In the first half Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday, the pitchside hoardings advertised the Arctic Monkeys’ upcoming concerts at the Emirates Stadium — so it was fitting that the Gunners’ system could be interpreted as a 5-0-5.
Five to defend, five to attack. While Mikel Arteta used this strategy throughout his tenure at Arsenal, it is rare to see such a cohesive approach. Arsenal have found the right balance between being structured and being fluid — the roles on the pitch are well defined, but the players who occupy them rotate.
The defensive five remained together with Oleksander Ziinchenko being a left-sided halfback. Ben WhiteIn the beginning, he was a third defender and third midfielder. Thomas ParteyIn front of the center-backs.
Things got more exciting further forward. This was the normal pattern with five attackers spread out across the pitch. Bukayo SakaTo the right Martin OdegaardAlthough theoretically considered a No 10, it is actually an inside-right. Gabriel JesusUp front
