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For our upcoming game against Manchester City on Sunday, our own @DylanBuesnel is back and has put together an opposition analysis (thread) to give us a greater detail into what we can expect from our opponents on Sunday @arsenal #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
First, a brief overview of City, including their recent form and some injury updates ahead of the fixture... @arsenal #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
In their lineups the theme of clear consistency can be seen throughout but Pep could be compelled to make some minor adjustments due to their midweek game vs. Everton... @arsenal #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
With regard to picking up the projected line-up we've used data to help try and make this a less subjective decision. Mahrez slightly edges it against Foden who has also been used for the last four games but Pep could choose to use either on Sunday... #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
What are Man City like in possession. Modern day full-backs are normally bombing it forward and staying high and wide but Pep uses them in a unique inverted way, allowing them to come in with the wingers being the primary source of City's attacking width... #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
In the build-up phase, City use three players at the back, which can sometimes involve the GK with both CB’s but it normally is one FB alongside the CBs. Allowing the other FB to come in a CM role, which in effect lets Gündogan to push higher... @arsenal #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
Once the ball is progressed, Man City are experts in drawing in a press and exploiting the space in behind. Pep coaches a way off closing off the body to attract the press then quickly explode into the vacated space in-behind the defender... @arsenal #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
The biggest threat for City this season is Gündogan, who has a found a taste for scoring. He's upped his progressive runs & touches inside the box resulting in better quality chances for him. @arsenal #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
Out of possession, Man City utlize a 4-4-2 shape, with Foden or Silva helping out Jesus. They are effective at pressing high and they commit players to win the ball in the final third, one of which is Gündogan, which may leave Rodri (holding mid) exposed... #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
In the transitional phase, with Man City committing players forward, they can get exposed by the long ball. This is effective in beating their intense high press. They sometimes lack players sweeping up 2nd balls in front of their defence, something that can take advantage of...
With regard to set-pieces, lets first look at how they press on goal kicks. Jesus will press the receiving pass and a winger will also help the effect may be that it leaves a chance for opponents to quickly interlink & expose the space vacated by the winger as we saw vs Spurs...
For defensive corners City have three blockers/man markers to slow down the opponents. The rest are zonal across the six-yard box with one player looking to cover anything going short... @arsenal #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
City like to use smaller players such as Sterling, Silva and Zinchenko to slow down the opponents around the penalty area. Problems arise in this setup when it creates a possible mismatch if one is dragged to the back post where they have little cover... #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
When attacking, Man City favour both the short corner and the GK zone. The GK zone was also their most successful place for shots out of all the highlighted areas... @arsenal #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
City set-up with three players again around the pen spot, just like the defensive corners but these are their target men, such as; Stones, Rodri and Laporte. Then Jesus is occupies the six-yard box to disrupt play and get to any possible second balls... #ARSMCI #AFC #Arsenal
In summary #Arsenal must be on the watch for the in form Gündogan. He's been City's most effective player this season. City have a few weaknesses and Arteta must be aware of how they can be exploited!
If you want to see more work like this, follow our man
@DylanBuesnel #ARSMCI
If you want to see more work like this, follow our man
@DylanBuesnel #ARSMCI
