The positives and negatives of the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations for Arsenal and Arteta following Granit Xhaka’s long-term injury. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
In the aftermath of the North London Derby there were only few questions about the performance, and they were all buoyant fan-driven ones from Arsenal fans: could Mikel Arteta’s side have gone for the kill in the second half, for example?
But these weren’t downsides and instead the result of a team basking in the glory of a richly needed victory. It felt great, it still feels great and it’s the platform this season needed to build on the wretched start and continue climbing up the table.
However, the injury to Granit Xhaka felt inevitable. Rarely, if ever, can a victory not have some negative aspect to it and in this case it was the loss of a key player. The only surprise was that this bad luck befell the seemingly imperishable Swiss captain.
An innocuous challenge borne out of Lucas Moura inadvertently falling into him didn’t look reassuring from the off and after initial predictions of a 6-8 week absence were met with an official diagnosis of three months, the severity was realised.
The positives and negatives of the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations for Arsenal and Arteta following Granit Xhaka’s long-term injury
It’s a personal and collective setback that may well be season-defining. Should injury strike for Thomas Partey or Albert Sambi Lokonga then the complexity of the midfield changes dramatically. Partey clearly being the standout.
Effectively out of action until 2022, Xhaka won’t be available for all the way through the hectic Christmas period when quality of depth is the most crucial. There is no European football to contend with – a catch 22 – which may have partly been down to the club’s decision not to invest in another midfielder during the summer.
But it can be season-defining in another way.
Arteta was handed the opportunity to re-imagine his Arsenal team without the 28-year-old during his suspension, opting for a combination of a double pivot and the newfound 4-1-4-1/4-3-3 shape seen late on against Norwich, away at Burnley and at home to AFC Wimbledon.
It looked promising, too.
And then there is the option to go for a straight swap in the 4-2-3-1 and bring the obvious candidate in Xhaka’s stead, Sambi, to come in and move on from the Swiss long term. There has never been a better opportunity to see how Arsenal can be an improved side from the midfield working out (apart from actually selling him) than this.
So where does Arteta go from here with Brighton next up? What benefits are there of the 4-1-4-1 and the 4-2-3-1? Starting with the former, there are a few.
Continued on next page…
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<p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1443182209083625472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>September 29, 2021</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2>The positives and negatives of the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations for Arsenal and Arteta following Granit Xhaka’s long-term injury</h2>
<p>It’s a personal and collective setback that may well be season-defining. Should injury strike for Thomas Partey or <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/28/arsenal-backup-summer-signings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Albert Sambi Lokonga</a> then the complexity of the midfield changes dramatically. Partey clearly being the standout.</p>
<p>Effectively out of action until 2022, Xhaka won’t be available for all the way through the hectic Christmas period when quality of depth is the most crucial. There is no European football to contend with – a catch 22 – which may have partly been down to the club’s decision not to invest in another midfielder during the summer.</p>
<p>But it can be season-defining in another way.</p>
<p>Arteta was handed the opportunity to re-imagine his Arsenal team without the 28-year-old during his suspension, opting for a combination of a double pivot and the newfound 4-1-4-1/4-3-3 shape seen late on against Norwich, away at Burnley and <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/22/arsenal-report-afc-wimbledon-efl-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at home to AFC Wimbledon</a>.</p>
<p>It looked promising, too.</p>
<p>And then there is the option to go for a straight swap in the 4-2-3-1 and bring the obvious candidate in Xhaka’s stead, Sambi, to come in and move on from the Swiss long term. There has never been a better opportunity to see how Arsenal can be an improved side from the midfield working out (apart from actually selling him) than this.</p>
<p>So where does Arteta go from here <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-major-squad-boost-brighton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with Brighton next up</a>? What benefits are there of the 4-1-4-1 and the 4-2-3-1? Starting with the former, there are a few.</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/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Benefits of Arteta going 4-1-4-1 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-118519" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"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%2F1335833654-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Nicolas Pepe" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Nicolas Pepe and Emile Smith Rowe look frustrated during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Arsenal Going 4-1-4-1 Boosts Attacking Potential</h2>
<p>The standout and leading justification for moving to a single pivot side, either in 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-3, is that there are more attacking and creative players on the pitch. It’s fairly straightforward.</p>
<p>With Partey screening the defence and providing the central progression it allows one of Gabriel Martinelli or Nicolas Pepe to come in, with both adding explosive qualities in and around the box.</p>
<p>Additionally, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/28/arsenal-unsung-hero-tottenham-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it keeps Martin Odegaard</a> and Emile Smith Rowe as duel No. 10’s who can dominate half-spaces and feed the passes into Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the wide players to attack the box. Each attacking lane has a boost in creativity for a side that has been lacking exactly that quality.</p>
<p>Odegaard isn’t a central midfielder but he does enjoy dropping deep close to Partey to at least offer a diagonal option in the centre and some extra cover in those spaces, even if he isn’t the most defensively sound.</p>
<p>With Xhaka and Partey the former looks better. Xhaka always looks better with Partey. For the Ghanaian, however, he’s at such a level that he can continue to dominate the midfield, break lines and screen the defence just as effectively whether he’s stood next to the No. 34 or not. His ability isn’t lessened without Xhaka’s presence.</p>
<p>The ‘Rolls Royce’ midfielder, if kept fit, can be what books Arsenal a place in European competition for next season and he doesn’t need his much-maligned sidekick to continue performing at this standard.</p>
<p>Are there concerns, though? There always are, and that’s why the 4-2-3-1 might be another option to consider.</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/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Benefits of Arteta going 4-2-3-1 </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-119390" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"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%2F1341934553-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, ESR" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and AFC Wimbledon at Emirates Stadium on September 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Arsenal Sticking With 4-2-3-1 Shape Keeps Players in Their Best Positions</h2>
<p>Where there are <em>some</em> doubts over fully investing in the 4-1-4-1/4-3-3 system moving forward over the coming weeks is that Smith Rowe has looked superb out on the left wing. Going with that shape morphs Smith Rowe into something more closely resembling a midfielder, whereas he has flourished as an attacker. Seeing how magnificent he was against Tottenham there is an element of not wanting to alter that too drastically.</p>
<p>4-2-3-1 allows Smith Rowe to keep the width that is softened by Kieran Tierney’s attacking prowess so he can drift infield, as well as leaving Bukayo Saka to stay on the right which is unequivocally his stronger flank.</p>
<p>These are Arsenal’s best players playing in their best positions. With talent like theirs, even if the formation changes might seem slightly subtle, the classic manager stock phrase of ‘playing your best players in their best positions’ rings true.</p>
<p>Keeping this formation also opens the door for Sambi, someone who while not the finished article has been the crystal ball for supporters looking at a glimpse into what the future can hold without Xhaka.</p>
<p>Adding athleticism, neater technical ability and constant positivity in possession, all of the better qualities Sambi brings to the table have sung in his short time in north London. Still with defensive polishing to do, this is no better time to give him an extended spell in the side and see <em>where </em>Arsenal can go without Xhaka as one of a double pivot.</p>
<p>Now Takehiro Tomiyasu has entered the fray there is also no more need for one of the two midfielders to drop into the back three. Thankfully. And in keeping two midfielders <em>as midfielders</em>, those with progressive qualities either from deep or in carrying become more useful.</p>
<p>But, despite the debate, there is no need for Arteta to be completely inflexible. Horses for courses, and all that.</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/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 can coexist </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-119283" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"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%2F1235334572-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Mikel Arteta" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Mikel Arteta the head coach / manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on September 18, 2021 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Arteta Can Alter His Tactical Shape From Game to Game</h2>
<p>When Arsenal travel to the King Power Stadium on October 30, it might not be the wisest decision to play a single pivot when the Foxes boast players like Youri Tielemans and James Maddison who can operate between the lines.</p>
<p>It can work, just as it can certainly fall flat.</p>
<p>But then a week later Arteta’s side host Watford at the Emirates Stadium in a fixture they will be favourites for, where there will be no need for an additional screen in front the defence. On that occasion, with the home advantage and quality of opposition taken into account, there is no reason not to throw another attacker on the pitch and really take to game to the Hornets.</p>
<p>What Xhaka’s injury does is mean that Arsenal are now, bizarrely, more flexible in how they can set up so long as no further injuries befall that area of the pitch.</p>
<p>If the Swiss was fit then he’d play, meaning that a single pivot would never happen as he is not athletically capable of holding a midfield down. Furthermore, his unbreakable fitness sees him rarely ever substituted: 4-2-3-1 would last the full 90 minutes almost every time he starts.</p>
<p>This is where the injury can be season-defining as Arteta will have the longest stretch of his managerial career to work with different shapes, profiles and personnel without the knee-jerk reaction of including the now long-term absentee.</p>
<p>Predicting what route the manager may take would probably lead you towards the horses for courses approach as opposed to sticking with one single formation, but the emergence of Sambi ensures the double pivot will be given a healthy crack of the whip.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="A huge opportunity for Sambi" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-star-given-huge-chance-arteta/" 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/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-star-given-huge-chance-arteta/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> A huge opportunity for Sambi </a> </div>
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<p>On the basis that everyone does stay fit, which we hope and pray for, this can be a really progressive step for this team in the <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/09/29/arsenal-formations-tactics-arteta-xhaka/"https://www.90min.com/leagues/premier-league" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier League</a> and elsewhere.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
