In the recent North London derby, Arsenal faced significant challenges due to the absence of key players. With Viktor Gyokeres sidelined and both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus yet to make their season debuts, Arsenal relied on Mikel Merino to step in as the main striker. Additionally, the team was without their primary set-piece threat, Gabriel. Despite these obstacles, Tottenham Hotspur’s coach Thomas Frank opted for a cautious approach by reinforcing the defense with an extra center-back, Kevin Danso, marking a shift to a back five for the first time this season.
Arsenal’s False Nine Strategy
This tactical decision by Tottenham raised questions about the effectiveness of their defensive setup. Arsenal capitalized on their situation by employing Merino not just as a leading striker, but more strategically, as a false nine. This unconventional role allowed him to drift away from defenders and support midfield play, creating confusion in Tottenham’s backline.
Unmarked Defenders
Throughout the match, Tottenham’s defenders struggled to mark their opponents effectively. With Merino frequently dropping deep, he drew defenders out of position, leaving gaps for other players to exploit. The Spurs defenders found themselves preoccupied with Arsenal’s holding midfielders, while the midfielders had to shadow Merino and another forward, Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal’s Offensive Dynamics
- Merino’s movement facilitated continuous pressure on Tottenham.
- Declan Rice made advanced runs, supported by Martin Zubimendi and the full-backs.
- Key players, like Bukayo Saka, utilized the space left behind by defenders.
This situation allowed Arsenal to maintain a dominant presence throughout the match. While Merino did not score, his strategic positioning was crucial in facilitating team movements. His ability to drop back and act as an additional midfielder was integral to Arsenal’s effectiveness. Moments in the game illustrated how his movement pulled defenders away, creating openings for his teammates.
Game-Changing Moments
Arsenal’s first significant chance arose when Rice surged forward, capitalizing on an Eze pass. This pattern continued as both Zubimendi and other players made forward runs, effectively drawing defenders away from the ball. The breakthrough goal exemplified this tactical success, with Merino receiving a ball in an unmarked position, leading to a perfect assist for Leandro Trossard who scored after a deflection.
Following the opening goal, Eze emerged as a standout performer, scoring a hat trick by exploiting gaps in the Tottenham defense. Mikel Arteta praised Merino for his intelligence on the field and his capability to adjust his game beyond traditional striker roles. Merino’s contributions highlighted the effectiveness of Arsenal’s false nine strategy, allowing them to dismantle Tottenham’s defensive setup without direct reliance on a conventional striker.
The match showcased how Arsenal utilized their unique tactical approach, maintaining pressure and creating scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a commanding performance against their North London rivals.
