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  • Writer's pictureAdam Perry

Balance in Attack

Arsenal secured passage to the FA Cup Fourth Round with a 2-0 extra time win over Newcastle United at the Emirates on Saturday.


Off the back of three straight wins, Arteta rotated his side looking to rest a few of his key players as well as provide opportunities for those who have been less involved in recent weeks. Willian got the start in the attacking midfield position with a chance to prove he can contribute to Arsenal, however, like the majority of the team, he put in an abject performance. A night with potential for the Brazilian only ended up cementing his position at the back end of the pecking order.


The game changed with the substitutes as Smith Rowe, Saka and Xhaka came on during the second half and Lacazette in extra time. The most noticeable aspect of their introductions was the rise in tempo of Arsenal’s play. Smith Rowe in particular offered a huge contrast to Willian with the number of touches and purpose of play. What has made Smith Rowe so valuable to Arsenal in recent weeks is his ability move the ball quickly, only taking a few touches, whereas Willian, throughout this game, held onto the ball for too long and slowed down Arsenal’s attacks.


Unsurprisingly, the first goal was made by the substitutes. Smith Rowe picked up a lose ball, laying it off to Saka who chipped it up to Lacazette. The striker headed the ball into Smith Rowe’s path with the Englishman controlling the ball on his chest before striking a half volley into the far corner.



Arsenal’s second goal came as Tierney received the ball on the left, playing a one two with Xhaka and using a blindside run to get into the box. Tierney swiftly found Aubameyang with a first time low cross for the Arsenal captain to tap home and seal the game.



Cup games are usually a chance for fringe players to stake their claim as to why they should get more minutes. On this occasion it did the opposite, instead reinforcing how valuable Saka, Smith Rowe, Lacazette and Xhaka have been to our recent run of form.


Following the FA Cup win, Arsenal drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Thursday. It was a similarly slow game with both sides struggling to create big chances, although Palace had the better of the chances when they came.


Arsenal were without Kieran Tierney at left back due to a muscle related injury with Mikel Arteta unsure how long he will be out. Tierney’s absence was sorely felt throughout this game with Maitland-Niles struggling to do anything right. He struggled so much that he was hooked at 65 minutes with Saka moving to left back. A game like that makes you wonder why Arsenal did not cash in on him last summer but given the injury history of our fullbacks, we will need Maitland-Niles to step up and improve significantly between now and the end of the season.


The issue with Tierney’s absence in combination with Maitland-Niles’ performance was that Arsenal lost all attacking threat down the left side of the pitch. This issue is not a new one this season with Arsenal’s right side causing issues during the early months of the campaign and the centre of the pitch being weak in the absence of Partey and an attacking midfield player. The key is balance and when one side of the pitch is failing to provide any threat it makes the opposition’s job far easier to defend.


Balance within the attack has been pivotal to Arsenal’s success in recent weeks with three players in particular vital to their area of the pitch. Kieran Tierney is Arsenal’s threat down the left with his directness, his ability to beat his man and his crossing. Emile Smith Rowe is Arsenal’s threat through the middle, able to keep the ball moving quickly and combine his outstanding technique with intelligent runs. Saka is Arsenal’s threat down the right with his slaloming runs, crossing and link up play. Crucially, all three are hard workers and lead by example and with one of those three missing, Arsenal’s attacking threat dwindles.


Up next for Arsenal is a Premier League game against Newcastle at the Emirates on Monday night. The game will likely come too soon for Tierney and too soon for Thomas Partey to start so Arsenal will have to rely on a similar group to those who played against Crystal Palace. Given the way the FA Cup tie went, it is hard to see this being a thriller.


Prediction: Arsenal 0 – 0 Newcastle


Adam Perry - 15/01/2021


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