How Arsenal’s performance vs Aston Villa shows Mikel Arteta’s managerial progression – tactical analysis

With 150 million pounds spent and new additions within the squad with the likes of Martin Ødegaard from Real Madrid, Belgium U21 international Sambi Lokonga and Brighton’s Ben white, high expectations were placed upon Arsenal to showcase the progression within the football club. Arsenal were not the only heavy spenders coming into the brand new season as Aston Villa spent wisely on new acquisitions with the departure of Jack Grealish to Manchester City.

In the Midlands, the excitement begins to brew with Emiliano Buendía, Bundesliga star Leon Bailey and Danny Ings, a proven striker in the Premier League. Leading into this game, both teams have had rocky roads this season with Aston Villa getting good results against teams such as Manchester Utd and Wolves while Arsenal walked away victorious in the latest North London derby against Tottenham. On the other hand, Arsenal suffered major blows during the first 3 games of the season. This sentiment can be shared as Aston Villa lost their opening day fixture vs newly promoted Watford. Nevertheless, both teams are newly improved and look to gain momentum as the Christmas period gets closer.

This tactical analysis will showcase Arsenal’s lighting start which contributed to their early goals while also dissecting Aston Villa’s in-possession scheme and half-time tweaks regarding tactics. Lastly, I will be delving into Alexandre Laccazette’s role regarding Arsenal’s press and creating space for teammates.

Line-up

Aaron Ramsdale started in goal with a back 4 of Takehiro Tomiyasu at right-back, Ben White and Gabriel at centre-back with Nuno Tavares at left-back. Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga played as a midfield two with Bukayo Saka on the right and Emile Smith Rowe on the left. Alexandre Lacazette occupied the ten role with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a single striker.

For Aston Villa, Emiliano Martínez started in goal with Axel Tuanzebe, Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings forming a back three. Matt Targett and Matty Cash are both positioned in wing-back roles, with a midfield 3 Emiliano Buendía, Douglas Luiz and John McGinn. Up-front was a striker partnership of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.

Arsenal’s electric start

During the opening passages of play, Arsenal was most impressive when progressing through the thirds. When building from the back, Arsenal’s positional play was structured, at the same time it was meaningful and effective, two terms Mikel Arteta has been criticised for his team lacking this at times. Arsenal utilised multiple variations within their build-up. When looking to advance the ball vertically, a midfielder positioned within the final third, usually, Emile Smith-Rowe or Alexandre Lacazette would drop into the half-spaces and create overloads against Aston Villa’s pressing front four. An alternative strategy that was employed was the use of pinning and occupying opposition players to grant space for potential ball carriers.

A prime example of this tactic is when Ben White has the ball. Aston Villa’s front four is engaged with Arsenal’s centre-backs and double-pivot, which allows Takehiro Tomiyasu to receive under no pressure. What allows Takehiro Tomiyasu to progress forward without any issue from the opposition was due to the positioning of Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette who are both using their gravity to keep both Tyronne Mings and Matt Target away from Tomiyasu.