, and makes it more difficult to find the spaces from which to create chances.When we lose possession in the traffic chaos we are vulnerable to counter attacks ,especially in the wide areas vacated by our full backs.This is one of the main reasons why our centre backs were exposed in the two legs of the Cup tie and no doubt other sides will try to replicate the tactics used by Newcastle which are very physically demanding.Will our Manager play with a conventional back four set up in future against teams of the calibre of Newcastle to avoid us being caught out on the break, sadly I very much doubt it
Grandad,
I’m voting for you to be our new manager.
Is there anyone out there who will second it. 😉👍
Grandad the inverted full back garbage, has been a massive reason in our failures. It is an awful way to play football because it creates holes where we can be and are punished.