Manchester City will host a frustrated Arsenal side at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday, whose dazzling league run was suddenly thwarted by a spirited Everton side in the midweek. And with the Gunners’ attack clicking quite often this time, Arsene Wenger is unlikely to try anything differently.
Arsenal’s attack this season has been perfect at times, while and has rarely lacked the sting. For the first time in the last six or seven years, Wenger has not found it difficult to choose his best attack. Arsenal are experiencing a rare luxury this season, where most of the players up front are in good touch and fit to start the games.
This fierce competitiveness has affected Olivier Giroud the most. The French international has been in incredible form this season with 3 goals and 2 assists despite getting a mere 155 minutes in the league. He has also scored 2 goals in Arsenal’s successful UCL campaign so far. More importantly, his presence up front allows Arsenal to change their attacking dimension in a flash.
But, it is the false number 9 that is in vogue this season and Arsenal probably have the best candidate for that role in the league in Alexis Sanchez. It hasn’t, however, subdued Giroud’s contribution to the team as we have seen him scoring against Sunderland and Manchester United.
What having a player like Giroud actually adds to the team is a different gameplay. With Alexis Sanchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott supported by Mesut Ozil, Arsenal have flair, pace and creativity up front. The trio in attack takes deep position while defending set-pieces because they trust their ability to outpace their opponents at will. Although it is delectable to the eyes, it hits hard on the fuel and the attack eventually tires down.
With Giroud up front, Arsenal have someone who could hold the ball for his teammates to barge in and resume the counter from an advanced field position. Now, it is extremely difficult to predict Guardiola’s setup as has mostly been the case this season, but starting with Alexis looks a prudent option. Manchester City lacks agile centre backs who are often all over the place in terms of their positioning, so the Gunners have the ideal setup to hurt them on the counter.
Giroud could possibly be a plan B again if they have the lead and want to negate City’s high-pressing, something they are known for under Pep’s stewardship. Punting the ball will be a bit ironic considering Wenger’s style, but it could be effective with Giroud leading the line.
