My Arsenal FC

Following each season of the Premier League, each Arsenal player’s career-to-date performances are analysed and ranked against their internal competition.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise Arsenal’s senior squad, each player is allocated into six positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their statistical versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Wingback
• Central Defenders
• Left Wingback
• Central Midfielders
• Strikers

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category has then been considered, using data sourced from Whoscored.com.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has started at least 15 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) in Europe’s top 5 leagues was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

Different weightings were then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 5-3-2/3-5-2formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Mitigate the key weakness of Arsenal’s most productive goalkeeper (i.e. Leno and defending crosses) by defending in a low block 5-3-2 formation, with the Wingbacks dropping back to form a back five and the three Central Midfielders taking up positions in front of the Right Central Defender, Central Defender, and Left Central Defender.

• Mitigate the key weakness of Arsenal most productive goal scorers (Aubameyang and Lacazette and attacking in a crowded opposition penalty box), by counter attacking in a 3-5-2 formation, with the three Central Midfielders and Wingbacks dribbling the ball upfield and trying to release the Strikers in behind the opposition defensive line or to get to the by-line in the opposition’s penalty box and cut the ball back to the Strikers.
• The Goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The Wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+ per match), and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple dribbles and key passes (2+) per match.
  The Central Defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept passes into the box (2+ per game), win as aerial duels (3+ per game), and execute multiple long passes (3+) per game.
• The Central Midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play in the final third through multiple dribbles (2+) and key passes (2+) per match.
• The Strikers’ primary aims are to make runs in behind and in between the opposition’s defensive line, attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).

The findings of the aforementioned analysis, provide an invaluable insight as to:

• how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
• which 11 players make up Arsenal’s most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Central Defenders

Left Wingback

Central Midfielders

Strikers

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs,
• Luiz, Tierney, Odegaard, and Aubameyang recovering from injury, and
• this being one of Arsenal’s harder fixture of the three between 11 April and 18 April,

the 11 players which it is suggested should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Round 32 Premier League clash vs Fulham would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following each season of the Premier League, each Arsenal player’s career-to-date performances are analysed and ranked against their internal competition.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise Arsenal’s senior squad, each player is allocated into six positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their statistical versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Wingback
• Central Defenders
• Left Wingback
• Central Midfielders
• Strikers

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category has then been considered, using data sourced from Whoscored.com.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has started at least 15 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

Different weightings were then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 5-3-2/3-5-2formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Mitigate the key weakness of Arsenal’s most productive goalkeeper (i.e. Leno and defending crosses) by defending in a low block 5-3-2 formation, with the Wingbacks dropping back to form a back five and the three Central Midfielders taking up positions in front of the Right Central Defender, Central Defender, and Left Central Defender.

• Mitigate the key weakness of Arsenal most productive goal scorers (Aubameyang and Lacazette and attacking in a crowded opposition penalty box), by counter attacking in a 3-5-2 formation, with the three Central Midfielders and Wingbacks dribbling the ball upfield and trying to release the Strikers in behind the opposition defensive line or to get to the by-line in the opposition’s penalty box and cut the ball back to the Strikers.
• The Goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The Wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+ per match), and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple dribbles and key passes (2+) per match.
  The Central Defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept passes into the box (2+ per game), win as aerial duels (3+ per game), and execute multiple long passes (3+) per game.
• The Central Midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play in the final third through multiple dribbles (2+) and key passes (2+) per match.
• The Strikers’ primary aims are to make runs in behind and in between the opposition’s defensive line, attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).

The findings of the aforementioned analysis, provide an invaluable insight as to:

• how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
• which 11 players make up Arsenal’s most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Central Defenders

Left Wingback

Central Midfielders

Strikers

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs,
• Luiz, Tierney, Saka, Odegaard, Smith-Rowe, Martinelli and Aubameyang recovering from injury, and
• this being one of Arsenal’s harder fixture of the three between 11 April and 18 April,

the 11 players which it is suggested should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Europa League quarter final clash would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following each season of the Premier League, each Arsenal player’s career-to-date performances are analysed and ranked against their internal competition.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise Arsenal’s senior squad, each player is allocated into six positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their statistical versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Wingback
• Central Defenders
• Left Wingback
• Central Midfielders
• Strikers

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category has then been considered, using data sourced from Whoscored.com.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has started at least 15 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

Different weightings were then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 5-3-2/3-5-2formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Mitigate the key weakness of Arsenal’s most productive goalkeeper (i.e. Leno and defending crosses) by defending in a low block 5-3-2 formation, with the Wingbacks dropping back to form a back five and the three Central Midfielders taking up positions in front of the Right Central Defender, Central Defender, and Left Central Defender.

• Mitigate the key weakness of Arsenal most productive goal scorers (Aubameyang and Lacazette and attacking in a crowded opposition penalty box), by counter attacking in a 3-5-2 formation, with the three Central Midfielders and Wingbacks dribbling the ball upfield and trying to release the Strikers in behind the opposition defensive line or to get to the by-line in the opposition’s penalty box and cut the ball back to the Strikers.
• The Goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The Wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+ per match), and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple dribbles and key passes (2+) per match.
  The Central Defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept passes into the box (2+ per game), win as aerial duels (3+ per game), and execute multiple long passes (3+) per game.
• The Central Midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play in the final third through multiple dribbles (2+) and key passes (2+) per match.
• The Strikers’ primary aims are to make runs in behind and in between the opposition’s defensive line, attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).

The findings of the aforementioned analysis, provide an invaluable insight as to:

• how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
• which 11 players make up Arsenal’s most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Central Defenders

Left Wingback

Central Midfielders

Strikers

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs,
• Luiz, Tierney, Odegaard, Smith-Rowe and Aubameyang recovering from injury, and
• this being Arsenal’s easiest fixture of the three between 4 April and 11 April,

the 11 players which it is suggested should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Round 31 Premier League clash versus Sheffield United would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following each season of the Premier League, each Arsenal player’s career-to-date performances are analysed and ranked against their internal competition.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise Arsenal’s senior squad, each player is allocated into six positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their statistical versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Wingback
• Central Defenders
• Left Wingback
• Central Midfielders
• Strikers

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category has then been considered, using data sourced from Whoscored.com.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has started at least 15 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

Different weightings were then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 5-3-2/3-5-2formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Mitigate the key weakness of Arsenal’s most productive goalkeeper (i.e. Leno and defending crosses) by defending in a low block 5-3-2 formation, with the Wingbacks dropping back to form a back five and the three Central Midfielders taking up positions in front of the Right Central Defender, Central Defender, and Left Central Defender.

• Mitigate the key weakness of Arsenal most productive goal scorers (Aubameyang and Lacazette and attacking in a crowded opposition penalty box), by counter attacking in a 3-5-2 formation, with the three Central Midfielders and Wingbacks dribbling the ball upfield and trying to release the Strikers in behind the opposition defensive line or to get to the by-line in the opposition’s penalty box and cut the ball back to the Strikers.
  
• The Goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
  
• The Wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+ per match), and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple dribbles and key passes (2+) per match.
  The Central Defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept passes into the box (2+ per game), win as aerial duels (3+ per game), and execute multiple long passes (3+) per game.
  
• The Central Midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play in the final third through multiple dribbles (2+) and key passes (2+) per match.
  
• The Strikers’ primary aims are to make runs in behind and in between the opposition’s defensive line, attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).

The findings of the aforementioned analysis, provide an invaluable insight as to:

• how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
• which 11 players make up Arsenal’s most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Central Defenders

Left Wingback

Central Midfielders

Strikers

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs,
• Luiz, Xhaka, Tierney, Saka, Odegaard and Smith-Rowe recovering from injury, and
• this being one of Arsenal’s harder fixture of the three between 4 April and 11 April,

the 11 players which it is suggested should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Europa League clash versus Slavia Prague would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following each season of the Premier League, each Arsenal player’s career-to-date performances are analysed and ranked against their internal competition.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise Arsenal’s senior squad, each player is allocated into nine positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Wingback
• Central Defenders
• Left Wingback
• Central Midfielders
• Right Winger
• Striker
• Left Winger

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category has then been considered, using data sourced from Whoscored.com.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has started at least 15 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

Different weightings were then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 5-2-3/3-4-3 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Defend in a low block 5-2-3 formation, with the Wingbacks dropping back to form a back five and the two Central Midfielders taking up positions in the space in front of the Right Central Defender and Central Defender, and Central Defender and Left Central Defender.
• Counter attack in a 3-4-3 formation, with the two Central Midfielders and Wingbacks dribbling the ball upfield and trying to release the Right Winger or Left Winger into the half space, for the Winger to get to the by-line in the opposition’s penalty box and cut the ball back to the Striker and other Winger.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+ per match), and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple dribbles and key passes (2+) per match.
• The central defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept passes into the box (2+ per game), win as aerial duels (3+ per game), and execute multiple long passes (3+) per game.
• The central midfielders primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play in the final third through multiple dribbles (2+) and key passes (2+) per match.
• The centre forward’s primary aims are to hold up the ball, link with the central midfielders and wingbacks, create opportunities for the striker (multiple (2+) key passes per match) as well as attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).
• The wingers’ primary aims are to produce multiple dribbles (2+) to by-line in the opposition’s penalty box, execute multiple key passes (2+) by cutting the ball back to the Striker and other Winger, and contribute to the team’s goal scoring (10+ goals per season)
• The striker’s primary aims are to make run in behind and in between the opposition’s defensive line, attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).

The findings of the aforementioned analysis, provide an invaluable insight as to:

• how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
• which 11 players make up Arsenal’s most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Central Defenders

Left Wingback

Central Midfielders

Right Winger

Striker

Left Winger

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs,
• Luiz, Xhaka, Saka and Smith-Rowe, and
• this being one of Arsenal’s harder fixture of the three between 4 April and 11 April,

the 11 players which it is suggested should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Premier League clash versus Liverpool would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following each season of the Premier League, each Arsenal player’s career-to-date performances are analysed and ranked against their internal competition.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise Arsenal’s senior squad, each player is allocated into nine positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Wingback
• Central Defenders
• Left Wingback
• Central Defensive Midfielder
• Central Midfielders
• Centre Forward
• Striker

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category has then been considered, using data sourced from Whoscored.com.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has started at least 15 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

Different weightings were then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• In attack, Arsenal can generally dynamically, rather through patient build up involving the central defensive midfielder, though the central defensive midfielder’s role in spreading the play or helping the centre backs bring the ball out should not be understated. In Aubameyang (Pepe/Martinelli) and Lacazette (Nketiah), Arsenal have complimentary forwards who thrive on direct balls. Lacazette (Nketiah) can be used to hold up the ball or drop off, with Aubameyang (Pepe/Martinelli) possessing the attacking positional awareness and explosiveness to run in behind or between the opposition’s defence. Arsenal can play very vertically, especially if the centre backs can bring the ball out and play in the centre forward or striker directly. Otherwise, Arsenal can use width to create overloads or one vs one situations for a wingback to attack the opposition’s full back, get to by-line and cut the ball back for the centre forward and/or striker and onrushing central midfielder(s).
• Arsenal’s 3-5-2 in attack, can turn into a 5-3-2 in defence. Generally, Arsenal can look to press man for man higher up the pitch, and often try to shepherd the opposition into wider areas by allowing the opposition’s fullbacks some space, leaving them as the easiest option for a pass. This allows Arsenal to stuff up the middle of the pitch, making them hard to play through. It also means that when Arsenal do engage the opposition out wide, there is space in behind the opposition’s fullbacks in which they can attack.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+ per match), and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple dribbles and key passes (2+) per match.
• The central defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept passes into the box (2+ per game), win as aerial duels (3+ per game), and execute multiple long passes (3+) per game.
• The central defensive midfielder’s primary aims are to shield the central defenders by tackling their opponent and intercepting passes to recover the ball (2+ each) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple long passes (3+) per match.
• The central midfielders primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play in the final third through multiple dribbles (2+) and key passes (2+) per match.
• The centre forward’s primary aims are to hold up the ball, link with the central midfielders and wingbacks, create opportunities for the striker (multiple (2+) key passes per match) as well as attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).
• The striker’s primary aims are to make run in behind and in between the opposition’s defensive line, attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).

The findings of the aforementioned analysis, provide an invaluable insight as to:

• how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
• which 11 players make up Arsenal’s most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Central Defenders

Left Wingback

Central Defensive Midfielder

Central Midfielders

Centre Forward

Striker

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs,
• Willian and Saka recovering from injury, and
• this being one of Arsenal’s harder fixture of the three between 14 March and 21 March,

the 11 players which it is suggested should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Premier League clash versus West Ham would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following each season of the Premier League, each Arsenal player’s career-to-date performances are analysed and ranked against their internal competition.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise Arsenal’s senior squad, each player is allocated into nine positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Wingback
• Central Defenders
• Left Wingback
• Central Defensive Midfielder
• Central Midfielders
• Centre Forward
• Striker

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category has then been considered, using data sourced from Whoscored.com.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has started at least 15 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

Different weightings were then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• In attack, Arsenal can generally dynamically, rather through patient build up involving the central defensive midfielder, though the central defensive midfielder’s role in spreading the play or helping the centre backs bring the ball out should not be understated. In Aubameyang (Pepe/Martinelli) and Lacazette (Nketiah), Arsenal have complimentary forwards who thrive on direct balls. Lacazette (Nketiah) can be used to hold up the ball or drop off, with Aubameyang (Pepe/Martinelli) possessing the attacking positional awareness and explosiveness to run in behind or between the opposition’s defence. Arsenal can play very vertically, especially if the centre backs can bring the ball out and play in the centre forward or striker directly. Otherwise, Arsenal can use width to create overloads or one vs one situations for a wingback to attack the opposition’s full back, get to by-line and cut the ball back for the centre forward and/or striker and onrushing central midfielder(s).
• Arsenal’s 3-5-2 in attack, can turn into a 5-3-2 in defence. Generally, Arsenal can look to press man for man higher up the pitch, and often try to shepherd the opposition into wider areas by allowing the opposition’s fullbacks some space, leaving them as the easiest option for a pass. This allows Arsenal to stuff up the middle of the pitch, making them hard to play through. It also means that when Arsenal do engage the opposition out wide, there is space in behind the opposition’s fullbacks in which they can attack.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+ per match), and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple dribbles and key passes (2+) per match.
• The central defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept passes into the box (2+ per game), win as aerial duels (3+ per game), and execute multiple long passes (3+) per game.
• The central defensive midfielder’s primary aims are to shield the central defenders by tackling their opponent and intercepting passes to recover the ball (2+ each) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple long passes (3+) per match.
• The central midfielders primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play in the final third through multiple dribbles (2+) and key passes (2+) per match.
• The centre forward’s primary aims are to hold up the ball, link with the central midfielders and wingbacks, create opportunities for the striker (multiple (2+) key passes per match) as well as attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).
• The striker’s primary aims are to make run in behind and in between the opposition’s defensive line, attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).

The findings of the aforementioned analysis, provide an invaluable insight as to:

• how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
• which 11 players make up Arsenal’s most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Central Defenders

Left Wingback

Central Defensive Midfielder

Central Midfielders

Centre Forward

Striker

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs,
• Saka recovering from injury, and
• this being one of Arsenal’s easier fixture of the three between 14 March and 21 March,

the 11 players which it is suggested should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Europa League clash versus Olympiacos would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following each season of the Premier League, each Arsenal player’s career-to-date performances are analysed and ranked against their internal competition.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise Arsenal’s senior squad, each player is allocated into nine positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Wingback
• Central Defenders
• Left Wingback
• Central Defensive Midfielder
• Central Midfielders
• Centre Forward
• Striker

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category has then been considered, using data sourced from Whoscored.com.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has started at least 15 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

Different weightings were then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• In attack, Arsenal can generally dynamically, rather through patient build up involving the central defensive midfielder, though the central defensive midfielder’s role in spreading the play or helping the centre backs bring the ball out should not be understated. In Aubameyang (Pepe/Martinelli) and Lacazette (Nketiah), Arsenal have complimentary forwards who thrive on direct balls. Lacazette (Nketiah) can be used to hold up the ball or drop off, with Aubameyang (Pepe/Martinelli) possessing the attacking positional awareness and explosiveness to run in behind or between the opposition’s defence. Arsenal can play very vertically, especially if the centre backs can bring the ball out and play in the centre forward or striker directly. Otherwise, Arsenal can use width to create overloads or one vs one situations for a wingback to attack the opposition’s full back, get to by-line and cut the ball back for the centre forward and/or striker and onrushing central midfielder(s).
• Arsenal’s 3-5-2 in attack, can turn into a 5-3-2 in defence. Generally, Arsenal can look to press man for man higher up the pitch, and often try to shepherd the opposition into wider areas by allowing the opposition’s fullbacks some space, leaving them as the easiest option for a pass. This allows Arsenal to stuff up the middle of the pitch, making them hard to play through. It also means that when Arsenal do engage the opposition out wide, there is space in behind the opposition’s fullbacks in which they can attack.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+ per match), and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple dribbles and key passes (2+) per match.
• The central defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept passes into the box (2+ per game), win as aerial duels (3+ per game), and execute multiple long passes (3+) per game.
• The central defensive midfielder’s primary aims are to shield the central defenders by tackling their opponent and intercepting passes to recover the ball (2+ each) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple long passes (3+) per match.
• The central midfielders primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play in the final third through multiple dribbles (2+) and key passes (2+) per match.
• The centre forward’s primary aims are to hold up the ball, link with the central midfielders and wingbacks, create opportunities for the striker (multiple (2+) key passes per match) as well as attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).
• The striker’s primary aims are to make run in behind and in between the opposition’s defensive line, attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).

The findings of the aforementioned analysis, provide an invaluable insight as to:

• how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
• which 11 players make up Arsenal’s most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Central Defenders

Left Wingback

Central Defensive Midfielder

Central Midfielders

Centre Forward

Striker

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and
• this being one of Arsenal’s harder fixture of the three between 6 March and 15 March,

the 11 players which it is suggested should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Round 28 Premier League clash versus Tottenham would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following each season of the Premier League, each Arsenal player’s career-to-date performances are analysed and ranked against their internal competition.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise Arsenal’s senior squad, each player is allocated into nine positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Wingback
• Central Defenders
• Left Wingback
• Central Defensive Midfielder
• Central Midfielders
• Centre Forward
• Striker

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category has then been considered, using data sourced from Whoscored.com.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has started at least 15 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

Different weightings were then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• In attack, Arsenal can generally dynamically, rather through patient build up involving the central defensive midfielder, though the central defensive midfielder’s role in spreading the play or helping the centre backs bring the ball out should not be understated. In Aubameyang (Pepe/Martinelli) and Lacazette (Nketiah), Arsenal have complimentary forwards who thrive on direct balls. Lacazette (Nketiah) can be used to hold up the ball or drop off, with Aubameyang (Pepe/Martinelli) possessing the attacking positional awareness and explosiveness to run in behind or between the opposition’s defence. Arsenal can play very vertically, especially if the centre backs can bring the ball out and play in the centre forward or striker directly. Otherwise, Arsenal can use width to create overloads or one vs one situations for a wingback to attack the opposition’s full back, get to by-line and cut the ball back for the centre forward and/or striker and onrushing central midfielder(s).
• Arsenal’s 3-5-2 in attack, can turn into a 5-3-2 in defence. Generally, Arsenal can look to press man for man higher up the pitch, and often try to shepherd the opposition into wider areas by allowing the opposition’s fullbacks some space, leaving them as the easiest option for a pass. This allows Arsenal to stuff up the middle of the pitch, making them hard to play through. It also means that when Arsenal do engage the opposition out wide, there is space in behind the opposition’s fullbacks in which they can attack.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+ per match), and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple dribbles and key passes (2+) per match.
• The central defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept passes into the box (2+ per game), win as aerial duels (3+ per game), and execute multiple long passes (3+) per game.
• The central defensive midfielder’s primary aims are to shield the central defenders by tackling their opponent and intercepting passes to recover the ball (2+ each) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple long passes (3+) per match.
• The central midfielders primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play in the final third through multiple dribbles (2+) and key passes (2+) per match.
• The centre forward’s primary aims are to hold up the ball, link with the central midfielders and wingbacks, create opportunities for the striker (multiple (2+) key passes per match) as well as attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).
• The striker’s primary aims are to make run in behind and in between the opposition’s defensive line, attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).

The findings of the aforementioned analysis, provide an invaluable insight as to:

• how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
• which 11 players make up Arsenal’s most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Central Defenders

Left Wingback

Central Defensive Midfielder

Central Midfielders

Centre Forward

Striker

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs,
• Smith Rowe recovering from injury, and
• this being one of Arsenal’s harder fixture of the three between 6 March and 15 March,

the 11 players which it is suggested should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Round of 16 Europa League clash versus Olympiacos would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following each season of the Premier League, each Arsenal player’s career-to-date performances are analysed and ranked against their internal competition.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise Arsenal’s senior squad, each player is allocated into nine positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Wingback
• Central Defenders
• Left Wingback
• Central Defensive Midfielder
• Central Midfielders
• Centre Forward
• Striker

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category has then been considered, using data sourced from Whoscored.com.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has started at least 15 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

Different weightings were then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• In attack, Arsenal can generally dynamically, rather through patient build up involving the central defensive midfielder, though the central defensive midfielder’s role in spreading the play or helping the centre backs bring the ball out should not be understated. In Aubameyang (Pepe/Martinelli) and Lacazette (Nketiah), Arsenal have complimentary forwards who thrive on direct balls. Lacazette (Nketiah) can be used to hold up the ball or drop off, with Aubameyang (Pepe/Martinelli) possessing the attacking positional awareness and explosiveness to run in behind or between the opposition’s defence. Arsenal can play very vertically, especially if the centre backs can bring the ball out and play in the centre forward or striker directly. Otherwise, Arsenal can use width to create overloads or one vs one situations for a wingback to attack the opposition’s full back, get to by-line and cut the ball back for the centre forward and/or striker and onrushing central midfielder(s).
• Arsenal’s 3-5-2 in attack, can turn into a 5-3-2 in defence. Generally, Arsenal can look to press man for man higher up the pitch, and often try to shepherd the opposition into wider areas by allowing the opposition’s fullbacks some space, leaving them as the easiest option for a pass. This allows Arsenal to stuff up the middle of the pitch, making them hard to play through. It also means that when Arsenal do engage the opposition out wide, there is space in behind the opposition’s fullbacks in which they can attack.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+ per match), and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple dribbles and key passes (2+) per match.
• The central defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept passes into the box (2+ per game), win as aerial duels (3+ per game), and execute multiple long passes (3+) per game.
• The central defensive midfielder’s primary aims are to shield the central defenders by tackling their opponent and intercepting passes to recover the ball (2+ each) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play by producing multiple long passes (3+) per match.
• The central midfielders primary aims are to tackle their opponent to recover the ball (2+) per match, and contribute to the team’s offensive play in the final third through multiple dribbles (2+) and key passes (2+) per match.
• The centre forward’s primary aims are to hold up the ball, link with the central midfielders and wingbacks, create opportunities for the striker (multiple (2+) key passes per match) as well as attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).
• The striker’s primary aims are to make run in behind and in between the opposition’s defensive line, attempt multiple shots per game (3+) and significantly contribute to the team’s goal scoring (15+ goals per season).

The findings of the aforementioned analysis, provide an invaluable insight as to:

• how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
• which 11 players make up Arsenal’s most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Central Defenders

Left Wingback

Central Defensive Midfielder

Central Midfielders

Centre Forward

Striker

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs,
• Smith Rowe recovering from injury, and
• this being Arsenal’s easier fixture of the three between 6 March and 15 March,

the 11 players which it is suggested should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Round 27 Premier League clash versus Burnley would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08