Tactical Analysis: Arsenal 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Starting XI
Arsenal [4-3-2-1] : Ospina – Bellerin Mustafi Koscielny Monreal – Ramsey Xhaka Wilshere – Ozil Welbeck – Lacazette
SUBS : Holding Iwobi Chambers Niles Kolasinac Cech Nketiah
Atletico Madrid [4-4-2] : Oblak – Vrsaljko(red) Gimenez Godin Gomez – Correa Thomas Saul Koke – Griezmann Gameiro
SUBS : Torres(85, Griezmann OFF) Fernandez(65, Gameiro OFF) Savic(75, Correa OFF) Costa Vitolo Werner Arco
4-4-1 for 10 men Atletico
Atletico went down to ten men early in the first half. The right-back picked up two separate yellow cards. This saw Atletico change from a 442 to a 441 formation, sacrificing a striker. This was so they could stay compact and allow minimal space for the likes of Ozil. It did work as it took Arsenal a long time to break them down. Space was becoming available down the sides, not centrally. Ultimately, the players that could really hurt Atleti were central for the gunners. This plan really minimised the threat. It looked as though they were set up to soak the pressure. Then, when they got the ball to quickly break. This was to try and catch arsenal off guard. Arsenal were warned twice in the first half when Ospina was forced to save Griezmann’s efforts. In the second half, a mistake from Koscielny cost Arsenal a goal, a win, and potentially the tie.
Free Ramsey Role
An interesting observation is that Aaron Ramsey looked as if he had a freedom in his role. A lot of times he vacated midfield to support Lacazette. Almost as a second striker which is where he plays for Wales. He still got back when he needed to but in the periods where Arsenal was dominating, he was next to Lacazette. We all know Ramsey loves to get forward, but today looked like it was a specific tactic. To support Lacazette against 2 intimidating centre-halves and give him the help he needed.
Flying Fullbacks
Monreal and Bellerin were essential to today’s game. Everything Arsenal did well started with them. As Arsenal were dominating, it meant they could push forward more. This then drew the Atleti players from the Centre of the pitch. Subsequently, it disrupted their shape and allowed Arsenal to exploit gaps that weren’t there before. Additionally, the crossing from both fullbacks was accurate. Arsenal had countless opportunities to score from their crosses which were spurned. However, we did score from a Wilshere cross.
Player Ratings
Ospina: 8
Bellerin: 8
Koscielny: 5
Mustafi: 6
Monreal: 8
Ramsey: 7.5
Xhaka: 8
Wilshere: 8
Ozil: 7
Welbeck: 7.5
Lacazette: 9
