Arsenal – Barcelona, Second Leg

The Guardian published the opinions of Howard Wilkinson, Joe Royle, Peter Taylor and Ray Wilkins on how Arsenal could get past Barcelona. While it is far from my lowly station to state whether any of these football experts’ opinions on the matter are incisive or not, and this, of course, is not a CV for management, it is a little disconcerting to read that these football brains are so tied up with playing a high or low line, the line seemingly being the primary tactical device of these men.

With Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie doubtful up until recent hours, it is very difficult to speculate as to the starting eleven. It seems though, that both will play. This is the first point of contention; Wenger must decide whether either or both of these players will start. Looking at different media outlets, it seems that van Persie is there for the picking while Fabregas is 90% fit and, essentially, available, if the manager wishes to risk him. The importance of the game would suggest, to the armchair manager, that both would start. To start with the chance of a goal or two is preferable to bringing on the most potent forces in the line up as a desperation tactic, which it most likely would be. It is reasonable to assume that, no matter how high or deep their defensive line plays, Barcelona will score. It would be remiss to believe that they will not. So, with that in mind, to begin with forward potential would be preferable; if one believes that Arsenal will not keep a clean sheet then it would, surely, be best to have Fabregas and van Persie from the beginning.

Critical discourse seems to suggest that how high or deep a line Arsenal take is paramount to the final result of this tie. However, very few pundits would honestly predict that, even if Arsenal play twelve behind the ball, their Spanish opponents won’t score. It is essential that Arsenal score at least once, I think, and to ensure that they must begin with their front line. I would venture a front three as follows.

Bendtner / Chamakh

Van Persie                                      Arshavin

The extent to which the absences in the Barcelona team might play into Arsenal’s hands has been a token idea for those thinking of Arsenal’s goal chances. Taking Puyol out, however, creates favourable match ups for the Gunners’ attack. That is not to say that Arsenal can stick two up front and assume extra space. Nor does it mean that they can play Chamakh, who has been struggling for form, and a second man, against a make-shift back four, because it is not to be undermined. What is to be said though, is that a trio with either Chamakh or Bendtner at the top might leave Barcelona exposed. Of course, neither of the players suggested for the top would play a knock-down role, as it is in neither players’ make up to orchestrate such a game. Rather, both can come towards the two players behind them, through the centre-backs and, bringing both of those players (most likely Arshavin and van Persie) into the game This will also release those running on from the midfield. Neither of the supporting forward players should expect to regularly force openings outside, but space inside the fullback channels could be an option if their primary striker can move well and feed them. With that in mind, the following midfield trio could be the best suited to presenting a threat while maintaining a solid front.

Nasri

Fabregas                                                            Wilshere

Playing it narrow is not a bad idea. To say that there is a certain way to play against the Barcelona midfield in a winning way is definitely tough. Then again, if the secondary forward players, van Persie and Arshavin, can be implored to put some pressure on the fullbacks, particularly Dani Alves, then there is a definite opportunity for Arsenal to play a functional midfield three. Wilshere and Fabregas are both able to play in every direction, and are able to force the issue with the Barcelona midfield. However, unlike a conventional Premier League team, Arsenal will have to suppress the open fullback. It is inevitable that Alves and, to a slightly lesser degree, Abidal, will wander, but if they are put under pressure by the secondary forwards, rather than the ‘wingers’ in a 4-4-2, then options will be limited. Furthermore, Wilshere and Fabregas will both have to pick up Lionel Messi as he drops deep, as neither of the Arsenal centre backs should (or are able to) track his cross field movement. This obviously leaves responsibility with the Arsenal fullbacks for the Barcelona wide men, but that is to be expected. Further, neither Barcelona fullback is noted for playing on the overlap, rarely going to the line ahead of their midfielder, during the course of this season. This may be because no team would invite Barcelona onto them by playing so deep, and the full backs can play different attacking roles. Alves, particularly, has played as a penetrating midfielder from the deep rather than an overlapping fullback, as teams are, understandably, unwilling to invite pressure onto them.

Each of the players in the three across, the narrow midfield proposed, are able to perform the defensive duties required. The task is not just defensive though, as Arsenal will most likely need a goal to progress. The proposed system, with a correctly functional front three, or one and two, will not just allow a flow from defence to attack on the break, but will provide a structure for those breaks and general attacks. Breaks will be narrow. Any one of the three in midfield could act as penetration, Nasri being the most fluent from the point of dispossession (if Barcelona will relinquish it), and this will release four against a defensive line, a defensive centre, disrupted by the absence of Puyol, chief hero and organiser. If Arsenal are to find possession then it would be expected that Nasri and Fabregas will switch positions latitudally, with the Frenchman and the Englishman pushing outwards while the Spaniard composes things. This scenario would find Arshavin and van Persie dropping back slightly, and slightly wider, alternately, depending on the flank of attack.

Fabregas

Nasri                                                                                         Wilshere

The chances of Arsenal progressing is a tough contemplation. It is unlikely that they can leave the Camp Nou without giving away a goal; bookmakers would tell you that very quickly. However, there is always a chance. Of course, my 4-3-3 formation may or may not be completely correct, but it suggests a way for Arsenal to score at least once while maintaining defensive rigidity, this being the essence of their trip to their Camp Nou, where it will be awfully difficult for them.

March 8, 2011 | Categories: Football, Sport | Tags: Arsenal, Barcelona, Champions League, Formations | Leave A Comment »