This is the first part of a new series we will be doing on Total Football Analysis. Each week, we are going to look at a woman’s clubs from around the world and break down these sides. The analysis will focus on taking the team’s strengths and weaknesses and finding some of the best tactics used to break them down.
In this first piece, I will be looking at Arsenal Women. The London club has been the dominant side in the FAWSL for many years. Now, though, they are facing stiff competition for their position at the top from the likes of Chelsea Women and Manchester City Women. This campaign we have seen Arsenal struggle more than in previous ones. Joe Montemurro’s side has been frustrated by their title contenders, specifically Chelsea. Elsewhere, Manchester United Women also showed an ability to nullify the Gunners, as chinks in their armour have begun to appear. In this tactical analysis, we are going to take examples from matches against these three sides in particular in building tactics to break down Arsenal Women.
Arsenal’s structure
Before looking at the tactics that have shown their effectiveness in playing against Arsenal Women, it is important to have an understanding of the way the Gunners play. Montemurro has established a set system for his side with only a couple variables depending on the opposition. They will almost always play in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. The shape of the midfield is based largely on the attacking approach they decide to use. Below you can see the 4-3-3 set-up and how it shifts going into a 4-2-3-1.
When Arsenal focus their attack centrally they use the 4-3-3- with the central pivot most often. With Walti sitting back in front of the defensive line and one of the full-backs staying in with her, it allows the likes of Kim Little and Jordan Nobbs to move forward into advanced positions in the half-spaces close to the striker. Vivianne Miedema is at her best when she has teammates close around her that she is able to make quick combinations with. A lot of times this will come in the form of these two central midfielders connecting her to the rest of the side.
Alternatively, Arsenal will also look to attack down the channels. With the likes of Katie McCabe and Lisa Evans occupying the full-back positions as the natural wingers they are, it brings a lot of attacking intent and danger. Their willingness to get forward in these areas force opponents to have to move away from a centralised deep block and meet them out here.
