Mikel Arteta masterminded a tactically astute gameplay against Leicester City. Arsenal were a step ahead of their opponents in the entire game, with their players expressing different dynamics on the field.
Arsenal attackers were focussing on a quick interchange of positions; the midfielders tried to run the ball in spaces and make progressive passes upfront. The defenders maintained their high line with the fullbacks getting involved in attack by providing more chances into the box.
The team evolved in the first half with a surprise change seen in the way both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard functioned against the Foxes.
TACTICAL ANALYSIS
How Trossard & Martinelli complement each other?
Arsenal scored the first goal in the 20th minute mark after some clever interchange of positions in the box by the two attackers. The Brazilian winger moved into the box featuring as a false nine, and Trossard shifted to the left side of the attack.
Jurrien Timber’s low pass into the box was met by Martinelli, who hit the ball past keeper Mads Hermansen. Similarly, just before the break, Trossard moved back into the box, and Martinelli quickly got back to the left wing.
The latter then crosses the ball to the former, who was lurking in the box. The Belgian makes no mistakes and slots the ball to the right of the keeper. Both attackers showed impressive awareness throughout the game and made the opposition guess their movements inside the back.
Trossard and Martinelli interchange positionally.
Martinelli gets on the end of a cross and scores.
Trossard and Martinelli interchange positionally.
Trossard gets on the end of a cross and scores.
This is by design. pic.twitter.com/yxP4FmhTxq
— EBL (@EBL2017) September 28, 2024
Leicester defenders weren’t able to track them, and it was an advantage for Arsenal. They were kept busy by Bukayo Saka and Timber on the right flank.
Surprisingly, both wingers were seen practicing their finishing with Kai Havertz in training prior to the weekend Premier League clash.
They might have planned out the entire attacking scenario and the way it should be executed. This is a kind of interchange in which Martinelli excelled in the 2022/23 season. It helped him score 15 goals and five assists in 36 Premier League appearances.
Gabriel Martinelli practicing his finishing together with Kai and Trossard. #AFC 🚀pic.twitter.com/6MMYE9ppXs
— 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼 (@333ccoco) September 28, 2024
This change of positions once again helped him grab his first goal this season, and who knows, it might open the door to more contributions.
It has also helped Trossard to have more freedom to run in between spaces. We expect Arteta to use a similar tactic in upcoming games, considering its benefits.
