Analysing the highly anticipated fixture of GW5 as both Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta lock horns to tactically get the better of each other
A rivalry that has transcended from one-way traffic for Manchester City to Arsenal slowly building a competent force that’s been competing head to head for the title in recent years. Arsenal’s 4/6 points taken against City last season weren’t enough to clinch the title regardless of their efforts.
The teacher (Pep) vs. the student (Arteta) has been a remarkably high-fuelled contest in the PL. A match poised with passion, excitement, and fierce battles sees both sides lock horns and compete in similar fashion.
Tactical Analysis:
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c)[]).push(c);gie(function()gie.widgets.load(id:'yMSNJAYmQHhhNLFXiSnLhg',sig:'XAsWknyHK3noECeGLgPD-RptnDjEaQbs9Z-xrmgHMJM=',w:'594px',h:'391px',items:'2127745572',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false ));
Pep’s Manchester City will be aware of Arsenal’s injury-stricken side in recent weeks and how they’ve managed to make tactical changes in their approach coming to the Etihad in order to encapsulate City’s prowess. Arsenal’s reliance on a midblock will be tested.
City might not need to focus much in terms of changes; their usual tiki taka approach, in which they focus on central progression, and the ability to merge the defence and attack could be highly rewarding for the defending champions.
Arsenal have questions, or rather different variables, to be answered in their lineup for the game:
Nwaneri starting in the Ødegaard role?
Havertz played at RCM or CF?
Jesus/Trossard playing at CF?
Calafiori to start after his impressive cameos?
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c)[]).push(c);gie(function()gie.widgets.load(id:'fpynZYlbSRhCaN7t5QKlgA',sig:'2ppBWsVew79sTW6SHyzffrPdqBkpm0vcPXJGmxVVbQ0=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2171057985',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false ));
Creativity has been a big issue in Ødegaard’s absence—set pieces and individual brilliance is what they’ve rooted for. A midblock that’ll help bait press and their reliance in press could give them openings in terms of chance creation.
Havertz being a long ball target man from Raya’s passes has been a great example of buildup for Arsenal lately, with Rice also doing the same with his movements. Trafficking channels of spaces with extra bodies to create spaces could be key.
With KDB being a doubt for the fixture, City’s creativity might depend on Foden/Silva. Haaland has been fierce ammunition in front of goal, but not to forget, he’s facing one of the best defences from last season that’s managed to keep him quiet.
Key Battles:
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c)[]).push(c);gie(function()gie.widgets.load(id:'-MY1W5gsRip4mjwcuUi1HQ',sig:'uHF8v2hXDsjMbYAFyoeAvTzFIswEbOHUWEqX9TcVsFw=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1596516703',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false ));
Haaland vs. Saliba/Gabriel: Haaland has started the season in a plumb. His physicality, ball striking, and instincts have been superb. Facing the defensive acumen of Saliba/Gabriel, they know exactly how to dwell with his chaos, and they proved to do so last season.
Grealish vs. White: Coming up against a creative winger is never easy—he mixes his dribbling and pace to cause trouble. White’s defensive reliability will be tested in order to stand his ground and isolate him in spaces to win the ball.
Saka vs. Gvardiol/Akanji: An intelligent winger that likes putting defenders on the back foot with his cheeky movements both inwards and outwards could be highly relied upon. Containing him will be a problem, but doubling up and blocking passing lanes could help
Being clinical in front of goal might make the difference for both sides, as the highly anticipated fixture will be a head-to-head tactical masterclass from both managers in charge. Be excited; it’ll be highly entertaining.
The post Manchester City vs Arsenal – Key Player Battles + Pre Match Tactical Analysis first appeared on Premier League News Now. Source - premierleaguenewsnow.com