Since Mikel Arteta reverted back to a 4-2-3-1, a system tailored to the current crop of players available, progress has been evident both in terms of performances and results obtained, with Manchester City being the only club to have accumulated more points than the Gunners since Christmas.
Whilst the principles in build-up structure are retained, what’s worth mentioning is that in the current set-up, the dynamics are slightly altered depending on who is tasked to lead the line.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang
Since joining the club back in January 2018, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang has been an integral cog within the Arsenal team. Netting 85 times in 148 appearances for the club so far, who knows where the Gunners would be without the Gabonese international’s goal contributions.
Predominantly, the former Dortmund striker has seen most of his football in North London as an inside forward operating through the left, but since Arteta has set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 the 32-year-old has seen plenty of minutes up top, as the focal point of the Arsenal attack.
Throughout his career, Aubameyang has demonstrated elite goalscoring quality no matter where he has played. But a clear deficiency within the Arsenal captain’s game is his ability to drop deep, hold defenders off and bring others into the game. In order to minimise this flaw, Arteta utilises creators who primarily operate within the half-spaces and roam between the lines. The two playmakers aid progressive play by receiving possession from a slightly deeper position and the zones they occupy in attacking areas prevents Auabameyang from dropping deep.
Furthermore, Aubameyang thrives when given space to run into, an aspect Arteta recognises. A common pattern of play is to have him in a scenario where he’s isolated in a 1v1 against the opposition centre-half or full-back. In both situations below, Willian and Smith Rowe, the two left-sided forwards collect the ball from deep and act as creators, with Aubameyang drifting out wide. Smith Rowe plays a quick give and go, whereas Willian drives forward with the ball. Slightly different passages of play in both fixtures and further details are provided in the diagrams below, but the end result is the same; Aubameyang in a situation where he can run at his man from a wide position.
Alexandre Lacazette
Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal’s number 9, is a different type of forward to Aubameyang. The £47.5 million forward hasn’t lived up to expectations goal-scoring-wise since joining the club, failing to convert more than 14 Premier League goals in a single season to this date. But what the Frenchman does provide is the ability to play with his back to goal and act as a linking point, which is arguably his best quality.
As Lacazette is influential during the build-up phases when the 30-year-old is tasked to lead the line for the Gunners, it allows Arteta to select inside forwards who play on the shoulder and attack the spaces vacated by the former Lyon star. There is an argument that Arsenal’s in possession play and ball retention capabilities are much smoother when Lacazette is in the starting eleven and the performance levels of others around him seem to rise as well.
Gabriel Martinelli
Both Aubameyang and Lacazette have predominantly led the line for the Gunners since 2017, and the options outside of these two consists of younger profiles. Starting with Gabriel Martinelli, and there’s no doubt that the Brazillian has superstar potential, providing injuries don’t hamper his development. Off-the-ball work rate, infectious pressing, dribbling ability, and the capability of scoring different types of goals – at just 20 years of age Martinelli already offers so much and possesses a plethora of qualities.
Although Gabi has predominately occupied an inside forward role since arriving in London, the expectation is that the former Ituana talent will take up a more central role in the future, especially when taking into account the ‘predator-like instincts’ he shows along with the willingness to always get a shot off when an opportunity arises. Against West Brom at home was the only fixture Arteta deployed Martinelli upfront since reverting to a 4-2-3-1 and the aim is to have him in an advanced position because of the threat he provides in front of goal.
But what’s worth mentioning is that Martinelli does provide flexibility. Despite the fact that his hold-up play still requires improvement and certainly isn’t a massive strength of his yet, he is still able to show for the ball deep and this opens up the possibility for positional rotations as shown below.
Eddie Nketiah
During the first half of the season, Nketiah was favoured in the Europa League group stage fixtures, as well as starting in 3 league matches before Christmas, clearly demonstrating the faith Arteta had in the youngster.
Regarding Eddie’s style of play, Arsenal’s number 30 is a typical ‘fox in the box’ who thrives on situations where he can use his off-the-ball movement to get on the end of chances. Not only this, but Nketiah’s out-of-possession work rate and intensity with his pressing is another strength to his game.
But in terms of overall play, he is limited and his influence usually comes from moments rather than overall performance levels, which is where the frustration lies with him. Whilst Eddie hasn’t started a game in Arteta’s 4-2-3-1 since Christmas, the dynamics wouldn’t change to the principles installed when Aubameyang leads the line since the 22-year-old lacks technical security with his close touch control, and struggles to offer effective link-up play.
Florian Balogun
Initially, the expectation was that Florian Balogun would be leaving the Gunners this summer. But to the excitement of Gooners across the globe, it was recently confirmed that the 19-year-old committed his long-term future to the club, with Mikel Arteta reportedly being a key figure in persuading the youngster into signing a new deal.
What’s impressive about Balogun is how well-rounded he is already, despite having minimal involvement at senior level so far. Just like Aubameyang, Balogun’s pace and excellent timing of his runs allow him to play on the shoulder, and in 1v1 situations against the opposition keeper, the England U20 international demonstrates great composure with his finishing. The talented young Arsenal prospect also excels with his channel running and capability in dragging defenders into areas they simply don’t want to be in, which in turn opens up space for supporting teammates close by.
What’s also been refreshing to see is the progression in his hold-up play, an aspect the young forward has developed over the past year and a half. Having a centre-forward who excels in both facets of being able to play as a false 9 but also as a traditional striker gives the manager tactical flexibility, and Balogun’s profile would certainly provide this.
Final thoughts
As the transfer market opens, there’s still uncertainty revolving around the futures of certain individuals and whether they will feature in the Arsenal manager’s plans. Nketiah has one year remaining on his contract and considering the competition surrounding the 22-year-old, Arsenal may look to cash in for a reasonable price. Meanwhile, Lacazette is also in a similar situation in terms of contract length, and with the Frenchman entering his 30’s, he may also be sacrificed.
But what’s important to note is that with the likes of Balogun and Martinelli available, there should be excitement across the fan base. These two exciting prospects are expected to thrive in the coming years and if surrounded by the right environment, their potential could be frightening.
Each option currently available to the Spaniard has their own specific skillset and the system is slightly tweaked dependent on who is starting. Striking the correct balance of runners and creators within the team is the aim, and this is something Arteta will need to maintain going into next season.
Hope you enjoyed the read! Please comment below as I’m intrigued to know your thoughts.