Arsenal Football Formation

Starting Lineup

(CF) Šeško (Havertz) · (RW) Saka (Madueke) · (LW) Rodrygo (Martinelli) · (CM) Rice (Merino) · (AM) Ødegaard (Eze) · (RB) Timber (White) · (CB) Saliba (Mosquera) · (CB) Gabriel (Calafiori) · (LB) Lewis-Skelly (Hato) · (GK) Raya (Kepa) · (DM) Zubimendi (Nørgaard)

Arsenal focuses on playing with high intensity and verticality through a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and strike quickly with three dedicated attackers. The Gunners aim to control the tempo while using their wide players to stretch the opposition.

David Raya operates between the posts to start build up play from the back. The defensive unit functions as a back five with Zubimendi acting as a deep defender to help play out from the back. Gabriel and Saliba form a central pairing that is dominant in the air and strong in one on one duels. Timber plays as a right wing back to provide width and ability to carry the ball forward, while Lewis-Skelly acts as the left wing back to cover the flank. This unit stays compact to deny the turn of opposition attackers.

The midfield consists of a two man central pairing. Declan Rice acts as the engine to shield the defence and win the second ball, while Martin Ødegaard operates as a creator who searches for pockets of space to play through the lines. Rice provides the physical presence to cover ground, allowing Ødegaard to press aggressively and hunt for turnovers. This duo connects the defensive unit to the front three, recycling possession to find the right opening.

The attacking front line utilizes three players to pin the last defender. Benjamin Šeško acts as the central striker to hold up the ball and fight for aerial duels. On the flanks, Bukayo Saka plays as an inverted winger who cuts inside to create chances, while Rodrygo stays wide to pull the defence apart. Saka uses his dribbling style to isolate defenders, and Rodrygo looks to hit in behind on the transition. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opponent.

Arsenal possesses great tactical advantages with this lineup. The formation offers wide overloads from the wing backs who overlap the wingers to create extra passing lanes. There is also a significant ability to press high in coordinated waves, which creates turnovers in dangerous areas. The central trio of Šeško, Saka, and Rodrygo allows the team to attack in combinations and exploit gaps between the lines.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a solid base for a high pressing game. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high line and can be caught on the transition.