Premier League 2019-20: 4 changes likely to be made at Arsenal by Mikel Arteta

Bubemi
Mikel Arteta has a lot of work to do at the Emirates
Mikel Arteta has a lot of work to do at the Emirates

#1 Higher and more compact defensive line

Arsenal FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Arsenal FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

On far too many occasions this season we’ve seen the Arsenal backline get pushed back into their own box by teams of much lesser quality. This is counterproductive for a team of Arsenal’s defensive structure, as they are not designed or trained to adopt a low-block.

That’s why the likes of Sokratis and David Luiz have made so many errors; their deep defensive line is constantly putting pressure on them.

To adopt an attacking and pressing philosophy, Arteta will first have to apply a high defensive line. This will then push the whole team further up the pitch, allowing them to keep opponents camped in their own half.

This high defensive line wouldn’t just consist of the two centre-backs, but also the defensive midfielder for extra cover. Pressing starts from the back, especially when it pertains to the shape of a team.

Under Arteta, Arsenal will seek to improve the work ethic, pressing patterns, on the ball decisions and defensive structure. For this to happen, the Spaniard needs time and support; the fans would be hoping he gets just that.

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Edited by Musab Abid
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