ARSENAL will be looking to move one step closer to their first Champions League title on Wednesday when they face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the semi-finals.
And they can go into the clash with some confidence off the back of their 1-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend – even if it wasn’t the most convincing result or performance.
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Arsenal face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday Credit: Getty
The Gunners can use their win over Newcastle as a blueprint Credit: Getty
That’s because the Premier League meeting can be treated as a blueprint for the upcoming visit to Madrid.
Following a dip in form, the Gunners showed some encouraging signs at the Emirates on Saturday.
And the return of star man Bukayo Saka proved to be a big advantage.
In the Tactics Exposed studio this week, Will Pugh spoke to Dean Scoggins about how the likes of Saka and Eberechi Eze can unlock the Atletico defence.
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BACK, SAK & CRACK
The return of Saka saw the reintroduction of Arsenal‘s effective triangle shape on the right side.
That will be hugely beneficial against Atletico because that is where much of the space will be.
The return of Bukayo Saka allowed Arsenal to utilise their triangle shape on the right side against Newcastle
The Gunners can punish Atletico down the right side
Dean said: “Bukayo Saka is back and the Arsenal shape is back. It was a perfect dress rehearsal because Newcastle’s big, physical press is exactly what we expect from Atletico Madrid.
“That right-side triangle we used to talk about all the time? It’s returned.
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“We saw Ben White, Saka and Martin Odegaard forming that shape that had gone missing while Odegaard was injured and Arteta experimented with a few different players.
“That is going to be massive against Atletico because of the way they set up.
“Diego Simeone doesn’t just park the bus anymore. They’ve conceded 26 goals in 13 games – two a game.
“They play a bizarre system where Giuliano Simeone plays the right side almost on his own, like a wing-back.
“They play very tight and narrow. Arsenal should not bother attacking down the left because it will be too crowded in that area.
Arsenal heavily favoured the right side against Newcastle
“The Gunners didn’t even try it against Newcastle; the attack zones show they heavily favoured that right side.
“Atletico Madrid also encourage the left-back to ‘jump’ out of position to hit the winger hard.
“Because the rest of their back five stays so tight, it leaves a huge area of space between the left centre-back and the left-back.
“That is the space for Arsenal to exploit. Take the left-back for a run out of that position and get somebody else to run through the inside – that could be Odegaard or Gyokeres.
“Off the ball, Arsenal can set a trap. Against Newcastle, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi played as a double pivot, which allows the front four to go on a ‘double press’ – two players coming narrow along with the striker to close the ball down.
“Barcelona showed the way against Atleti. You force them into midfield where they only have two bodies and then hit them again. If you win it there, you’ve caught them in a 5-2-3 transition with no cover.
“If you force them to go long, you’re winning. They will have Antoine Griezmann or Ademola Lookman up top but neither is an aerial threat against William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
EB & FLOW
Following a slow start to life in North London, Eze has provided a much-needed spark in the Arsenal attack.
His ability to come inside from the left and partner Odegaard in that attacking midfield position could unlock the Atletico backline and create some major goalscoring opportunities.
Dean said: “Eze is going to be the secret weapon in that transition. People worry about his lack of touches — just 19 against Newcastle — but he was told to stay inside and link play between the lines.
“In that 4-2-4 press, if Rice wins the second ball, Eze is the first pass in the hole. Atletico leave a massive gap in front of their back five, and that is where Eze will do the damage.”
Eberechi Eze has drifted in from the left in recent games
Arsenal were seen pressing in a 4-2-4 formation against Newcastle, with Martin Odegaard joining the striker
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Arsenal could also punish Atletico Madrid with one of their biggest strengths – set-pieces.
That strength also seems to be a big weakness for the Spanish side right now, which will be music to the ears of Gabriel and Saliba.
Arsenal can punish Atletico through set-pieces Credit: Getty
Atletico like to press the line to the penalty spot – which leaves plenty of space at the back post
Dean added: “Atletico have been incredibly vulnerable when defending set-pieces lately.
“Five of the last seven goals they’ve conceded have been from set-pieces or crosses. They don’t attack the ball well and they aren’t aggressive in the leap.
“We saw short corners against Newcastle to lure defenders out, but I expect the traditional delivery in Madrid.
“Atletico try to push the line out to the penalty spot to give the goalkeeper enough space, but it leaves the back post totally empty. Gabriel will be looking at that.
“Whether it’s an in-swinger or an out-swinger, Atletico Madrid defenders like Clement Lenglet and Robin Le Normand are not going to enjoy Saliba, Gabriel and Gyokeres charging at them. Expect plenty of action in that six-yard box.”
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