Huddersfield 1-2 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2018-19

Arsenal recorded their first away win of 2019 as they scraped past a determined Huddersfield side. The game had a wonderful ebb and flow to it as the Terriers resisted the temptation to stay in their shell and took the game to their more illustrious rivals.

The home side started on the front foot and constantly harried Arsenal’s players in the opening exchanges. However, they were caught out by a sharp counter-attack in the 16th minute. After being sent into space by Mkhitaryan, Kolasinac perfectly measured a cross into the path of Iwobi. The Nigerian struck an instinctive shot which found its way into the net, courtesy a gigantic deflection.

Despite being the superior team for the majority of the first half, Huddersfield again conceded moments before the break when Lacazette was found expertly by Maitland-Niles.

As for the second half, the Gunners were unable to find their feet and were pinned back by the spirited Terriers. The hosts were eventually rewarded with a goal in stoppage time but the goal acted merely as a consolation rather than a springboard for a comeback.

While the defeat left Huddersfield firmly rooted to the foot of the table, the victory ensured that Arsenal didn’t fall behind in the race for the fourth spot.

Here is a look at five talking points from the game.

---

#5 Huddersfield unlucky to come away empty-handed

Huddersfield Town put in a spirited display

Arsenal arrived at Huddersfield looking to put their listless display last weekend behind them. Though many expected the Gunners to breeze past the Terriers, the game was anything but a cake-walk.

For long periods in the game, Arsenal were clearly second best with their defense and midfield coming under enormous pressure. The numerical advantage for the home side in the middle of the park worked a treat as Torreira and Guendouzi were over-run time and again.

Moreover, the Terriers’ plan to attack Arsenal down the flanks looked menacing. However, Huddersfield were yet again plagued by their lack of an end product.

On several occasions, the home side got themselves into promising positions but couldn’t make the most of it. Though the home side played their heart out against the Gunners, they just had a goal to show for their troubles.

Over the course of the season, Huddersfield has encountered problems sticking the ball into the back of the net as the goal against Arsenal was only their 6th at home.

#4 Arsenal’s quality in the attacking third drags them to victory

Huddersfield Town v Arsenal FC - Premier League

Coming into the game against Huddersfield, Arsenal was the third-highest scoring team in the Premier League. On Saturday too, they showed their clinical edge in front of goal to drag themselves out of a tricky fixture.

The Gunners produced a strange display at Huddersfield and couldn’t get their passing game going. Additionally, the Terriers were constantly biting at the Arsenal players’ heels. Thus, ridding them of the time to create an impact.

Hence, the counter-attack became the major attacking avenue for the away side. Both of Arsenal’s goals came from quick turnovers with their slick play in the final third proving a little too hot for Huddersfield to handle.

Though the Gunners still look defensively shaky, Unai Emery has certainly made Arsenal a more daunting proposition to handle offensively. The Spaniard’s more direct approach has made them more efficient on the break and those qualities came to the fore on Saturday as they just about got the job done.

#3 Henrikh Mkhitaryan returns with a bang

Mkhitaryan showed glimpses of his vast quality

Arsenal has been hit by their annual injury crisis recently with several of their players being ruled out. Though most of their problems have been in the defensive third, the niggling injuries to the likes of Ramsey and Ozil have starved the Gunners of a creative spark.

Thus, the return of Mkhitaryan against Huddersfield was met with optimism and the Armenian didn’t disappoint. The midfielder was at the heart of everything good the Gunners produced offensively. He played a key role in both of their goals and looked lively throughout.

For the first goal, he slid in a perfectly-shaped pass for Kolasinac to run onto. The Bosnian then found Iwobi to allow the latter to fire home.

The second goal epitomized Mkhitaryan to the tee. After it looked like the Armenian had passed up a good opportunity, he quickly gathered himself to free Maitland-Niles on the right flank. The Englishman made no mistake in finding Lacazette to double the Gunners’ lead.

Over the weeks, Arsenal has looked a little bereft of ideas in the attacking third. Thus, Mkhitaryan’s return might just have come at the right time for Emery.

#2 Koscielny puts in a captain’s performance

Koscielny was immense at the back

The 2018-19 season has unfortunately assumed a similar trend for Arsenal. The injuries have piled up through the winter and unsurprisingly, the Gunners are short of numbers defensively.

Thus, with Emery burning the midnight oil to assemble a half-decent defensive line, it is imperative that the likes of Koscielny stand up to be counted. And boy, didn’t he do that at Huddersfield.

Arsenal were put under the cosh by Huddersfield for the entirety of the game. Hence, the Gunners needed to bring all their defensive qualities to the fore. While Mustafi, Maitland-Niles, and Kolasinac did live up to their reputation of making an error or two, their captain, Koscielny hardly put a foot wrong.

The Frenchman repelled nearly everything the Terriers threw at Arsenal and was immense at the back. Moreover, his leadership qualities ensured that the Gunners didn’t crumble in the face of adversity.

Koscielny returned to peak fitness only a month ago yet has quickly become Arsenal’s most important defensive cog. With the transfer window shut for good, Arsenal has to make do with whatever options they have in the defensive third.

#1 Arsenal keep up with their top four rivals

Emery's men didn't fall behind in the top four race

Manchester United blitzed past Fulham to rise above Chelsea into fourth and thus, the Gunners needed to notch a win of their own to stay within touch of the Red Devils.

While Arsenal’s performance wasn’t exactly a vintage display, they just had enough in the tank to edge past Huddersfield. At the culmination of 26 games, the Gunners find themselves just a point off fourth place. Yet, the gap could be widened if Chelsea wins against Manchester City.

However, Arsenal need not worry as they boast of the easiest run-in of the three teams contending for the fourth spot. After consecutive games against United and Spurs, the Gunners don’t have to play another ‘Big Six’ club before the end of the season.

Hence, Arsenal needs to ensure that they stay within touching distance of the top four to make the most of their final eight fixtures. The season has entered its final third and at such a time, substance surely trumps style.