🔴⚪️ In-depth analysis
Which build-up patterns did Arteta implement to bypass and overthrow Forest 4-5-1 out of possession ?
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Which build-up patterns did Arteta implement to bypass and overthrow Forest 4-5-1 out of possession ?
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This 4-5-1 out of possession implemented by Nottingham Forest had to objectives : cover width as much as possible, while controlling midfielders activity (drop-offs, moves). An interesting challenge for Arsenal to see if they can bypass this mid-block.
First pattern : utilize Martinelli in build-up to switch of play or wide passes. Martinelli seems to play a more important role in build-up, and Arteta relied on his ball retention and pass qualities to switch play quickly.
Second way to switch of play quickly : Martinelli's repositioning more as a #8, and thanks to his ball retention, attract pressure on him and find Partey to complete the switch of play. This kind of sequence is very frequent in Arsenal games.
Martinelli's positioning allowed Jesus to dezone on the left channel, given his tendency to have more freedom in his moves/positioning. This Martinelli's drop-off illustrates Arteta wanted to densify midfield, to avoid 2V3 situations in build-up.
Central defenders ball carrying (here Gabriel) is fundamental to face Forest 4-5-1. It allows Xhaka to fulfill his box-to-box role and Odegaard to anticipate Gabriel's pass and go beyond the structure. It distrubs a lot zonal marking.
Why ? Because it constrains the opponent to make a decision : let him go, or man-mark Odegaard, which would give more space for ball carrier to attack. That's why Odegaard's moves are a key element in Arteta's objective to overthrow sound structures.
Ben White impressive on-ball qualities had been also another huge alternative to overthrow Forest's off-the-ball animation. His ability to scan his closest environment influence a lot his decision-making in his passes.
Tomyiasu's positioning into the midfield structure (we will go through this point later) allows Xhaka to step up, close to Gabriel Jesus. Given Arsenal was in numerical inferiority in midfield (2V3), Ben White decided to launch Saka on the right wing.
Given Nottingham Forest had no clear intentions to press high, Arteta incorporated additional players into the midfield to take advantage in specific spaces. Tomiyasu is one of them. Stand as a reliable pass option, and if possible exploit the space left by this 4-5-1.
Tomiyasu's role in build-up was key, especially when Xhaka was upfront and Forest put two solid defensive lines. Martinelli's ability to deal with 1V2 (dribbling, quick crosses) is also why we saw Tomiyasu into the midfield.
All of these midfield incorporations are part of the process of making Xhaka more keen to get wide positioning, or penetrating penalty box. If Tomyiasu is not enough, another player had a significant contribution in build-phase : Gabriel Jesus.
As I said, Forest 4-5-1 could affect Arsenal's build-up if they remain in a traditional 2-3-5 shape in build-up. Gabriel Jesus dropped-off a lot, more than recent games, to ease out build-up in midfield.
What I appreciated the most was the inverted moves between G.Jesus and Odegaard. While the brazilian striker dropped-off to receive, Arsenal's number 8 did the exact opposite. 3V3 in midfield thanks to Jesus, and forward position not abandoned.
Gabriel Jesus ball retention has been key to escape from Forest density of players to recover the ball fast (4V7) and find Partey to orientate wide and rely on Nelson's excellent 1V1 skills. Forest 4-5-1 has been overthrown frequently thanks to Gabriel Jesus.
Complementarity between Odegaard and G.Jesus is brilliant to watch, as Odegaard does the exact moves form G.Jesus and vice versa. These pass schemes are really dangerous for every Arsenal opponent. That's what Arteta insists on : players can change role/ positions in the game
All of these patterns described above were made for these precise moments : give freedom to Xhaka and establish the Partey-Xhaka connection. The first one carries the ball, while the second one overloads the lane...
Or attacks central spaces. This duo has been efficient in two key moments of the game : opening goal and the second goal. When the oppoent can't stop these passes, it frequently leads to dangerous situations for Arsenal. Something Arteta should capitalize on.
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