Arsenal Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1. Raya (13. Kepa)
4. White (12. Timber)
2. Saliba (5. Mosquera)
6. Gabriel (15. Kiwior)
18. Lewis-Skelly (3. Calafiori)
36. Zubimendi (21. Nørgaard)
41. Rice (23. Merino)
8. Ødegaard (20. Eze)
9. Gyökeres (29. Havertz)
10. Rodrygo (11. Martinelli)
7. Saka (22. Nwaneri)

Arsenal seeks to control games through a high press and quick transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and using width to stretch the opposition. The team relies on heavy pressure to disrupt the build up play of the opponent and then looks to break quickly.

Raya operates between the posts to act as a sweeping goalkeeper when the team plays a high line. The back five consists of Zubimendi, Saliba, and Gabriel, who act as the central core. Saliba provides cover and uses his recovery pace to sweep behind the line, while Gabriel is dominant in the air and wins the second ball. On the flanks, White acts as an attacking wing back to provide width, while Lewis-Skelly plays as a wide left defender to help maintain a compact shape when defending.

The midfield operates as a double pivot consisting of Rice and Ødegaard. Rice acts as the primary carrier who shields the defence and breaks the line with his ball carrying. Ødegaard connects the defensive and attacking lines, using his passing range to find players in tight spaces. This pair must press aggressively to win the ball high and ensure they do not get bypassed in the middle of the pitch.

Arsenal utilizes three attackers to pin the last defender and create constant threats. Gyökeres works as a pressing centre forward who can hold up the ball and link up play with the runners. Rodrygo operates as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and create chances. On the right, Saka stays wide to stretch the defence and delivers crosses or looks to isolate a one on one.

This formation offers Arsenal significant numerical superiority when the wing backs push high to create wide overloads. The ability to press high in coordinated waves allows the team to win it back high up the pitch and catch opponents in transition. The central trio of Zubimendi, Saliba, and Gabriel provides a very solid base that is difficult to penetrate through the middle.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for teams that want to dominate through high pressure and rapid attacking transitions. It is most effective against opponents that play a high line and struggle to cope with wide overloads.