2. Play 4-3-3 in Europe and 4-2-3-1 in the Premier League
This season has seen Arsenal play 4-3-3 more often than any other formation, and it works most of the time, but the more physical Premier League requires two holding midfielders, and also against larger European clubs playing a holding midfield partnership reaps greater rewards. They were pulled apart by Manchester City, as Ramsey and Wilshere were dragged out of position by Jesus Navas and David Silva, which let Fernandinho and Yaya Toure run riot down the middle. If Ramsey and Flamini had been there to protect the defence, the scoreline would have been less humiliating. With Arsenal also set to meet one of Europe’s most intimidating teams in the last 16 of the Champions League, they must perfect the 4-2-3-1 formation.