In their most recent friendly against Athletic Club, Arsenal welcomed the return of key players to the starting eleven, but a tactical adjustment particularly caught the eye during the game. The Gunners ran out comfortable 3-0 winners on Saturday 9th August, thanks to goals from Viktor Gyökeres, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.
Arsenal were back to their best in front of their home support as they asserted themselves on their opponents. All the players, from David Raya right down to Gyökeres up top, were far more energetic and urgent with their play compared to Villarreal in midweek. They moved the ball with far more intensity and urgency, producing a display that surely warranted the scoreline.
Arguably the best player on the pitch was Martin Zubimendi, with the Spaniard producing an exceptional, all-round display in midfield.
Tactical tweak sees Rice and Zubimendi combine
Ahead of the encounter, most would have expected Zubimendi to play as the lone pivot, just as he did in his previous appearances during pre-season; however, that was not the case. Almost immediately from kick-off, a tactical adjustment was noticeable – the positioning of Declan Rice.
The England international did not feature in the left eight position, instead drifting into the base of midfield and closer to Zubimendi. Rice was then spotted dictating play in midfield, taking turns with the Spaniard to build from the back. At times, Rice even played deeper than Zubimendi, dropping in between William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães to dictate the tempo and launch attacks from deep.
This allowed us to see his excellent passing range as he often picked out the wide players with long, raking balls. We also saw a more front-footed performance from Zubimendi, who covered the midfield tirelessly. Martin Ødegaard was often centrally biased as a result, even though he stayed close to Bukayo Saka for much of the game.
Due to the double pivot, Riccardo Calafiori did not invert or tuck into midfield, instead advancing into dangerous areas in attack. The structure of the midfield provided a solid platform to build from, leading to a commanding performance and eventual victory.
Could the double pivot return next season?
The double pivot was utilised by Mikel Arteta during his early days in charge. He ditched it in the 2022-23 season, but could we see it make a return for next season? Its effectiveness against Athletic Club suggests it could prove beneficial, and it is likely we will see it more often.
It is important to note that Zubimendi became the lone pivot when Mikel Merino came on, with Myles Lewis-Skelly – who had also come on – inverting into the midfield. The ability to play with two players at the base of midfield will no doubt add another dimension to Arsenal’s game, and switching seamlessly between both midfield structures will be an incredible asset to have.
What are your thoughts? Was it really that effective? Could it provide a viable solution to our slow build-up? Your thoughts are much appreciated in the comments.
Benjamin Kenneth
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Having a bigger squad with different skill sets will always allow for different systems and so gives more options for Arsenal this season….injuries allowing!
The midfield looks solI’d like to see Odegaard get more competition for the number ten role. We lacked goals from this position last season. Time to try Harvetz and Nwaneri as options for the attacking midfield role?
*The midfield looks solid but I’d like to see
It’ll be good to add an edit feature @Admin 😉
I believe Arteta will use the double-pivot formation again at Old Trafford, to approach the game cautiously
If Calafiori is fully fit for the match, we’d be able to use his aerial ability in Man United’s area
I agree GAI. It will be a game of fascinating match ups. So many alternatives.
So playing a LB as a LB and not as a midfielder that leaves gaps all over the pitch….who would’ve thought??
Having a proper LB also allows you to draw more of the opposition further out when switching the ball between defenders and not crowding the midfield, which in turn helps reduce a low block that we struggle with
PJ-SA
That double pivot and Odegaard central is what many have been wanting for a while; a tweak in midfield and LB plays more traditionally.
Our play was so much better; more direct, faster buildup, and sharper in my opinion.
Long may it continue, and I think Arteta’s use of tactics and formation will be as important and player selection and rotation.
I loved it too! IT made us more dynamic, but also felt solid.
YES to Rice dictating things from base of spine with CB’s stretched either side.
YES to Ode more central and roaming left as well as right.
YES to Zoob in between them doing his unique Zoob thing.
Boo to inverting fall backs and boo to two 8’s fluttering against invisible walls like butterflies trapped in jam jars
🤣🤣 Zoob thing – classic.
Wasn’t around so had watch some highlights.
I think the match was a breath of fresh in terms of tactics and style. Saw some quick interchange of play.
Zubimendi, will be critical to how we play.
Still can’t rely on Odegaard, especially against tougher opps.
A lot of positives I sincerely hope we can build on.
as we have the option to go false 9 if the game needs it, what i see is we can change tactics use midfield diffrent, go viktor to push, and kai as false 9, jesus can be a third option since merino is similar to havertz in false 9. less predicteble this year i hope!
Similar characteristics to Brazil 2002
Edmilsln would drop in to defence to allow a three man defence as cafu and carlos would effectively become wingers
Gilberto silva would be holding mid , kleberson would be central
Rivaldo, ronaldo, Ronaldinho were allowed to create havoc. They were so supremely talented a playmaker wasn’t required. The skill set, agility they had pretty much covered that role. Scolari knew in his front three along with carlos and cafu he had 5 of the best players in the world. In lucio, edmilson two of the best players in there position in the world at that time.
Scolari – at that time was under so much pressure as Brazil nearly missed qualifying…but at the world cup he set up his team in such a simple manner – he understood what he had, when to change it (edmilson moving back into midfield , cafu and carlos going back to normal rb, lb when team was under pressure)
Arteta needs to get odegaard ticking, the attacking fluid and interchangeable. No more of this lop sided to the right when attacking. Havertz learning how to pass to the left and no prioritise the right side as he alienates the left.
First time in preseason we looked like we were not open on the counter. I think we need this set up when we play away against the North West sides, who are not as defensively strong as their one eyed fans in the media think. Barring injuries we will get better as the season goes on.
The thing of course is that Arteta is much more tactically flexible than many give him credit for. You can see that he tweaks the team’s setup depending on the profiles of the players available.
It is likely that the double pivot will be used during the season. Given the range of options now available it is likely that various systems will be used during the season.
OT.. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m feeling glad all over 😄👍👍👍👍
Bet you can’t wait to get to work tomorrow Sue!! 👍👍👍
Too right, Ken! They’ll have it 🤣🤣🤣 What a comeback against 12 men 👍
By the way, how did the the VAR officials not see the pool keeper with both his feet in front of the line and the handball?
Is this a sign of things to come once again with regards to Liverpool?
Ken1945,
Are you suggesting that Liverpool got favorable decisions last season? 🤷♂️
Perish the thought!!
More likely that VAR will be blamed for the officials incompetence…. as usual.
Some things never change, Ken 🙄
Ken1945,
I blame the weather personally. 😂👍
Yes Derek, I’m sure you do and why am I not surprised? 🙄😎
Very very easy on the eye and sees a pass. Can he defend in the rough and tumble of the prem?
My problem is MA only change approach when we loose a game, whereas we have the tools to be dynamic.
I remember reading an interview where he said “HE’S AN AUTHODOX PERSON. That he even wears same clothe on match days as long as he’s winning.
I hope we’ll truly see the dynamism this season
So glad to see the change in tactics. I know it’s only preseason but everyone just looked better in every position.
Calafiori was very good, much much better from Martinelli. Zubimendi and Gyokeres looked like they have been playing with the team for ages. Fitted in very nicely.
Odegaards pass to Martinelli for Sakas goal was sublime…. More of the same please.
The real test starts on Sunday. Looking forward to it.
O.T. Well done to Crystal Palace. Winning at Wembley against the big teams is becoming a habit. Now send us over Ebereche Eze 😆.
Sadly for CP, they have just lost their appeal to play in the Europa League even though they won the FA Cup. I can’t help but feel for the players given their Goliath killing. Let us help out by giving Eze his chance to be in the UCL.
This double pivot thing seems to work ok as far as I saw but I’m wondering if the correct term is being used as both swapped with each other during the game, one at 6 and the other at 8 and then when the 6 went forward in the 8 role the other reverted to 6. I’m liking this change as I see it.