Gunners has become too predictable
The Arsenal – Man United clash last month, which was enjoyed by all for having the ingredients of a top class football match, did also throw-up some interesting facts for thought. It used to be about having all the best players on the pitch, playing on top of their game and a slice of luck (stupid diving by the cheating mouse).
For Arsenal, playing a conventional 4-4-2 has always been about mechanical movements or set plays honed and fine-tuned to perfection. They have played some out of this world football to the delight of millions. Their players movement and understanding on the pitch has lead many to remark that Arsenal could play together blindfolded.
Along come Man Utd with Alex Ferguson and the tactical onus of Carlos Queiroz, they clog the midfield and with no passage for the diagonal off the ball runs from Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires, the Arsenal are stumped. The 4-5-1 that Man Utd applied had a flexibility that always gave them enough numbers with or without the ball.
The answer lies with the 3 central midfielders, Roy Keane, Kleberson and Paul Scholes. Whenever in possession, Keane and Kleberson would play "flat" drawing Fabregas and Vieira with Scholes slipping into the "hole". Arsenal then would have Fabregas and Vieira chasing the play facing their own goal. And at any level if the two central midfielders are doing that, then the defence is left exposed.
As soon as Man Utd lost possession, Scholes would revert to "front sweeper" with Keane and Kleberson pushing on to man mark Fabregas and Vieira. Arsenal could not "breathe" without Vieira putting his foot on the ball and Dennis Bergkamp left without a "hole" to drop into, Arsenal spluttered in attack.
It is all about getting the tactics right and while Man Utd have learnt how to deal with Arsenal, Arsenal need to have a Plan B. While Bergkamp still has the sharpest brain in the English Premier League, the need for a "centre forward" is crucial for Arsenal to move forward. The legs of Pires and Ljungberg won't carry them all the time over the season and Reyes together with Van Persie still a season short of being consistent, Arsenal have become a little too predictable.
They find themselves in a position that Man Utd was in last season, having to rebuild and refresh while still getting results, it is no easy task. It quite possibly is the time for Arsene Wenger to look at "ready made" replacements at centre back and centre forward instead of "grooming" young talent.
On the other hand, the centre back position, according to me, could be solved by "converting" a player like Kolo Toure's countryman in Emmanuele Owusu-Eboue. As for the 'centre forward' position, Ayegbeni Yakubu of Portsmouth seems the "Arsenal" type. With pace, power and good finishing ability, this young Nigerian could fit in perfectly.
At Everton, David Moyes too has built his team around the 4-5-1 system and it has paid dividends despite the departure of Thomas Gravesen. Pushing Leon Osman into the middle of midfield to form the "triangle" with Tim Cahill and Lee Carsley once again illustrates the importance of playing systems without compromising individual abilities.
And for any system to work the "focal point" of attack is of utmost importance. While Man Utd are blessed or were wise enough to sign Alan Smith, Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney who can all lead the attack in the absence of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the other top clubs too have their own "target men". Didier Drogba at Chelsea, Fernando Morientes at Liverpool, James Beattie at Everton, Patrick Kluivert at Newcastle and even Spurs with Defoe to name a few, do realise the importance of keeping the opponents centre backs occupied.
The time has come for Arsene Wenger to once again hit us with his astute football "brain" and shows Ferguson who's the boss.
For Arsenal, playing a conventional 4-4-2 has always been about mechanical movements or set plays honed and fine-tuned to perfection. They have played some out of this world football to the delight of millions. Their players movement and understanding on the pitch has lead many to remark that Arsenal could play together blindfolded.
Along come Man Utd with Alex Ferguson and the tactical onus of Carlos Queiroz, they clog the midfield and with no passage for the diagonal off the ball runs from Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires, the Arsenal are stumped. The 4-5-1 that Man Utd applied had a flexibility that always gave them enough numbers with or without the ball.
The answer lies with the 3 central midfielders, Roy Keane, Kleberson and Paul Scholes. Whenever in possession, Keane and Kleberson would play "flat" drawing Fabregas and Vieira with Scholes slipping into the "hole". Arsenal then would have Fabregas and Vieira chasing the play facing their own goal. And at any level if the two central midfielders are doing that, then the defence is left exposed.
As soon as Man Utd lost possession, Scholes would revert to "front sweeper" with Keane and Kleberson pushing on to man mark Fabregas and Vieira. Arsenal could not "breathe" without Vieira putting his foot on the ball and Dennis Bergkamp left without a "hole" to drop into, Arsenal spluttered in attack.
It is all about getting the tactics right and while Man Utd have learnt how to deal with Arsenal, Arsenal need to have a Plan B. While Bergkamp still has the sharpest brain in the English Premier League, the need for a "centre forward" is crucial for Arsenal to move forward. The legs of Pires and Ljungberg won't carry them all the time over the season and Reyes together with Van Persie still a season short of being consistent, Arsenal have become a little too predictable.
They find themselves in a position that Man Utd was in last season, having to rebuild and refresh while still getting results, it is no easy task. It quite possibly is the time for Arsene Wenger to look at "ready made" replacements at centre back and centre forward instead of "grooming" young talent.
On the other hand, the centre back position, according to me, could be solved by "converting" a player like Kolo Toure's countryman in Emmanuele Owusu-Eboue. As for the 'centre forward' position, Ayegbeni Yakubu of Portsmouth seems the "Arsenal" type. With pace, power and good finishing ability, this young Nigerian could fit in perfectly.
At Everton, David Moyes too has built his team around the 4-5-1 system and it has paid dividends despite the departure of Thomas Gravesen. Pushing Leon Osman into the middle of midfield to form the "triangle" with Tim Cahill and Lee Carsley once again illustrates the importance of playing systems without compromising individual abilities.
And for any system to work the "focal point" of attack is of utmost importance. While Man Utd are blessed or were wise enough to sign Alan Smith, Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney who can all lead the attack in the absence of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the other top clubs too have their own "target men". Didier Drogba at Chelsea, Fernando Morientes at Liverpool, James Beattie at Everton, Patrick Kluivert at Newcastle and even Spurs with Defoe to name a few, do realise the importance of keeping the opponents centre backs occupied.
The time has come for Arsene Wenger to once again hit us with his astute football "brain" and shows Ferguson who's the boss.
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