Premier League 2019/20: Arsenal vs Sheffield United – tactical analysis

Gameweek 23 of the Premier League saw Sheffield United visit the Emirates to play against Arsenal. Prior to the match, Arsenal were in 10th place with 28 points. At this point in the season, it seems unlikely that Arsenal will be able to get into the top four, heck, even top six looks unrealistic. However, with a new manager who should hopefully be at the helm long term, Arsenal need to get used his playstyle, and try and win as many matches going into next season. Their opponents, Sheffield United were in sixth place, a fantastic achievement for a newly-promoted side, with 32 points. A spot in Europe would be a massive achievement for the club, and if the major clubs keep dropping points, as they currently seem to be doing, Sheffield United definitely have a chance.

There is still a lot of games left to play though, and both managers would likely be putting in all their focus on this match, rather than their end of the season goals. The reverse fixture that occurred in late October saw Sheffield United take all three points. Because of this, Arsenal had a point to prove, under their new manager, as having Sheffield United do the double over them in a season should be considered unacceptable considering the stature of their club.

This tactical analysis will look at the tactics of both sides, using analysis to look at how Arsenal managed to get ahead, and how Sheffield United were able to get back into the match, for the points to be shared at the Emirates.

Lineups

Arsenal under Mikel Arteta have strictly set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation since his arrival. A back four of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz, Bukayo Saka were set up in front of goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Acting in the double pivot was Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka with Nicolas Pépé, Mesut Özil, and Gabriel Martinelli in front of them. The noticeable absentee was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was serving the first of his three-match ban for his red card during Arsenals draw against Crystal Palace

The away side set up in the 5-3-2 shape that they have been using regularly this season. Chris Wilders 5-3-2 has been seen as one of the most interesting and tactically innovative aspects of the Premier League this season. Against Arsenal, Dean Henderson was situated in net, with a back five of George Baldock, Chris Basham, John Egan, Jack OConnell, and Enda Stevens situated in front of him. The midfield three consisted of John Lundstram, Oliver Norwood, and John Fleck. The striker partnership was the only change that Wilder had made post his sides victory against West Ham United, with Oliver McBurnie retaining his spot, and Lys Mousset coming in for David McGoldrick.

A change in Arsenals 4-2-3-1

Like mentioned above, Arsenal have been playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation since Artetas arrival, however, against Sheffield United, at times, it looked to be a back five, with Xhaka dropping deeper from his midfield position, and acting as the third centre-back.