Arsenal’s big issue last season? Breaking down low blocks.
Most teams that drew with the Gunners in those 14 league draws had a simple game plan: sit deep, frustrate the Gunners, watch them pass the ball around aimlessly, and avoid defeat.
Fortunately, this summer, Arsenal’s recruitment department has made it a priority to find a “low block killer”, someone who can unpick deep defences.
The gossip columns suggest Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze is being packaged as just that.
Every day brings fresh hope of the dribble king making his way to north London, and rightly so. He would directly address a major weakness.
But as Gooners dream of Eze, they have been reminded of another wildcard option already in the squad.
White back at his best
Ben White impressed against AC Milan in the Asia pre-season friendly opener.
Watching him, it was clear: this was the £50 million man Arsenal signed from Brighton.
His overlaps, attacking intent, central runs anticipating combinations, and ability to drift wide to support Bukayo Saka. Everything clicked.
Injury troubles last season really held him back, but this version of White? He is a mid and low-block killer.
Tactical dynamics: White vs Timber for Arsenal right-back
Jurrien Timber brings calm and control in possession. No doubt, with him, Arsenal can outplay anyone.
But White adds urgency and opens up the field on the right, offering an attacking spark that shifts Arsenal’s rhythm.
With both players vying for the right-back spot, Mikel Arteta will need to be calculative.
Against deep-sitting opponents, White’s dynamism is vital.
Facing teams that press high and play openly, Timber’s composure might suit better.
Subbing one for the other mid-game could be a tactical masterstroke.
If fitness holds this season, it could be the campaign where Arteta’s project truly clicks. That would be scary – but fortunately, not for us Gooners!
Your opinions are welcome in the comments.
Daniel O
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I agree that White’s overlapping runs down the right can help penetrate low blocks.
But we still need a dribbler to do it at the left wing position too.
That’s why we need Eze for that task.
All round game I choose Timber over Ben white at right back, but think they can play together in the same 11.
Arteta has indicated different stylistic options are something he’s been aiming for in taking on different types of opponents. Seems like a no-brainer, I know…
The Timber/White example is a perfect example. Now they’re both fit, they will be able switch depending on opponent or game phase.
I think having Gyokeres means we will be a different beast as he will make the runs at and past defenders they will open up space of rothers to exploit
Last season was so slow in the build up as we didn’t have anyone like that
Also Nwaneri should be used as that super sub with his dribbling and taking on if defenders.
We have to get back to the quick style of play again
With the signings we are getting, there will be such a diverse range of options in Arteta’s hands if he is flexible enough to ring the changes.
A back three of saliba, Gabo, and Mosq, with white and either Timber/ MLS as wing backs will be interesting to see.
Raya
Mosq – Gabo – Saliba
White – Rice – Ode -zubi -Timber
Saka – Viktor
So Mosquera will walk straight into the team ahead of Kiwior??? Stop playin man.
Knowing Arteta though, he will mostly stick to a 4 3 3 . My wish is we adopt a more varying and interchange of our wingers, Imagine Saka coming to the left and weeping those crosses for Gyokeres same as Madueke or Martinelli doing the same on the right rather than the usual cut in and shoot!
With Zubimendi and Ode threading those through balls and progressing the ball centrary, that will make us more unpredictable.
Against Man U we should use Ben White because he can attack as well as defend. Timber is extremely good defensively but does not offer much going forward. So BW till 75th minute then Timber to see out the game. Mbeumo and Cunha will be a handful. Or even just start Timber on the left.. I did not like Calafiori vs Mbeumo last season, he was totally undone.
With the signing so far,the squad is shaping up.I think if we can successfully get Mr Eze ,guys I bet you we will get our hands on trophies cos what will be left is how Mr Arteta deploys the players taking into consideration the opponent. If he juggles the team we’ll opponents will sweat in our hands..Nor only sticking with the 4: 3: 3 at times ge should use 3: 4: 2 .Rotation or picking the right players is what will win us matches and obviously trophies coa we got a squad now .
With the signing so far,the squad is shaping up.I think if we can successfully get Mr Eze ,guys I bet you we will get our hands on trophies cos what will be left is how Mr Arteta deploys the players taking into consideration the opponent. If he juggles the team we’ll opponents will sweat in our hands..Nor only sticking with the 4: 3: 3 at times ge should use 3: 4: 2 .Rotation or picking the right players is what will win us matches and obviously trophies coa we got a squad now .