MATCH REVIEW THREAD: Arsenal 4-1 Molde. An encouraging display from Mikel Arteta's side. In this thread, I provide an in-depth analysis of the formations deployed, the general performance and individual displays. Likes/RTs so more Gooners can see this would mean a lot, enjoy!

FIRST HALF: Regarding the shape, Arteta continued with his hybrid 3-4-3 system, with plenty of player rotations on show, particularly between the backline. During the build-up phase, once Leno had the ball, the Gunners set up in two different ways. The first was the usual 4-3-3

with Xhaka continuously dropping deep and providing a simple passing option for the CBs and GK. At times, Arsenal also set up in a 3-2-5, with Xhaka moving to LCB/LB and AMN joining Ceballos to maintain the midfield pivot as shown in the diagram, with Mustafi playing very wide.

As Arsenal progressed forward, Arteta's side moved into a familiar 2-3-5. In previous games, Kolasinac was instructed to play deeper and overlap on occasion. But in today's game, the Bosnian was given the freedom to provide width. When attacks stemmed through the right, AMN would

advance forward, operate in the half-spaces and make it a 2-2-6, with Xhaka and Ceballos in midfield. Out of possession, the English side would resort back into a 5-4-1 shape, with Xhaka dropping into LCB, whilst Kolasinac played as a LWB. Regarding the performance, in the

opening 5 minutes, Molde saw plenty of the ball and were very comfortable in playing out from the back and building attacks in this way. But despite this, the Gunners had the first chance of the game, where Pepe does well to put Eddie through on goal. But the Englishman was

prevented by the onrushing Molde GK. As the game went on, Arsenal controlled proceedings, with the onus on Arteta's side to take the initiative and identify ways of creating chances against the stubborn, low block deployed by the visitors. The Gunners played out from the back

well, with no issues in transitioning from defence to attack The clear problem was the lack of quality in the final third, with players continuously making poor decisions in possession. The majority of attacks were primarily coming through the right. Despite the hosts seeing

plenty of the ball, it was the visitors who took the lead. Nketiah struggled to hold the ball up from a Leno long kick, and after collecting the loose the ball, Ellingsen fired in the opener. A sucker punch and one that was certainly against the run of play. What's interesting to

note is that AMN was at right CB with Mustafi at RB during the build-up before Leno's long ball, which is another example of Arteta installing player rotations at the back. Arsenal needed to respond but struggled to create clear cut opportunities, with the visitors very

disciplined in their shape. Towards the last 10 minutes, Pepe and Willian switched wings and in the 42 minute, Nketiah had a goal controversially ruled out. A good cross from Pepe and had there off been VAR, perhaps the goal would have stood. Just before half time, great

transitional play saw Arteta's side go into the break level. It was initially good play from both Pepe and Willian, with the latter finding Granit. The Swiss play's a good ball for Eddie, who then looks to find the onrushing Willock. Joe's desire and endeavour forces the own goal

SECOND HALF: Areta's side continued to dominate and control the game, pushing for that all-important second goal. With Pepe playing on the left, Arsenal was creating overloads through this side, with Kola involved in the play. A great chance came for the Bosnian in the 53rd

minute, where he embarrassingly missed an open goal, after good play from Joe Willock. The second goal did, however, come in the 62nd minute. A nice one-two between Granit/Joe and the latter delivers a great ball across goal, forcing yet another own goal. Arteta swiftly made

changes, with Saka coming on and making an instant impact. His low cross found its way to Pepe, who converted the chance well, after moving back to the right. As Tierney came on, the Scotsman played the hybrid LCB/attacking LB role, with Kolasinac drifting infield, with Cedric

also playing as an inverted FB. Arsenal's fourth and final goal saw Elneny play the ball forward early to Pepe, who spots the run Joe makes, finds him, and the latter gets his second of the game. A top performance from Arteta's side.

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES: Between the sticks

was Leno. The German didn't have much to do and it would be harsh to say that he should have done better for the goal. A smart save after a Willcok error in the first half and also made a couple of easy stops in the second. Moving into the CBs and Luiz, after making his first

start following a short spell in the sidelines did well. Very progressive in his passing, and his long ball in behind for Willock during the second half was an excellent piece of play from the Brazillian. There is perhaps an argument that he should have got out quicker and tried

to prevent the shot on goal in the first half, but overall a solid display. His CB partner Mustafi again wasn't overworked but did look slightly of the pace. Caught out positionally on a couple of occasions in the second half, and he certainly looks like he is lacking match

sharpness. Xhaka grew into the game. Again similar to Mustafi, the Swiss international was caught out a few times in the first half. But as the game went on, his influence grew and he played a hand in both the first and second goals. Ceballos had a decent showing. His defensive

awareness in preventing Molde from having success in their transitions, making a couple of crucial interceptions, was impressive. In possession, the Spaniard carried the ball well at times and played some neat forward passes. AMN struggled to influence the game and it wasn't

a great display from him. Regarding Kola, his quality and decision making in the final third was frustrating. Frequently hitting the first man, and failed to play simple balls in behind for Pepe when Nico drifted to the left. Defensively untroubled. Joe was fantastic! Grew into

the game, and was influential for all four goals. His movement and awareness between the lines has improved since last season, and always has the intention of making an impact in the box with his late runs. My MOTM. Nketiah made some good runs but struggled to impact the game.

His hold up play needs improvement, but better games to come for Eddie. Willian quietly impressed before coming off. Nothing exciting, but the Brazillian was frequently making the correct decisions in possession. Nico was very lazy/sloppy in possession n the first half, despite

providing some key moments. In the second half, however, the Ivorian raised his levels and both his G/A came through him playing more centrally, in the half-spaces, which is where he should operate. Both Saka and Elneny looked sharp after coming on. Hope you enjoyed the read!