Arsenal Football Formation

Starting Lineup

(CF) Šeško (Havertz) · (RW) Saka (Madueke) · (LW) Leão (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 aims to dominate through high pressing and quick verticality in this 5-2-3 formation. The lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike rapidly before the opposition can get organized. By using a wide attacking front, the club looks to stretch the defence and create space for runners in the middle.

Raya operates between the posts to sweep behind a high line when the team pushes up. The defensive unit works as a back five where Zubimendi acts as a deep defender to hold the line. Gabriel and Saliba form a central pairing, with Saliba known for his composure and ability to cover large spaces. Timber plays as a right wing back to provide width, while Lewis-Skelly functions as a left wing back to push high. This setup allows the defenders to shift across the pitch to protect the central zones.

The midfield works as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Rice provides defensive cover and uses his physical presence to win the second ball and intercept passes. Ødegaard acts as the primary creator, looking to receive the ball on the half-turn and play through the lines to the attackers. He connects the defensive unit to the front three by finding pockets of space between the lines. Together, they ensure the team can recycle possession or transition immediately upon winning the ball.

In the attacking third, the team uses three attackers to pin the opposition back line. Šeško acts as the central striker, using his height to win headers and hold up the ball for others. Saka plays as an inverted winger on the right, frequently cutting inside to create shooting opportunities. On the left, Leão provides immense pace and dribbling to beat his marker one on one. The front three press from the front in pairs to force long balls and keep the play in the opponent half.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through wide overloads created by the wing backs and wingers. The presence of Saliba and Gabriel provides a solid base that allows the team to press in high waves without being too exposed. Arsenal also benefits from the speed of transition when Saka or Leão carry the ball forward into open space.

The 5-2-3 formation provides a heavy pressing identity that relies on quick recovery. It is best suited for games where the team needs to dominate possession and suffocate the opponent in their own half.