On Saturday, the Gunners closed the gap on league leaders Manchester City after a win wrapped up early enough against the visiting Swans saw them move level on points at the top of the table, with only goal difference separating the north London side and City following the latter’s draw against Everton.
How did it all go down? A keen look is taken at the match from a tactical perspective.
Arsenal once again leaves it too little, too late
The Gunners look to have mastered the act of putting games to bed very early, provided they are in their full elements. Against Manchester United last season, Chelsea before the international break, Basel and Watford earlier on the in the season, Arsenal’s early goals secured them priceless victories, and no matter what fight their opponents put in to attempt a comeback, it was too late.
And that has been a result of the pace and creativity of Arsenal’s front line. Sanchez, Ozil, Iwobi and Walcott are all able to combine well in counterattacks to devastating effects. The urgency with which the quartet were able to mount constant pressure on Swansea’s defence ensured no breathing spaces were left for the visitors for a larger part of the 1st half.
Even when Arsenal were a man down after Xhaka’s sending-off, and weren’t able to attack in their numbers very more often, there were still flashes of the brilliance in the final third whenever they countered. This game plan could be what will break the jinx for the north London side this season. With more consistency and ability to pull such off when required, the title could be Arsenal’s in the long run.
Sanchez continues to prove worth and value as a false 9
Even without a goal against the Swans, the Chilean was still Arsenal’s hugest threat at the other end. The winger made a 2nd-assist for Walcott’s 1st goal, while his fine chip supplied Ozil’s goal which subsequently secured all 3 points for Arsenal.
There were murmurs within some quarters when Wenger decided to deploy Sanchez as a false 9 again following Giroud’s lack of match fitness at the beginning of the season and due to the French striker’s injury later on, but it has been justified with the performances the versatile forward has turned in so far.
Having Alexis drop deep to pick up passes and also wander out of the box to the wing allowed for more chances to be created, and Swansea just couldn’t contain his attacking menace as he continually roamed around every space he could exploit.
Playing the former Barcelona man as the main striker looks like the answers to Arsenal’s problems. How Wenger will sustain the plan upon Giroud’s arrival can’t be ascertained yet, but this formula is working. 6 league wins on the bounce prove so.
This is perhaps Arsenal’s best start to a season in a decade. After opening the campaign with a defeat to Liverpool, the Gunners have bounced back in style, and while we have been here before as far as seeing them play so well at some point, only to crumble at another, things should change this term and Wenger’s tactical genius could prove all the difference.