Talking Tactics: How Wenger masterminded Arsenal’s Dortmund triumph

Engulfed in Wednesday night’s intense and pulsating atmosphere, fuelled by a crowd of boisterous and expectant supporters, Arsenal secured all three points at the fortress of Westfalenstadion; home of Borussia Dortmund.

The Champions League Group F clash may have lacked precision through balls, masses of shots and end-to-end action, yet there was certainly plenty for the visiting supporters to shout about come the final whistle. In a textbook smash-and-grab performance, Arsène Wenger secured an English side’s first-ever win at Dortmund’s ground.

A fantastic and well deserved victory for Arsenal, centred on an assured rearguard performance that restricted the rampant yellow tide’s authority.

Disciplined Protection

From the opening ten minutes, it was highly evident that Wenger had instructed his wide players to track the dangerous forward runs of Borussia Dortmund’s full-backs,Marcel Schmelzer and Kevin Großkreutz. And while, Santi Cazorla and Tomáš Rosický’s influence would be greater felt throughout the attacking third, the tricky midfield schemers frequently fulfilled the thankless task of protecting Bacary Sagnaand Kieran Gibbs.

Arsenal’s wide attackers helping out in defence.

Indeed, the image above underlines one such occasion. Santi Cazorla is highlighted along with the defensive quartet, while Rosický has tucked in on the far side, creating a back six – albeit the two attackers are marginally ahead of the full-backs.

Cazorla is of course no stranger to helping out in the defensive transition. During his time at Villarreal, under Manuel Pellegrini’s guidance, the Spaniard was deployed as an interiore; defending the flanks when possession was lost. Now at Manchester City, Pellegrini expects the same work ethic from David Silva and Samir Nasri within his transposable 4-2-2-2.

Narrow defence leaving space out wide.

Conversely, in the first half, Kieran Gibbs conceded acres of space to Dortmund’s marauding full-backs (see above), before activating his afterburners and withdrawing into position to cover. A player who is highly aware of his qualities, within a side bursting with confidence.

Dortmund Target Flanks

Gibbs, like Sagna, had to be on high alert as Dortmund sought to expose any possible weakness down Arsenal’s right and left flank throughout the first half (see below). A counterattack strategy masterminded by Jürgen Klopp in order to harass, drive to the byline and supply pinpoint passes to Robert Lewandowski. Relentless pressing to win the ball, before attacking the full width of the pitch with probing dribbling.

Dortmund’s first half passing.

Arsenal completed a total of 22 interceptions throughout the match. However, if a Dortmund attacker successfully traversed the strategically placed net, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker were reliably on hand to clear the danger (see below).

Laurent Koscielny reads the danger down the right flank.

The pair completed 14 clearances between them – a third of Arsenal’s clearances (42 in total). A solid and accomplished defensive performance, rightfully deserving of praise.

Fantastic Frenchman & Glorious German

Having defeated Borussia Dortmund in the German’s imposing stadium, Arsenal’s ascendancy to the top of Group F was aided by the terrific performances of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker. A historic victory centred on the solid displays of two unlikely heroes.

Arsenal’s centre-backs make the top three best players.

Mertesacker, often criticised when he first arrived on English shores for appearing slow and cumbersome – he’s no whippet mind you – has finally received the widespread acclaim he has almost always deserved. Likewise, Koscielny has established himself within the side by replacing club captain Thomas Vermaelen, who now finds himself cheering on his fellow team-mates from the dugout ahead of the World Cup in Brazil next summer.

Koscielny shows Lewandowski who’s boss.

If there was one moment during the encounter that encapsulated the impressive performance from Koscielny, it was his relentless pursuit of Lewandowski in the second half (see above).

The 28-year-old defender found himself facing the Polish goalscorer in a one-on-one situation. A daunting proposition for the world’s best. Without panicking, Koscielny ushered the striker to the touchline, before changing direction and steering Dortmund’s goal threat inside, back into midfield congestion. A hefty challenge followed, inciting deafening screams of injustice from the Yellow Wall. The threat, ceased.

If Arsène Wenger can inspire Arsenal to victory over David Moyes’ Manchester United on Sunday, then it’s surely time to take the North London club seriously. Title contenders? Very much so.