MATCH REVIEW: West Brom 0-4 Arsenal. The Gunners make it 3 wins in a row and are now starting to develop momentum. In this thread, I provide an in-depth match review of the game, highlighting the formations/tactics deployed by Mikel Arteta. Likes/RTs would be much appreciated!

FIRST HALF: Mikel Arteta retained the 4-2-3-1 deployed in the last two PL encounters, with Martinelli given a much-needed rest following the number of minutes the Brazillian has played in the last three fixtures across all competitions.

Arteta recognised that his side would come up against a stubborn deep block, and adjusted accordingly, bringing in Ceballos to partner Xhaka in the double pivot.

Out of possession, Arsenal would shift to a 4-4-2 when West Brom were in possession within their own half.

As the home side transitioned forward, ESR would drop into midfield and make it a 4-5-1, similar to the previous two PL games, with the wingers/inside forwards supporting the FBs.

The Gunners during the build-up phase and when Leno was in possession would utilise a 4-2-3-1, and transitioned to a 2-3-5 as players progressed forward. The balance was perfect, with the visitors utilising both flanks efficiently, creating effective wide overloads.

Once passages of play developed through the left, Tierney would combine with Auba, Bellerin played an inverted role and ESR would drift in between the lines and position himself intelligently, and on many occasions through the right to create an overload with Saka.

Whilst Tierney would predominantly overlap, Hector Bellerin also was given license when attacks stemmed through the right. Saka would have an option on the outside (Bellerin) and inside (ESR), which enabled him to be at his most lethal best. The three rotated at will.

Surprisingly, West Brom started the game well, with the home side dominating possession in the opening 10 minutes. But normal service would eventually resume, following this early spell, with the side from North London stamping their authority, and maintaining control.

A rejuvenated Laca was key in many of the attacks the Gunners developed in dropping deep, holding the ball up and bringing others into play around him. He showed his quality in the 12th minute, releasing Saka from a deeper position. Bukayo goes onto test the palms of Johnstone.

ESR/Saka were developing a dangerous partnership, with the two replicating the strong chemistry developed in the second half vs Brighton. Arsenal's No.7 was always a threat and delivered a great ball to Auba, who failed to strike a clean connection early in the game.

Saka constantly probing/threatening, but it was Tierney who broke the deadlock. The Scotsman provided great width, delivered some dangerous balls into the box, and his endeavours were rewarded with a great goal, firing a shot past the West Brom keeper with his weaker right foot.

An early goal was crucial as it enabled the game to open up in favour of the visitors. And the positive aspect was that Arsenal continued to take the initiative, with their second goal one that was the standout on the night.

After a quick pass to Saka, ESR moves into the space vacated by Saka. Bukayo lays the ball into the path of Laca, who maintains the pace in the move by feeding ESR immediately on the outside, who then finds Saka to finish the move off. Intelligence, rotation and quality on show.

Chances continued to arise with Laca weaving away from Ivanovic on the left-hand side, before forcing a save. Overall it was a half that Mikel Arteta would have been pleased with, especially taking into account the undesirable conditions presented in the West Midlands.

SECOND HALF: It was a spirited attempt in the opening periods of the second half from the visitors, with Sam Allardice clearly instructing his men to show more quality on the ball. A goal ruled out for offside, however, was the closest they got.

Any hope of a comeback was shattered in the 59th minute with Saka playing a pivotal role. Laca carries the ball forward, before passing it to the electric Hale End Graduate. Saka shifts the ball to his left, delivers a cross into a good area which is eventually converted by Laca.

Laca continued to shine and added to his tally moments later. Tierney attacks the space vacated out wide after being found by Auba, with the Scotsman going past his man easily with a drop of the shoulder, before finding the Frenchman with an inch-perfect cross.

The Gunners continued to create chances but it finished 4-0 in what was a brilliant display. The key positives:
-Structure in possession was balanced.
-Effective overloads created through wide areas
-Hale end Graduates shine
-Laca developing consistency
-Tierney influential

INDIVIDUAL DISPLAYS: Despite two smart stops, it was a quiet game for Leno. The two CBs also untested. Holding has rewarded Arteta with a string of convincing displays whilst Mari has done a good job, coming in for Gabriel. The two, however, do need to be braver on the ball.

A steady display from Bellerin. In possession, he was careless on times and could have shown more quality in the final third. Tierney, however, was outstanding! A constant threat out wide, driving with intent, scored a great goal as well as assisting Laca for the 4th.

The two CMs in Xhaka/Ceballos quietly impressed. Dani in particular, had a strong second-half display, evading pressure deep in Arsenal's half and delivered some neat long balls in behind the West Brom backline. The two together aren't sustainable but were rightly paired today.

Auba showed intensity out of possession but frustrated on the ball. Laca, however, was superb. The Frenchman was pivotal both in the build-up play but also showed great quality in the final third, scoring two well-earned goals and looks a rejuvenated player.

ESR continues to shine. Operating in between the lines, the talented 20-year-old is excellent in scanning his surroundings, picking up space and unlocking others, times his passes brilliantly and developed an excellent partnership with Saka. An assist to his name as well.

Operating on the right as an inside forward, Bukayo Saka may have just found his perfect position. The talented teenager is always positive, can go past his man on the outside and inside, intelligence on and off the ball and yet again provided an influence. Simply outstanding!

Hope you enjoyed the read. If you are new, I've recently made a YT channel where I will provide visual Arsenal content as well. I'm going to do something new in my next video, so be sure to check it out and follow my journey on this platform! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC28MDtdmsbQmkVLaCuhKahw