Why Arsenal should play with three at the back and how they can setup
Arsenal has been improving under Mikel Arteta and the Spaniard by all indications looks to be the real deal.
I expect Arteta to have a long successful stint as the manager, however, he still needs to find his best formation defensively speaking.
I think Arsenal should switch to a back three and maximise the strengths of the current squad.
With a wealth of centre backs, Mikel Arteta can take advantage and make his team defend even better in a back three formation.
I have three centre backs that I think are in form at the Emirates and I back three of them to combine well in a back three.
The rejuvenated Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz and Pablo Mari can combine to give Arsenal even more balance at the back.
For this to work, Arteta can make Mari his left centre back, Mustafi the central defender and David Luiz his right centre back.
If we play with these three at the back flanked with Bukayo Saka as a left wingback and Hector Bellerin as a right wingback.
This set up will make the transition to attack a lot easier and quicker, aid the midfield when required and be able to defend in numbers.
Three centre backs can seem a bit negative but if used intelligently it can transform the team going forward.
An article by Jacob B
The three players (David, Papa and Mari) at the back will be very brilliant. Saka and Bellerin would be able to push the attack from either sides. Ozil, Xhaka and Ceballos can marshal the midfield. Pepe, Laca and Auba. Best we can get for now
By the time we play our next game will be next season so Saliba comes into the mix. This seasons games are done!
I would put Luiz or maybe even Mari central. That way, when we shift to defence, Luiz/Mari can play just in front of a defensive 4 (when the wingbacks track back) as a second cdm and also allow for quicker transition from defence to attack. Luiz and Mari look better passers of the ball than Mustafi.
To be honest arsenal is playing very good as long as they can play every game like the last game. determination in the key to success. epl is very very hard but with determination you can even play with 2 defender’s
Any formation with Ozil and Xhaka in it will not get you top 4 EVER. Its been like that for the pas 4 years now. Wake up and smell the coffee. Arteta should play an all action team available for now until more quality players come in next season.
—————————-Leno————————–
Bellerin/Soares—-Mustafi—-Mari—Tierney/Saka
———————Ceballos—-Luiz—————-
Lacazette—————Pepe—————Martinelli
————————-Aubamayang——————-
OR
—————————-Leno———————-
——-Socratis———-Mustafi———-Mari—
Bellerin/Soares—-Ceballos—-Luiz—-Tierney/Saka
——————-Pepe/Martinelli—————–
—–Lacazette/Nketiah——Aubamayang——–