Thoughts on tactics and starting eleven against Fulham

The Cottagers have proven to be tricky opponents for the Gunners over the last few seasons. Arsenal last won against Fulham in 2010! And in the last 9 meetings between the sides, the Gunners have won only 3. All those three came in a row starting with that heroic effort from Mannone in 2009.

It’s difficult to single out a reason for this because Fulham have had three different managers over that 9-game period. Even the patterns of play have varied. But there is one common factor – technique. Fulham sides over the last few years have had pretty good technical quality. This means they’re able to hold the ball against Arsenal and, in some games, they’ve even been able to push up and pin the Gunners back. At times, this also coincides with their aerial strength and they’ve used the long ball effectively, particularly under Mark Hughes.

This season’s squad at Craven Cottage is again a technically strong unit. Players like Ruiz and Berbatov are just excellent while many others support them admirably as far as technique is concerned. In the reverse fixture, they were able to create some delightful moves and made good use of the gap that develops when Arsenal’s pressing higher up the pitch is countered by the opponent’s sharp passing at the back.

For example, Kacaniklic’s goal in the reverse fixture came after a spell of short passing at the back. Four or five Arsenal players were trying to press higher up the pitch while the defence fell back. The gap that opened up was quickly exploited and Fulham went from their own half to the Arsenal penalty box in a couple of passes after playing at least 10 passes in their own half.

The off-the-ball movement of Berbatov, his understanding with Kacaniklic, and the patience, technique and composure of their players at the back were all appreciable details in that goal.

Wenger’s team should expect more of the same; and unless they keep their shape compact, they’ll again concede through a similar pattern just like they did against West Brom.

With the aerial threat posed by Hangeland and Senderos, Fulham will also be hopeful of troubling Arsenal through their set-pieces. Their full-backs make good runs and have the ability to put quality balls into the box. That’s another potential avenue for attacks. With the likes of Berbatov, Ruiz, Karagounis and others in their ranks, shots from distance could also be a problem if the players are not closed down.

In the reverse fixture, Fulham also did a great job of nicking the ball from an Arsenal man in possession with Ruiz in particular stealing possession from at least three different Gunners (including the penalty incident when he pinched it off Arteta). Dawdling on the ball will not be a good idea and some shouts from teammates could also help.

Their defending hasn’t been particularly great. Even at home, the Cottagers have lost 6 games and conceded 22 goals. Although occasionally they can produce the kind of performance they recently showed at White Hart Lane to win the game by a solitary goal, they’ve only kept 4 clean sheets at Craven Cottage. Martin Jol’s side have lost 5 and drawn 1 of their 7 home games against sides that are above them in the league.

Wenger’s side should be able to create chances and score goals if they can move the ball at pace. They key will be to find a balance so that the defence isn’t left exposed and their technical players don’t find enough time or space to dictate play.

Arsenal will have to get more out of their wingers if they wish to win this game. Ramsey’s forward bursts from midfield could also be very fruitful.

Wenger has most of his squad available for selection, but it’s tough to guess what his choices will be. Wilshere’s inclusion in the previous games has been a surprise and the manager is known to manufacture injuries as an excuse when he leaves players out.

Rosicky’s presence in the starting line-up would definitely help the team. It’s tough to pick one out of Gervinho, Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain, as they all have their strengths and weaknesses. My guess is Theo will keep his place, but my choice would be Gervinho because he has the best movement of the three and that opens the game up more often.

Wenger might even put Cazorla in the middle for this game and put Podolski back on the left to add some freshness. I’d like to see the German get some time in the centre, but this is probably not the right time to experiment.

Predicted starting XI:

Szczesny – Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal – Arteta, Rosicky, Ramsey – Gervinho, Giroud, Cazorla.

Wenger will make his choices based on injuries real or notional, the medical advice about the sharpness of some players (this will be the 3rd game in 8 days for many if there are no rotations), and his opinion of the combinations that can work. There are many permutations that could work for Arsenal and there are many that could go against the Gunners. In some cases, the game could go either way with the same starting line-up and it would depend on how Fulham use their strengths and cover their weaknesses.

In that regard, since the Cottagers don’t have much to play for, we might see a marginally lower intensity and/or concentration in their performance. However, that is not something one can assume. Arsenal will once again have to show exceptional spirit if they wish to have all the three points from this game, but that alone might not be enough. Good combinations in attack and structural integrity when defending will be just as important. Gaps between the lines might prove very expensive.

I have a feeling this will be a much more open game than the one against Everton was. Which side will take their chances? Only time will tell.