MATCH REVIEW: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle. Plenty of areas to improve on, but Arteta will certainly be relieved that his side are still within a chance to retain their crown. In this thread, I provide a review of our game against Newcastle, highlighting formations/tactics. Enjoy!

First half shape:
4-2-3-1/4-1-2-3- Mikel Arteta retained the 4-2-3-1 that has proved to be successful in the Gunners' last three games, although an evident trend was Willock pushing forward regularly, with Elneny operating in a single pivot.

Pressing & Defensive shape:
Arsenal utilised a 4-4-2 press when Newcastle were deep in their own half, with Willian/Auba operating as the two up top. Although the home side were predominantly in possession, they resorted to a 4-5-1 block when Newcastle had them pegged back.

Goal kicks & in possession: From goal kicks, a 4-2-3-1 was deployed with Elneny at times making it a three. Progressing forward, Arsenal would shift into a 2-3-5 with one FB tucking in whilst the other would overlap. The 2-3-5 also became a 2-2-6 with Willock advancing forward.

Possession was controlled by the home side, with Bruce unsurprisingly setting his team out to remain compact in a low block, with the onus solely on Arteta's men to take the initiative. Nelson started brightly, forcing Dubvraka into a comfortable stop in the opening minutes.

Passing was lacking zip and poor touches/decision making; aspects that resembled Arsenal's first-half display. Pepe drifting centrally and delivering an excellent ball for Reiss, with the latter failing to seize upon the opportunity a prime example of this.

Regarding the performance from the visitors, Newcastle lacked pace/fluidity in their attack and failed to create anything substantial. Promising situations could have developed for the away side if they were able to capitalise on turnover opportunities.

Overall, despite opportunities created to break the deadlock, it was a flat performance. Key points:
-Intensity in/out of possession lacking
-Willian failed to impose himself in between the lines
-Midfielders failing to transition the ball forward quickly

Second Half:
After the interval, it was Newcastle who looked threatening, with Andy Carroll missing a golden opportunity to open the scoring. Moments later, Arteta's men could have also taken the lead on two separate occasions.

The first came from Auba timing his run to perfection, with Elneny playing the ball in behind. The Gabonese international, however, lacked conviction with the chance. Pepe drifting to the left, also delivers a promising ball for Willock who forced a good stop.

When changes were made, Arsenal were predominantly deploying a 2-3-5 with Xhaka and Elneny maintaining their positions in the double pivot. Tierney continued to advance forward and provide width and Cedric would also overlap when attacks stemmed through the right to make it a 6.

Although Granit's presence certainly helped in midfield, Arsenal didn't test Dubvraka as much as what they would have liked. But in the dying embers of the 90, it was Bernd Leno who delivered when his team needed him, with a tremendous stop.

Extra Time:
Arsenal needed a spark and it eventually came from the Croydon De Bruyne. Saka, operating on the right, receives the ball from his fellow Hale End Graduate, plays the ball into Laca, who's cushioned header is delicately controlled and finished superbly by ESR.

The hosts doubled their lead with Xhaka and Tierney instrumental. After receiving the ball from the Scottsman, Granit repays the favour with an excellent ball in behind, allowing Kieren to square the ball for Auba to convert.

Individual performances:
Despite having minimal involvement, Leno certainly came to his team's rescue, making a crucial stop which forced extra time. Concentration levels are an essential quality needed in your GK and Leno demonstrated this attribute.

PM/DL were untroubled and the main analysis should be conducted on their quality in possession. The Brazillian tried to create from deep, with a few well-executed long balls in behind whilst PM, who has been very good since coming in for Gabriel, could have played passes quicker.

Cedric, coming in for Bellerin, didn't have one of his finer games. The Portuguese international was frustrating on the ball, particularly in the first half and failed to provide consistent quality when he overlapped.

The same can't be said for his partner on the opposite flank, Kieren Tierney. The Scottsman was instrumental yet again in providing width, advancing forward and delivering quality in the final third. A performance that should have been rewarded with the MOTM award.

The two CMs of Elneny/Willock failed to provide that much-needed transition in the middle of the park. The two were slow in the build-up play, with Joe, in particular, losing the ball in dangerous areas on many occasions and struggled to influence the game with his dynamic runs.

Playing in between the lines was Willian, who just hasn't lived up to expectations since his arrival. As a 10, the Brazillian looked promising in the the second half against Sheffield United. But today, he failed to influence proceedings in what was a poor display.

Hooked early in the second half was Nelson. Despite a promising start, this was his poorest display of the season. Reiss received the ball in promising areas but failed to deliver in these moments. However, a lack of minutes/game time also needs to be considered.

On the right was Pepe, who provided intensity out of possession, which will please his manager. On the ball, it was a mixed display. Showed quality with his deliveries for Nelson and Willock but also failed to make the right decisions in key stages of the game.

Overall it was a quiet display for Auba, who struggled to get involved during the build-up phases. Nevertheless, the Gabonese international's goal on the night could be one that kickstarts his season.

ESR, Xhaka, Saka, and Laca all provided their own unique influence in the game. Granit's ability to break the lines from deep helped quicken transitions, Laca showed his quality as a link player and whilst ESR wasn't overly impressive before the goal, he was yet again productive.

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