Defensive Crisis Continue To Haunt Arsenal: Post-Match Analysis.

It was another awful night for the Gunners as they suffered a defeat from the merciless Cityzens. Arsenal lined-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Guendouzi and Torreira incharge of the midfield. The Gunners had 6 changes from the team that started against Standard Liege which ended in 2-2 tie.

 Arsenal players feeling dejected as City players celebrate. Image: The Indepent.

Guardiola on the other hand went with his normal 4-3-3 formation which was a 3-3-4 with possession. Manchester City made 5 changes from the team that stunned Dinamo Zagreb 4-1.

Tactics that were implemented by Arsenal.

The Gunners mainly used these two tactics:

1. Long Balls and Counter-attacks.

From the first whistle, Arsenal went with the long passing tactic and got a corner in the first minute. This tactic was implemented by Manchester United and won the match. This tactic was only valid for only two minutes after which it backfired terribly and Arsenal were completely dismantled.

 Arsenal tried to use long balls because Man City always play with a high defence line.

2. Counter-Pressing.

Arsenal enforced counter-pressing i.e pressing in numbers which also backfired badly and led to Kevin De Bruyne's third goal for City. It is not wrong to press the opponent but great care should be taken when done. If the opponent is able to escape the press, then they can easily launch dangerous attacks.

Reasons Why Arsenal Lost.

1. Disorganized Pressing.

Arsenal pressed in numbers not taking precautions that they can be harmed. After Rodrigo's escape, City launched an attack which was completed by Raheem Sterling's tap-in.

 3 Arsenal player vs 1 Man City player and still they fail to regain possession on the left edge of the box.

2. Permissive Midfield.

The two youngsters (Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi) were unable to man mark Foden and Gundogan in the half-spaces. Man City mainly use the spaces between the Centre backs and Full-backs (half-spaces).

Also, they gave City time and space to build-up their play and De Bruyne scored his second goal (third goal of the match).

3. Man City's Shifting tactic.

After City's defeat to Manchester United, Pep Guardiola went and did his assignment. During Arsenal's game, he used only one winger (Sterling) while KDB, Foden , Jesus and Gundogan kept on shifting and inter-changing during the play.

4. Blind-side Runs.

Manchester City's fowards (Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne) have mastered this art of running behind the defender's blind spot that is 25 degrees from the shoulder when the defender is unaware. 

This is the reason behind Sterling's goal. Sead Kolasinac did not check behind his shoulder and failed to intercept the ball gifting Sterling a simple tap-in.

 Sead Kolasinac did not check behind his shoulder thus giving Sterling a chance to tap in Man City's second goal.

 Also, Kevin De Bruyne is left unmarked and scores the opener two minutes in the game.

Conclusion:

Arsenal should invest in signing  more players  this Summer because after Kolasinac's injury, Bukayo Saka was forced to play as Full-back Left. This will reinforce the team and return the lost glory. Apart from that, Arsenal should try to be clinical in front of the goal. They had only one shot on target out of 3. Thank you guys for reading my analysis, don't forget to comment and subscribe. Thank you!