Arsenal Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

Arsenal relies on a high press and quick verticality with a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and move through the lines as fast as possible. The goal is to use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence and create chances through rapid transitions.

Raya sits behind a back five that provides both security and width. Zubimendi plays as the central man in a back three, acting as a ball playing defender to start attacks. Saliba operates as the right centre back with his great recovery speed, while Gabriel defends on the left. Timber acts as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width, and Lewis-Skelly plays as the left wing back to push high. This defensive unit can drop into a low block if needed or step up to squeeze the space.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to connect the defence and attack. Rice plays as the left central midfielder to shield the defence and tackle opponents in the middle. Ødegaard operates on the right side of this pair, using his passing range to create chances and find the feet of the striker. These two must work hard to cover the half spaces and win the second ball when the team tries to press from the front.

Arsenal uses three attackers to pin the last defender. Šeško works as a pressing centre forward to lead the line and hold up the ball. On the wings, Saka plays as an inverted winger on the right to cut inside and find space, while Rodrygo plays on the left to stretch the play and drive at the opposition. The front line focuses on making runs in behind and combining in tight spaces to break the line.

This formation offers Arsenal the ability to press high in coordinated waves. Using three forwards and two wing backs allows for wide overloads when moving into the final third. The presence of Saliba and Gabriel also provides strength to defend against long balls and win the header in both boxes.

The 5-2-3 formation focuses on high pressing and rapid attacking transitions. It is best suited for games against teams that try to play out from the back and leave space behind their midfield.