The issue of finding and integrating a successful midfield combination has been problematic at Arsenal for some time. If an Arsenal fan was tasked to name the starting midfield of ‘The Invincibles’, I’m sure they’d have no problem in doing so; Gilberto Silva and Patrick Vieira as the holding players, and further forward was Dennis Bergkamp.
This midfield is so recognisable and iconic simply because it was functional, and brought great success to the club in terms of trophies. It encapsulated Arsène Wenger’s desired counter-attacking playing style and perfected the balance between defence and attack.
The midfield in the 2016/17 season
In 2017, after a season of mixed fortunes, Arsenal are still looking for that combination. There is simply not an established starting midfield that can be put to paper.
There is no doubt that there is enough talent in the midfield to be successful, Swiss international Granit Xhaka displayed moments of brilliance throughout the season, and the often world class Özil was the same. However, it cannot be said that one midfielder took control of their season, and had a stellar campaign.
A lack of consistency seems to be the underlying theme of nearly every season in recent memory. Look at a specific example of how to get the balance right in a midfield of late – Antonio Conte’s Chelsea. Conte switched to a 3-4-3 system after a heavy 3-0 loss to Arsenal early in the season. Utilising wing-backs Alonso and Moses, the midfield of Matić and Kanté were allowed freedom in the middle.
For the tail end of the season, when Arsenal were going through their toughest spell, Arsène Wenger adopted this three at the back system more in the form of a 3-4-1-2. Monreal and Oxlade-Chamberlain adopted new roles as wing-backs, while often a pairing of Xhaka and Ramsey offered distribution and defence, while Özil played further forward as usual.
After changing to the new system, Arsenal went on to win eight of their last nine Premier League games, as well as the FA Cup final versus Chelsea. The newly adopted system was put into practice perfectly in the 2-1 victory against Chelsea at Wembley.
Understanding roles – Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka
The partnership formed between Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka at the tail end of the season was demonstrated in tactically sound performances.
Xhaka, who was arguably used wrongly at the start of the season in a more defensive role, was given space and freedom to do what the Swiss international does best- distribute.
Meanwhile Ramsey, who has the ability to be just as effective going forward as staying back and defending, focused more of the defensive aspect of the game. Ramsey often made darting runs up and down the pitch, in a more box-to-box role.
What’s the key for next season?
Unsurprisingly, attempt to go through the majority of a season without key players on the sideline. A man that often goes under the radar but is often crucial to the success of a campaign is Santi Cazorla. It was reported by ‘The Metro’ in 2016 that in the 2014/15 season, the win percentage with Cazorla playing was 65.5%, compared to a disappointing 38.9% without the Spanish playmaker.
Does Mesut Özil have to start in the playmaker role?
The German playmaker is often criticised for his un-energetic playing style and unenthusiastic demeanour. Nevertheless, Özil has undoubtedly been Arsenal’s most successful chance creator over a fairly hit or miss season for the German. Özil racked up nine Premier League assists and eight goals over the 2016/17 season. The reliance of Özil in a midfield playmaking role should perhaps be a concern to Arsenal, as really no one else in the team fits into the number ten position like he does.
The Arsenal midfield selection going into next season:
- Granit Xhaka
- Mohamed Elneny
- Santi Cazorla
- Aaron Ramsey
- Mesut Özil
- Francis Coquelin
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
- Alex Iwobi
- Jeff Reine-Adelaide
With Arsenal confirming their first signing of the season in attacking minded left-back Sead Kolašinac from Schalke, it hints that the three at the back system will be utilised next season. This is a positive sign for the Ramsey/Xhaka partnership, who were aided by the tactical switch.
To conclude, Arsenal’s success next season in midfield partially relies on an effective partnership being played regularly.
