There were some expectations that the Bournemouth – Arsenal game was going to be an interesting tactical battle – and it certainly was. The Gunners managed to keep their 17-game unbeaten run although the Cherries were a permanent threat to it.
Unai Emery showed once again that he is like a chameleon when it comes down to tactics – he always conforms to the opponents’ formations and this flexibility is becoming a key part of Arsenal’s success. Eddie Howe’s men weren’t prepared for such a change in the Arsenal’s scheme although they managed to fit in and create some chances. The Londoners expectedly were more vulnerable with a back-three, which was the reason for the conceded goal (2:1), but the team dealt with it and earned its way back in the game.
The Londoners lacked the perfect finish
Despite the change at the back, Arsenal’s main issue was the lack of a good finish. They produced a crazy amount of 20 shots but only four of them were on target, while Bournemouth’s players shot 11 times and half of them were on target. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wasn’t fully focused, although he scored the winner. Iwobi’s otherwise effective “dancing with the ball” was in a way too much and along with other issues resulted in the Cherries’ equalizing goal. And adding Mkhitaryan’s waste of some perfect opportunities – that’s the reason for their struggles in the final third.
They also had five of their shots blocked, which is mostly a result of Nathan Ake’s solid defensive performance (he blocked three shots). Lacazette’s absence played its part as there were no other options for a forward change, except the youngster Eddie Nketiah. But using Bellerin and Kolasinac as a support on the sides was the perfect solution. As I mentioned in the tactical preview of the game, the Gunners needed to try to exploit their opponents on their right side, so Bellerin could have more space to operate in their left area where he could use his speed and take advantage of the gaps left. And that is what actually happened. Kolasinac and Iwobi combined well and coped with the situation.
![Burnley Vs Manchester United [2–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: The Red Devils New Ideas And Potential Tactical Changes – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Burnley-2-2-Manchester-United-tactical-analysis-350x250.png "Burnley Vs Manchester United [2–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: The First Steps Of The Post-Rúben Amorim Era – Tactical Analysis 8")
