Over the course of the Man City and Chelsea matches, David Moyes has been successful in establishing a system and set of tactics that have brought improvement, greater defensive efficiency, a clean sheet and vital first win. He achieved it by building upon the greater solidarity afforded by three centre-backs and two wing-backs, with two defensive midfielders (Obiang and Noble latterly against Chelsea) providing additional cover. It is a system that anticipates the opposition seeing more of the ball and possessing players with the skill and vision to pass through our rear guard. The objective being to restrict the opposition the space and time to do that and rely on our ability to counter-attack and exploit set pieces. In the situation in which we found ourselves, after the Everton defeat, it was the way to go and we should continue it against Arsenal.
Winning becomes an habit and so does keeping clean sheets. Our primary target is to set Arsenal one hell of a challenge and make it as hard as possible for them to break us down. That means no silly defensive lapses or errors and making Arsenal work for any openings. At the same time, like against Chelsea, we need to counter-attack swiftly and take any chances that we create. In Lanzini, Antonio and Arnautovic, we have players have can break fast and finish. In Reid, Kouyate, Ogbonna and Antonio, we have big powerful players who are more than able to use their ariel strength to convert from set pieces. In Zabaletta and Musuaku we also have wing-backs who can get forward and give us width down the flanks. For me, the only issue is whether we change the selection slightly to add Hernandez to the attack. But of course that would mean losing a player in midfield and I am not sure that is a good idea against Arsenal? The best solution is to probably set up without Hernandez and use him from the bench at an appropriate juncture of the match.
How do I think Moyes will set up? Something like this:
Adrian, Zabaletta, Musuaku, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Reid. Obiang, Kouyate or Noble, Arnautovic, Lanzini, Antonio
Progress needs to be continuous and it is vital that we show further improvement this evening. That means taking at least a point from the Arsenal match and three if the opportunity presents itself. I believe that the above tactics give us the best chance to get a result and should be continued. It does not necessarily mean that we will use the same tactics/selection against the likes of Stoke City and Newcastle United, but against the top teams it is definitely the way to go.
I am going for a 1-1 draw, but if we could sneak a 2-1 victory it would do us a power of good. Optimistically, are we not overdue one of our periodic victories over the gooners? It would be very nice if that was the case and it happened this evening. COYI !
SJ. Chandos.