Arsenal welcome Swansea City to the Emirates, a team which has proved difficult to beat for the Gunners in recent years.
Following the sacking of Francesco Guidolin, new manager Bob Bradley was a surprise choice to replace him. However, he is an accomplished manager and allegedly analysed Arsenal in great depth at his interview with the Swansea board.
Bradley tends to play a pressing 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 historically – seemingly the antithesis of the usual patient, possession based 4-3-3 Swansea we have seen. However, this tactic is known to catch Arsenal out on the counter, especially if we see the inclusion of fast, tricky wingers like Jefferson Montero and Moudou Barrow, both of whom have tormented us in the past.
Arsenal simply need to play their game – but, as we have seen in the Southampton and Burnley games, deep lying defences still pose an issue. I expect Sanchez to start, but thankfully Giroud is back in case we are still being held late on – his ability as a substitute could prove crucial this season.
Much the same team should start, although Kieran Gibbs (yes, I’ve been saying this for four weeks now) may come in as Nacho Monreal was called up to play for Spain late on, and subsequently is due a rest.
In this game, Cazorla must use his close dribbling ability around the edge of the area – we are likely to see six Swansea players surrounding the box, meaning one of two things is needed – long shots (Xhaka) or midfield runners (likely Cazorla) – although this is the kind of game that Ramsey is needed in.
Are we likely to see Ozil and Sanchez frustrated again? A lack of space spoils their whole game, meaning I wouldn’t be surprised if Wenger puts extra emphasis on Iwobi, Sanchez and Ozil interchanging.
All in all, you have to see another three points from this game, but an early goal is almost vital in this sort of fixture.
