Arsenal Football Formation

Lineup (4-2-3-1)

A take on the classic 4-2-3-1.

Off the ball, pressure on the opponents is instigated by Rosicky high up the pitch. If the opponents reach the halfway line, the Arsenal players drop back and hold their positions. The hole in front of the defence is covered by Wilshere and Frimpong, while Cazorla and Gnabry track back to hold off the overlapping opposition fullbacks. Rosicky and Bendtner remain relatively inactive defensively at this point.

When the defense wins the ball, Sagna finds either Frimpong, who passes it on to either Jenkinson, Gnabry or Rosicky, or Sagna gives it to Wilshere, who drives the ball forward into the opposition half. Once the ball has moved into the opposition half, Cazorla is sucked into the middle of the pitch, overloading the midfield. Either Monreal or Wilshere must therefore fill up the space on the left flank. If it's Wilshere, Monreal stays back, allowing Frimpong to push forward and aid the attack. If it's Monreal who moves up, Frimpong moves a bit more towards the center of the pitch.

Gnabry has a starting point on the right flank, but is encouraged to make runs diagonally inwards whenever the ball is with either Rosicky or Cazorla. Bendtner plays the role of a target man, providing Gnabry with flicks, and holding the ball up when the ball is cleared upfield.

Rosicky plays an important role in balancing the team whenever another Arsenal player moves out of position with the ball. If Gnabry makes a diagonal run inwards to recieve a pass from Cazorla, Rosicky gives the German an option by moving onto the right flank. Similarly, whenever an Arsenal attack finishes, if Cazorla is the most central player, it is Rosicky's job to track back with the opposition fullback. Also, whenever either Wilshere, Monreal, Jenkinson or Gnabry have the ball in an advanced position on either flank, Rosicky makes a run towards the first post in order to pull a defender with himself, allowing more space for the other bodies in the box, namely Cazorla and Bendtner.