Arsenal will kickstart their 2020/21 campaign on Saturday when they take on Liverpool in the FA Community Shield. It is going to be an exciting and vital game for Mikel Arteta, who will be desperate to get the season started on a positive note and that too by winning a trophy.
In this article, we will discuss what Arsenal must do to ensure a win against Liverpool this weekend.
Persisting With A Back Three
Arteta simply cannot afford to make the mistake of reverting to a back-four if he is to have any chance of winning against Liverpool. The Gunners don’t have the quality defenders who will be able to thrive against the Reds in a back-four.
A back-three, in contrast, will provide ample support to David Luiz not only to take part in the build-up play but also offer better balance in the transition game. It will also become easier for Arsenal to employ a deep-defensive line as the wing-backs can drop deep and support anytime they want.
Moreover, a 3-4-3 offers a better connection between the wing-backs and the wide attackers, and they can interchange positions anytime to bamboozle the opposition. It is something that had worked for Arsenal the last time out, and it should work this time as well.
A Strong Start To The Game
To have any chance of winning this game, Arsenal must look for a strong start to the proceedings. Finding an early goal, in particular, is quite favourable as it would force Liverpool to try harder to find the back of the net, which could ultimately lead to more spaces at the back.
More importantly, however, Arsenal themselves will then be able to take a conservative approach and employ a deep defensive line. It was something Arteta did when these two teams last met a couple of months ago, and the Spaniard will be hoping for a similar outcome this weekend.
Start With Joe Willock
Joe Willock may not have won the hearts of Arsenal fans with his performances for the first-team. But, he is Arteta’s best option in midfield this weekend, especially following the return of Dani Ceballos to Real Madrid.
Although Lucas Torreira is still an option for the Gunners, the Uruguayan international clearly doesn’t have any future at Emirates. Hence, it should be Willock starting in the double-pivot alongside Xhaka. Coming up against strong opposition like Liverpool should help the midfielder improve as he looks to make an impression in the first-team next season.
Tactically, Willock’s ability to navigate the ball bears resemblances with Ceballos. Although he is not as effective or consistent, he is the best option available for Arteta at the moment.
