#2 West Brom play with a back six
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Despite scoring three goals, West Brom employed very negative tactics. The Baggies are a solid unit that defends in numbers and attack with only a few. Most low-block teams defend in two banks of four with two forwards up front pressing the team in possession. However, against Arsenal, Tony Pulis took that theory one step further.
Against the Gunners, West Brom fully shut up shop whilst out of possession. Pulis instructed his two wingers Nacer Chadli and James McClean to tuck in on either side of the West Brom full-backs. This left the three defensive midfielders Darren Fletcher, Jake Livermore & Chris Brunt with the job of blocking off passing lanes in front of the back six, leaving Salomon Rondon to press on his own. Ultimately the approach paid off as it completely nullified Arsenal's attack and led the Baggies to a comfortable victory.
