Arsenal 3-1 Valencia: 5 Talking Points and tactical analysis

#3 Valencia’s defensive tactics plunge them deeper into trouble

Marcelino's defensive tactics backfired

For the first time since taking over at Valencia, Marcelino decided to adopt the three at the back system and opted to play Diakhaby as the holding midfielder.

The opening quarter of an hour saw the visitors take the game to their hosts with their change in formation causing the Gunners problems.

However, as soon as they scored, the Los Ches retreated into their shell rather than exploiting the hosts’ deficiencies. Inevitably, they invited pressure upon themselves and the Gunners thrived.

Lacazette quickly put the home side on level terms before giving them the advantage in the space of seven minutes. As the first half wore on, Valencia was content on making the odd foray up-field without really portraying any purpose.

As for the second half, it saw the visitors completely shut up shop and defend with eight men behind the ball. The above tactic allowed Arsenal to switch the play from side to side with ease.

The Gunners’ incessant attacking pressure finally paid off in stoppage time when Aubameyang shrugged off the attention of Jose Gaya to fire home.

Since his appointment as Valencia manager, Marcelino has preferred to deploy an intense attacking brand of football. Yet, in the biggest game of their season, they adopted a different style, only for it to backfire.

And the circumspect approach ultimately led to the visitors’ defensive boat creaking just a tad more than the Gunners’ rear-guard.