How Arsenal’s Dynamic Rotation Confused Leeds

Mikel Arteta managed to record seven consecutive wins in the Premier League (his best-ever record as a manager) after winning by a margin against Leeds. Arsenal had to lose one of their first-choice wingers (Bukayo Saka) in the starting line-up, so Trossard replaced him to play as a right-winger. Even so, he (Trossard) and Gabriel Jesus had an important role in the win against Leeds. Their fluid and dynamic positional rotation, as well as creating overloads to carry out combinations, helped Arsenal to dismantle Leeds’ defensive block.

Mikel Arteta gave his players the freedom to rotate while maintaining the structure (2–3–5 / 3–2–5 / 3–1–6). Positional rotations resulted in creating space that can later be exposed, all four of Arsenal’s goals have been created in this manner.

1st Goal

Martinelli-Jesus-Xhaka created an overload for a numerical advantage against the Leeds defenders (3v2). Then, Martinelli came to center while Zinchenko overlapped, thus opening up space for the dribble and creating a dilemma for Leeds’ defenders (Kristensen and Ayling) to react.

Gabriel Jesus is one of the players who have a very good dribble close control ability, so he is very effective when used to dismantle opponents’ low blocks. His movement was able to outwit two players and earned Arsenal a penalty that successfully converted into a goal.

2nd Goal

We can also see this rotation in the second goal, the rotation occurred between Odegaard-Ben White and Xhaka-Jesus. Arsenal again made an overload, with Zinchenko and Martinelli against Leeds’ right fullback (Ayling), so Martinelli could get past through and send a cross for Ben White at the far post.

This rotation between Ben White and Odegaard created an unpredictable moment. White only stepped into the box at certain moments, leaving the Leeds’ backline unaccustomed to his sudden presence.

3rd Goal

In the 3rd goal, Arsenal made a wide overload on the right side by rotating positions to make combinations to break Leeds’ defensive block. Because it was difficult to penetrate through the right side, Odegaard tried to switch play which later created space for Holding on the right flank. Arsenal played with a high line, center backs like Holding and Gabriel came forward in many moments. This made it easier for Arsenal to dismantle Leeds’ defensive block, due to attacking more players. Holding’s carries and White’s runs opened up the space and passing lanes for Jesus.

The presence of Trossard and Jesus (both are comfortable playing in all front three positions) makes the rotation that occurs between the two players/positions more fluid. Trossard took the ball wide after receiving the ball from Jesus, creating space that Jesus could expose in the center. Trossard is a player who is comfortable with both feet, so opponents are often forced to guess. He used his body feint to attract 2–3 players and provide assists for Jesus.

4th Goal

After conceding, Arsenal was in no hurry to score another goal. Arsenal tried to circulate patiently to invite Leeds’. Players like Martinelli, Odegaard, and Trossard drop into the midfield. Leeds tried to close the access to the progression to the middle so that Arsenal would often take advantage of the flanks to attack. All of Arsenal’s four goals in this match started from the flank.

Unfit Bukayo Saka is still considered dangerous by Leeds players. He attracted 5 Leeds players, thus opening up a crossing space for Odegaard.

As we have also analyzed regarding Granit Xhaka, playing with players of the false 9 type allows him to get space in the penalty box that he could expose. Trossard managed to attract the Leeds defender (Cooper), then Xhaka, who positioned himself between Kristensen and Ayling, exposed the space and scored the goal.

Arsenal are blessed with players like Trossard and Gabriel Jesus as part of their front 3, they are comfortable in rotating which makes them a valuable asset for Arsenal to create chances resulting in goals. This is their first-ever start together and they already have an instant relationship together.

Mikel Arteta will have a good headache regarding the front 3 selection. Martinelli, Trossard, Jesus, and Saka are all players who have a good impact on the pitch.

That’s all for today. Thank you for reading this article.