Arsenal
How Arsenal Machine Will Work This Season? – In-depth Tactical Analysis
As an astute reader of the game and fervent believer in a foundational philosophy that is reflected in the style of play of his teams, Arsene Wenger is always associated with beautiful, free flowing, attacking football. His teams over the years have scored some exquisite goals, with intricate passing and blinding pace often bamboozling opponents and delighting viewers.
Wenger
This season, having added the talents of Alexis Sanchez to the squad and replaced the rock solid Bacary Sagna with the similarly rugged Mathieu Debuchy, Wenger will look to build on the team that did so well to stay on top of a highly competitive table for most of the season.
To the casual eye, Arsenal appear to be playing a 4-3-3 with a holding midfielder in Mikel Arteta and wide forwards in Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez but seasoned Arsenal fans will tell you that the formation is closer to something in between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, offering the structural stability of the former and the fluidity of the latter. Well, in theory at least.
In a perfect injury free world, Arsenal would typically line up with a double pivot of sorts comprising anchorman Arteta with Aaron Ramsey next to him. Ahead of them would play Mesut Ozil in a free role, often switching with Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott on the wings. Up top, Olivier Giroud would offer strength and a springboard to bounce passes off as the team tries to break down tough and well disciplined sides.
In a 4-2-3-1, the central core of two midfielders is typically a combination of an interceptor and a tough tackler, retrieving possession or hounding opponents into mistakes through man marking. Notable examples of this are the pairings of Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel at Chelsea or the more unconventional Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson of Liverpool. Arsenal follows a slight variation of this system with Mikel Arteta acting as the team’s metronome, keeping play moving as he feeds the playmaker or wingers. In this sense, Arsenal are not a purely tackling side but, like Barcelona, aim to defend via the means of ball retention, without the elaborate midfield play of the Catalans. Quite simply, Arsenal play to keep the ball as much as possible and attack so much that the other team is forced into defence more than attack.
In this setup, Aaron Ramsey combines brains and immense stamina to identify the side of the pitch where play is being concentrated and arrive at the best possible time and place to cause an overload on the opponent’s defence. A typical example of this would be the game against Norwich last season where he scored a brilliant goal overshadowed by Wilshere’splaystation-like effort.
Up ahead, MesutOzil seeks to influence the game in his typical fashion, always lurking on the edge of play, looking two to three passes ahead to decide where best to spray the ball. He suffered last season as the lack of pace on the wings through injuries to Walcott and Chamberlain meant teams could fearlessly double mark him without the danger of a breakaway attack. As the schemer of the squad, Ozil will hope to have more pace this year to work with in the form of Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell along with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain when he is played on the wing.
The two wide forwards Arsenal employ are again unconventional, shifting definition to suit the style of play of the players being played there. For example, during the Invincibles season, Robert Pires, despite being a conventional right footed attacking midfielder, played on the left wing, often setting up and scoring spectacular goals by unexpectedly moving towards the centre of the pitch into the gap between the opposition’s first central defender and his respective wing-back. Alexis and Theo will look to do the same, especially the Chilean who brings exceptional dribbling and finishing skills with fearsome pace to the side. Playing in a central role is also an option for the South American as he has done so numerous times for his country.
Olivier Giroud divides opinion among Arsenal fans perhaps more than any other player in the club’s history. His critics lambast his lack of pace and killer finishing but Arsene Wenger and the rest of the supporters back his never say die attitude, aerial prowess and inventive link up play. For a man so criticised it is surprising to note that he has scored a 39 goals in the two seasons he has played at Arsenalwith seasonal figures of 17 and 22, an upward graph that is quite encouraging. The manager is also a fan of the defensive sturdiness and aerial threat that he brings. The most underrated quality to Olivier Giroud is his link up play. In the most beautiful goals scored by Arsenal last season, Wilshere against Norwich, Rosicky against Sunderland, Ramsey against Swansea, Giroud was the one who made it possible with his delicate flicks and one touch play.
The manager has an interesting variety of players to mix and match in order to make his team more unpredictable. The irrepressible Santi Cazorla brings one of the finest first touches and unreal two footedness to the side to make up for his pace. When played as a wide forward, he usually drifts inwards to help set up runners for breakaway goals or help relieve pressure by accurately switching play with his pinpoint 50-60 metre passes to the opposite wing. In Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Arsene Wenger has pace, power and technique to introduce as he sees fit to either central midfield of one of the wings, replacing like for like or bringing fresh legs into the match at the death. His wonderful performance against Crystal Palace at the Emirates last year is an example of the talent this boy possesses.
Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell bring varying strengths to the Centre Forward possession with Campbell also capable of playing on either wing. The Frenchman is powerfully built and offers physicality while the Costa Rican brings a mixture of pace and unpredictability. However, both have a way to go before becoming first team regulars.
All in all, Arsene Wenger will look to use the potency of his squad to set up an attack that seeks to entertain and perform with all Gooners wishing to be transported back to the days of Bergkamp and Pires. Maybe an Henry-esque signing might just complete the dream!
Arsenal Dragon
Renee Slegers Confirms The Position Arsenal Women Are Looking To Sign a Player From in January Transfer Window
Renee Slegers has confirmed Arsenal will sign a goalkeeper in January after revealing Daphne van Domselaar will miss the remainder of 2025 with a quad tendon issue, leaving the club relying on debutant Anneke Borbe and teenager Amy Liddiard.
The Arsenal boss made the admission during Friday’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Liverpool, where summer signing Borbe will make her full debut with 17-year-old Liddiard providing backup from the bench.
Van Domselaar requires an injection for her quad tendon problem and won’t return until the new year, compounding Arsenal’s goalkeeper crisis. Manuela Zinsberger is already out for the season after rupturing her ACL in October, one of 17 players across the WSL to suffer knee injuries during that month alone.
“We Need Three Goalkeepers Available”
Asked directly if Arsenal want to sign a goalkeeper in January, Slegers didn’t hesitate. “Yes, definitely, because Manu is out and Daphne has been managing issues, so we’re definitely looking,” she said.
“We’re definitely looking at that position because we think we need a really strong goalkeeper union with three goalkeepers available and we’re not in that situation at the moment so we’ll have to solve that for the second half of the season.”
Arsenal have also been linked with Swedish right-back Smilla Holmberg as they look to strengthen multiple positions during the winter window.
Chloe Kelly Adds to Injury Woes
The goalkeeper situation isn’t Arsenal’s only injury concern for Saturday’s noon kick-off. Chloe Kelly suffered a knee injury on England duty against Ghana on Tuesday and will miss the Liverpool match. Like van Domselaar, Kelly could be unavailable until the new year.
Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang (on loan at Brighton) have also suffered season-ending ACL injuries this campaign, highlighting the brutal injury toll Arsenal have endured.
Slegers Dismisses Dressing Room “Unrest” Reports
Slegers was also asked about The Athletic’s report claiming the dressing room has been “splintered for many years” with some players “wielding significant influence” and underlying tension between squad members.
The Arsenal boss firmly rejected the narrative. “We won the Champions League, historically we are the most successful club in England, there is noise on the outside, there will always be noise, but on the inside we know what we are doing,” she responded.
“I didn’t agree with it and I think it is unfortunate that this is what is written about us while we are doing so many good things and a lot of people invested in the process.”
Also read: Arsenal Women vs. Liverpool Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal face their toughest test of the season as they travel to Villa Park, where Aston Villa have been nearly impenetrable. The Gunners hold a six-point advantage over third-placed Villa, but their defensive injury crisis threatens to derail their title momentum.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, December 6, 2025
Venue: Villa Park
Referee: Michael Oliver
TV: TNT Sports 1
Form Guide
Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners in this exact fixture last season, with goals from Trossard and Thomas Partey settling matters at Villa Park. However, Villa dealt a seismic blow to Arsenal’s title bid with a 2-0 away victory in mid-April 2024, helping Manchester City to win the league. A 2-2 draw at the Emirates last January again stunted Arsenal’s championship pursuit.
Villa have been in exceptional form, winning seven of their last eight games across all competitions. They showed character in midweek to claim a 4-3 win over Brighton, despite trailing 2-0 after half an hour. Ollie Watkins enjoyed a welcome return to form, netting twice in the first half. At home, Villa have won five of their seven fixtures this season and are unbeaten in their last 25 Premier League home games.
Arsenal maintained their five-point lead at the top with a 2-0 win over Brentford in midweek. Goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches across all competitions. However, the match came at a cost with injuries to Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera.
Team News
Arsenal’s defensive crisis has reached alarming levels. Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a thigh problem while representing Brazil during the November international break and could be missing for up to two months. William Saliba has missed the last two matches after suffering a knock in training, though Arteta confirmed it should be “a matter of days” before his return.
Cristhian Mosquera was forced off before half-time against Brentford with an ankle injury and is set to miss 6 to 8 weeks of football. Declan Rice also limped off late on with a calf issue, though the midfielder told Sky Sports he is “fine” and expects to be available. Leandro Trossard could return from a muscle injury, with Arteta confirming he should be back within “a matter of days.” Kai Havertz remains weeks away from returning after knee surgery complications.
For Villa, Emiliano Martinez is a major doubt with a back injury that kept him out against Brighton. The Argentine was forced to withdraw from the lineup after experiencing pain during the warm-up. Ross Barkley is ruled out for 8-12 weeks with a knee injury suffered against Wolves. Tyrone Mings remains sidelined with a thigh injury and won’t be available until late December at the earliest.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Timber, Hincapié, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Read More: Arsenal Player Ratings vs Brentford: Gunners Restore Five-Point Lead With 2-0 Win
Arsenal Women look to bounce back from consecutive frustrating results when they host bottom-of-the-table Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have drawn their last two WSL matches and sit fourth, eight points behind leaders Manchester City, while the Reds remain winless with just two points from eight games.
Kick-off: 12:00 GMT, Saturday, December 6, 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports Football
Form Guide
Arsenal held Tottenham to a goalless north London derby at Brisbane Road on November 16, dominating possession but failing to convert 13 attempts into goals.
Three days later, they came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League at Meadow Park, with Alessia Russo scoring twice after Caroline Weir’s opener.
Liverpool drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Anfield before the international break, their second consecutive draw following a 1-1 stalemate with Brighton. The Reds sit bottom with two points and have lost all three away fixtures, scoring just once on the road this season.
Team News
Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly is a major doubt after lasting just 20 minutes of England’s 2-0 win over Ghana on Tuesday, clutching her knee following a blocked cross. Sarina Wiegman confirmed Kelly “felt something with her knee that didn’t feel right” but could walk off. Her availability for Saturday remains uncertain.
Captain Kim Little could return after missing international duty, though Lia Walti remains unavailable. Leah Williamson continues recovering from her Euro 2025 knee injury. Katie Reid (ACL), Lina Hurtig, Laura Wienroither and Manuela Zinsberger (ACL) are all long-term absentees.
Liverpool captain Grace Fisk is ruled out for 10 days after suffering a calf problem during England training. Risa Shimizu also remains sidelined. Sophie Roman Haug and Marie Hobinger are long-term casualties with ACL injuries suffered days apart in October.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Van Domselaar; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe; Walti, Little; Foord, Maanum, Mead; Russo
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Laws; Parry, Clark, Matthews, Hinz; Holland, Nagano; Lundgaard, Daniels, Enderby; Olsson
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