Arsenal vs Manchester United: 4 big selection decisions for Mikel Arteta in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Rangnick’s side. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta sprung an almighty surprise when he fielded a lineup against Chelsea featuring Rob Holding and Mohamed Elneny, a decision that had most fearing the worst.
For a club aiming to propel themselves back into Champions League contention away at the home of the European and world champions, it was hardly a team selection to inspire.
But this coach knows what he’s doing. It’s only a successful plan if it pays off, and leaving Stamford Bridge with three points and four goals scored certainly constituted one.
The way the season is panning out, with just six matches left to play, the manager appears to be leaning more on the side of short-term thinking over the long-term philosophy. The roots of the team’s identity have been sewn, but at a point where results matter most of all, he’s allowed that side of the plan to take a backseat.
Arsenal vs Manchester United: 4 big selection decisions for Mikel Arteta in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Rangnick’s side
Opting for a more defensively assured system that could fluctuate between three, four and five defenders, as well as bringing the less adventurous and more possession-assured Elneny into the side, demonstrated that. Now it’s about what comes next.
Manchester United are a side aiming to reignite their own top four bid – despite Bruno Fernandes insisting they have nothing left to play for – and just as they could spark their own mini-revival, they could pour cold water over Arsenal’s.
It’s an entirely different proposition facing the side on Saturday. Arsenal being at home and against a team who’ve quite clearly downed tools and are in the midst of their own crisis poses alternative problems to tackle.
On the one hand, why would you change a winning formula? On the other, Manchester United at home is not Chelsea away. There are some interesting selection decisions facing the manager.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Rob Holding of Arsenal heads away the ball from a corner during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
1. Back to 4-2-3-1?
Arsenal started out at Stamford Bridge with a shape more closely resembling a back three. Bukayo Saka and Nuno Tavares were wing-backs, and while the system had the freedom to fluctuate depending on how Chelsea approached the game, it appeared to be 3-4-3.
As the game progressed it saw Saka push up and White play more as an orthodox right-back, while in the second half when Arsenal got their noses in front to shifted into a back five block. Saka even swapped sides on occasion to deal with the Blues’ overloads on the right.
Important to note is that it worked. That’s the key.
While it wasn’t especially comfortable in the first half with sloppiness throughout the team, the whole defence grew in confidence and across the second half Chelsea rarely threatened to score.
This is where the idea of going horses for courses comes into play. Arsenal will be at home, the onus will be on them to attack, and thus moving to a more defined 4-2-3-1 will surely be in Arteta’s thinking, irrespective of the success that the ever-changing systems had on Wednesday.
United’s threats come from wide areas and solidifying those zones with wing-backs could create a foundation to burst out and play through the Red Devils, just as it could be an invitation to invite pressure.
Prediction: A formation more closely resembling a 4-2-3-1
Continued on next page…
April 22, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2>Arsenal vs Manchester United: 4 big selection decisions for Mikel Arteta in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Rangnick’s side</h2>
<p>Opting for a more defensively assured system that could fluctuate between three, four and five defenders, as well as bringing the less adventurous and more possession-assured Elneny into the side, demonstrated that. Now it’s about what comes next.</p>
<p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/21/arsenal-manchester-united-preview-epl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manchester United</a> are a side aiming to reignite their own top four bid – despite Bruno Fernandes insisting they have nothing left to play for – and just as they could spark their own mini-revival, they could pour cold water over Arsenal’s.</p>
<p>It’s an entirely different proposition facing the side on Saturday. Arsenal being at home and against a team who’ve quite clearly downed tools and are in the midst of their own crisis poses alternative problems to tackle.</p>
<p>On the one hand, why would you change a winning formula? On the other, Manchester United at home is not Chelsea away. There are <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/21/arsenal-predicted-xi-manchester-united/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">some interesting selection decisions</a> facing the manager.</p>
<div id="attachment_125368" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-125368" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1240113897-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Bob" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Rob Holding of Arsenal heads away the ball from a corner during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>1. Back to 4-2-3-1?</h2>
<p>Arsenal started out at Stamford Bridge with a shape more closely resembling a back three. Bukayo Saka and Nuno Tavares were wing-backs, and while the system had the freedom to fluctuate depending on how Chelsea approached the game, it appeared to be 3-4-3.</p>
<p>As the game progressed it saw Saka push up and White play more as an orthodox right-back, while in the second half when Arsenal got their noses in front to shifted into a back five block. Saka even swapped sides on occasion to deal with the Blues’ overloads on the right.</p>
<p>Important to note is that it worked. That’s the key.</p>
<p>While it wasn’t especially comfortable in the first half with sloppiness throughout the team, the whole defence grew in confidence and across the second half Chelsea rarely threatened to score.</p>
<p>This is where the idea of going horses for courses comes into play. Arsenal will be at home, the onus will be on them to attack, and thus moving to a more defined 4-2-3-1 will surely be in Arteta’s thinking, irrespective of the success that the ever-changing systems had on Wednesday.</p>
<p>United’s threats come from wide areas and solidifying those zones with wing-backs could create a foundation to burst out and play through the Red Devils, just as it could be an invitation to invite pressure.</p>
<p><strong>Prediction:</strong> A formation more closely resembling a 4-2-3-1</p>
<p><em>Continued on next page…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Big selection decision #2 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-125436" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1240124417-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Benji" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Ben White of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>2. White, Cedric or Tomiyasu at Right-Back?</h2>
<p>Arteta addressed the media with the most positive update so far on <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-reveal-tomiyasu-man-united/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the fitness of Takehiro Tomiyasu</a>, declaring that if he got through Friday’s training session unscathed that he would be involved on Saturday.</p>
<p>Unlikely to start, it may not be entirely out of the question given the trust Arteta has in him – but it is a stretch.</p>
<p>There is a decision to make on the other two, however, especially if the system reverts to a back four. White didn’t have his most comfortable evening at right-back to begin with, nor did Rob Holding, with both of the defenders growing into the game and improving gradually.</p>
<p>It was Cedric’s first game not in the starting lineup since the 0-0 draw over Burnley in January, and even if Arteta opts for a 4-2-3-1 he may consider keeping White in the team to allow Nuno Tavares to play more expansively. A back three shape in build-up could be implemented, like the good old days, and keep Nuno in a position where he can pin Jadon Sancho back.</p>
<p>Cedric’s cameo at Stamford Bridge included a comically wasted chance to score, but it also included some flying tackles and resilience at the back in what was an impressive substitute appearance.</p>
<p>Heck, it’s United, maybe Arsenal can afford two attack-minded full-backs?</p>
<p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Cedric at right-back and White in the middle</p>
<p><em>Continued on next page…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Big selection decision #3 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-125370" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1240114691-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Mo" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>3. Does Mohamed Elneny Keep His Place?</h2>
<p>Based on performance alone there is nothing more Elneny could have done to warrant his place in the starting lineup on Saturday. Despite not starting a <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"https://www.90min.com/leagues/premier-league" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier League</a> game for the club in over four months, he’s someone who takes exceptional care of his body and there will be no qualms over his fitness.</p>
<p>He’s done this before, though. Elneny will play having been out of the team for ages, have a stormer, and then the game after will be a stinker. It’s a worrying trend.</p>
<p>Looking past his performance meriting another start, given Arsenal are on home soil and will be seeing more of the ball than they did at Chelsea, someone with a touch more progression in possession and range of pass like Sambi could be a smart option.</p>
<p>As far as the hustling and bustling role, one where defensive positioning and midfield scanning is vital, Elneny does the job well. Yet if Arsenal have Man United pinned back and are looking to play through lines with speed and drag the opposition out of position, Sambi’s skillset is surely more suited.</p>
<p>It could end up being a case similar to Bernd Leno’s. While the German was in the team due to injury, that one game looks like being his major contribution this season and it might be that Elneny has now had his.</p>
<p>Does Arteta stick to the winning formula or be more expansive?</p>
<p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Elneny keeps his place in midfield</p>
<p><em>Continued on next page…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Big selection decision #4 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-125437" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1240127002-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, ESR" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>4. Emile Smith Rowe or Gabriel Martinelli?</h2>
<p>Emile Smith Rowe was excellent at Stamford Bridge. One of his best performances in a while.</p>
<p>Every time he received the ball he was looking to do something positive with it. His first touch was back to its elegant best, whether that be cushioning a ball from the air or laying off a pass to a teammate, and his intention was always to get forward, stretch the pitch and take his man on.</p>
<p>The goal was a finish made to look easy. It wasn’t. Running onto the ball with pace meant he could easily have got it stuck underneath him, yet he had the presence of mind to catch everyone off guard – especially Mendy – and elegantly caress it into the bottom corner. It was a goal his performance deserved.</p>
<p>It was a showing that quickly quietened those unhappy with Martinelli not starting. It was actually quite surprising that the Brazilian was on the bench. He did play an important role when he came on as he posed a different threat through the middle, and he’ll be vying for involvement on Saturday just like his teammate.</p>
<p>The emphasis against United will be to press on them high and unsettle their defence. Someone of Martinelli’s excellent pressing could be a huge factor, but then so could Smith Rowe’s more effective counter-pressing. Raw pace in the forward line that Martinelli offers, or greater technical security in small spaces that Smith Rowe offers?</p>
<p>Having scored at Chelsea, surely he has to keep his place.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Predicted lineup vs Manchester United" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/21/arsenal-predicted-xi-manchester-united/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/22/arsenal-man-utd-4-selection-calls/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/04/21/arsenal-predicted-xi-manchester-united/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Predicted lineup vs Manchester United </a> </div>
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<p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Smith Rowe starts with Martinelli on the bench</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
