Arsenal vs Chelsea : Tactical Preview

Arteta has faced Lampard twice, failing to beat him on both occasions. Do not underestimate Arsenal, they've been unlucky in big games and recently got the results vs City, Liverpool. Arteta's tactics have changed since we last beat them but he might revert to his old 4-2-3-1

Previously when the two teams met Chelsea set up in a 3-4-3 and struggled badly vs Arsenal's press until Jorginho came on and we switched to a 4-3-3, we then dominated the whole game possession wise.

I dont think a 4-3-3 can work in the FA cup final because there's a big difference between a Kante Jorginho Kovacic and a Barkley Jorginho Mount midfield.

Kante - Kovacic play deeper while Mount - Barkley push high leaving us vulnerable to counters

Lately Chelsea have been using a 3-4-3 and it's been working well defensively, preventing counters. Which is interesting because in our first game vs Arsenal they were hitting us on the counter until we switched from a 3-4-3 to a 4-3-3. How did they do that?

Chelsea have massive gaps between their midfield and defence. This is all explained in great depth in another thread https://twitter.com/DictatorJorgi/status/1287834154927824897?s=19

Arsenal used Özil to exploit this space and he played some good through balls. Arsenal don't need Özil as Lacazette played this role vs City and Liverpool dropping deep to recieve the ball and start counters. He's going to be the biggest threat for Chelsea

(Lacazette heat map)

Arsenal would do better if they had more than just Lacazette making use of that space and it would be worth it as it's a big weakness for Chelsea. They could play a #10 or a roaming winger to outnumber the Chelsea midfield.

I dont think Arteta will sacrifice his 3rd CB for a #10

What's the safest possible setup for Chelsea?
3-4-3: The 3 pacy CBs did well recovering the ball when Arsenal played through balls behind them last time. Outnumbered in midfield

4-3-3 with Kante: This isnt a safe option. We won't beat Arsenal's press.

4-3-3 with Jorginho and attacking 8s: Lacazette MotM

4-3-3 with Kovacic - Jorginho - Kante: Dense midfield to win the midfield battle. This will also mean we can't press too aggressively, just make sure Luiz doesn't have time on the ball

4-2-3-1: Good for pressing, the #10 doesnt really offer anything here as Mount can't play between the lines to dictate counterattacks

Its hard to predict what formation Lampard uses but I think it will be hard to beat Arsenal's press either way. That will be their biggest weapon alongside Lacazette dropping into space