Arsenal: 5 Things We've Learned From Unai Emery and What He Must Fix

Arsenal have won nine games in a row in all competitions under Unai Emery
Arsenal have won nine games in a row in all competitions under Unai Emery

#4 Emery is not afraid to adapt formations but must find definitive roles

Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey have had different roles this season
Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey have had different roles this season

Emery usually prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation with two deep-lying midfielders. However, he is yet to find the ideal starting XI having inherited a squad that is not quite in his image yet. This is not exactly a nagging issue yet but one that must be addressed to avoid confusion in the ranks as the season progresses.

The biggest concern is trying to squeeze in both Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey in the starting lineup. Ramsey has played most of his Arsenal career as a central midfielder but with two midfielders behind him, Emery has tried to play the Welshman as a no.10, leading to Ozil struggling to find space in the middle.

Also, Ozil has been moved out of a central role and spent some time on the right. This has led to Henrikh Mkhitaryan dropping to the bench - a player whose abilities were useful on the right flank not only in attack but also in supporting Hector Bellerin who was isolated when Ozil drifted inside.

Also read: Mesut Ozil or Aaron Ramsey: Who Should Play as Arsenal's No.10 Under Unai Emery?

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is a deadly centre-forward but has been played out wide on the left to accommodate Alexandre Lacazette. However, their partnership has seen both players score 4 goals each so far.

This is something Emery is still working on to get the best out of both strikers. The duo shares a healthy camaraderie and there is no animosity over one being preferred over the other.

Lastly, Emery has even attempted to play a 4-2-2-2 formation with no attacking midfielders (Ozil was injured while Ramsey was benched against Fulham) and that shows that the wide players can also shoulder the creative burden if necessary.

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Edited by Sripad
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