Have you had time to recover from Sunday yet? Well, it doesn’t matter, at the very least I hope the Arsenal team has had time to adjust their focus to the EFL cup!
I expect rotation, and some surprise names starting too. Art of Analysis preview for the third round is here:
The lineup:
Okay hear me out. Is this experimental… in a way yes. Do we have several injuries… absolutely. Would I prefer to rest some key players for the Premier League, again yes! Do I regret even considering Cedric… absolutely yes!
But a las, this is the cards we have been dealt with. A side with injuries and a side with fresh faces who need their chances too. The backline, is filled with senior players and 1 youngster on paper it should not be a cause for concern.
A midfield pivot of Elneny and Jorginho is not ideal, but in reality, we are limited with options. ESR in the 10, it is his time to shine. He needs a game to show his skills once more and this is his real opportunity to play a full 90.
Given the choice of midfielders available, it makes sense to change the classic W M formation around for a double CDM pivot to allow Tomiyasu to push forward and allow ESR freedom in the 10 role. Reiss, Fabio and Eddie simply need to be a lot more direct and aggressive in their play.
Tactico Teta:
If this is something I can come up with given the number of the players, we have available to us and the games coming thick and fast. We can all be assured that Arteta would have thought this through a million times over with better analysis and understanding of the squad and the tactical aims than myself.
That being said. The number of games really does limit the variety and options at hand for Mikel. We have played 3 games in 8 days. With another match only 4 days away. The period for recovery is limited for the players, let alone the time for training and tactical changes for each upcoming match. Mikel is busy, the coaching staff are busy, the players are tired. It’s a dangerous concoction as seen in the number of injuries coming thick and fast across all Premier League sides.
Keys to winning:
This game is going to need ESR to turn up. Not just on the pitch but off it and ignite the fans. Arsenal will be recovering from a despondent performance on Sunday. This is a bounce back game, even if it not with the same squad who were forced to draw in the NLD through their own errors.
Another man who needs to take the bull by the horns and really utilise this opportunity is Reiss Nelson. Whilst last year he was utilised as an impact sub, given the injury issues and rotation needed. This is his best opportunity to start a match and really show his worth. Direct approach, dribbling at defenders and putting the fear of god in them with his pace and quick feet. He needs to drop a 10/10 game on Wednesday night!
Conclusion:
Heavy rotation, a tired squad, a media that will scrutinise every inch of the game. Everything is stacked up against Mikel and Arsenal. This will not be an easy game whatsoever. Arsenal must be cautious with the pace Brentford have on the counterattack. This is going to be tough.
The only way to win is to be completely dominant in the first half of the game kill it off comfortably and see the game out the rest of the 2nd half. However it is easier said then done. This one will be tricky.
There is room to argue that it would be in arsenals interest to bow out of this competition and relieve some pressure of the number of games ahead. But that would be quitting. I just don’t see that in Mikels character, let alone in the philosophies that guide Arsenal football club.
We have to win.
Predictions:
POTM: Emile Smith-Rowe
Scoreline: Brentford 1 – Arsenal 2
Suggested Bet: Both teams to score: YES & Both teams to be carded: YES
Written by Reekesh Somaroo.