My Arsenal FC

Following Arsenal’s disappointing loss against Sporting Lisbon, attention now turns to Arsenal’s Premier League clash versus Crystal Palace, and which 11 available players make up Arsenal’s most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises Arsenal’s senior squad, and Arsenal’s ideal tactical approach.

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 Fullback
• Centre Backs
• Left Fullback
• Centre Defensive Midfielder
• Centre Attacking Midfielders
• Right Wide Forward
• Left Wide Forward
• Centre Forward

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 19 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) in Europe’s top 5 leagues or the Championship, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 4-1-2-3 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Defending by the fullbacks, attacking midfielders, and forwards pressing the opposition in their own half, with the centre backs and central defensive midfielder containing the opposition in the event they break the press.
• Attacking through a combination of:
  • counter pressing; and
  • the centre backs, fullbacks, central defensive midfielder and central attacking midfielders passing the ball amongst themselves using one or two touches, until one of the attacking midfielders is free between the opposition’s midfield and defensive lines to play in one of the three forwards making off the ball runs on goal.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The fullbacks’ primary aims are to contribute to the counter press by tackling their opponent (2+ per match) and intercepting the ball (2+ per match).
• The centre backs’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept balls (2+ per game) and win aerial duels (3+ per game).
• The central defensive midfielder’s primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) and make interceptions (2+ per match) to recover the ball.
• The attacking midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per game) and contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per game) and key passes (1+ per game).
• The wide forwards’ primary aim is to contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per match) and key passes (1+ per game) and in the form of goal scoring (10+ goals per season).
• The centre forward’s primary aim is to contribute to the team’s offensive play through key passes (1+ per game) and in the form of goal scoring (10+ goals per season).

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and
• Tomiyasu, Saliba, Elneny and Nketiah recovering from injury,

the 11 players which should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Premier League clash vs Crystal Palace would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following Arsenal’s convincing victory against Bodoe/Glimt, attention now turns to Arsenal’s Premier League clash versus Liverpool, and which 11 available players make up Arsenal’s most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises Arsenal’s senior squad, and Arsenal’s ideal tactical approach.

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
• Centre Backs
• Left Wingback
• Centre Defensive Midfielder
• Centre Attacking Midfielders
• Right Wide Forward
• Left Wide Forward
• Centre Forward

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 19 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) in Europe’s top 5 leagues or the Championship, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 4-1-2-3 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Defending by the wingbacks, attacking midfielders, and forwards pressing the opposition in their own half, with the centre backs and central defensive midfielder containing the opposition in the event they break the press.
• Attacking through a combination of:
  • the attacking midfielders, wide forwards and wingbacks combining and using third man runs to the by-line and cutting the ball back to the centre forward and other wide forward
  • the attacking midfielders combining to create for off the ball runs made by the forwards
  • the forwards’ dribbling through the opposition’s defensive line to create opportunity for their fellow forwards or shooting
  • counter pressing.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) to recover the ball and and contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per game) and key passes (1+ per game).
• The centre backs’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept balls (2+ per game) and win aerial duels (3+ per game).
• The centre defensive midfielder’s primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) and make interceptions (2+ per match) to recover the ball.
• The attacking midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per game) and contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per game) and key passes (1+ per game).
• The forwards’ primary aim is to contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per match) and key passes (1+ per game) and in the form of goal scoring (10+ goals per season).

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Centre Backs

Left Wingback

Centre Defensive Midfielder

Centre Attacking Midfielders

Right Wide Forward

Centre Forward

Left Wide Forward

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and
• Elneny and Smith-Rowe recovering from injury, and
• this being Arsenal’s harder fixture of the week, in contrast to their prior match versus Bodoe/Glimt,

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

Freddie08

Following Arsenal’s convincing victory against Tottenham, attention now turns to Arsenal’s Europa League clash versus Bodoe/Glimt, and which 11 available players make up Arsenal’s most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises Arsenal’s senior squad, and Arsenal’s ideal tactical approach.

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
• Centre Backs
• Left Wingback
• Centre Defensive Midfielder
• Centre Attacking Midfielders
• Right Wide Forward
• Left Wide Forward
• Centre Forward

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 19 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) in Europe’s top 5 leagues or the Championship, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 4-1-2-3 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Defending by the wingbacks, attacking midfielders, and forwards pressing the opposition in their own half, with the centre backs and central defensive midfielder containing the opposition in the event they break the press.
• Attacking through a combination of:
  • the attacking midfielders, wide forwards and wingbacks combining and using third man runs to the by-line and cutting the ball back to the centre forward and other wide forward
  • the attacking midfielders combining to create for off the ball runs made by the forwards
  • the forwards’ dribbling through the opposition’s defensive line to create opportunity for their fellow forwards or shooting
  • counter pressing.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) to recover the ball and and contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per game) and key passes (1+ per game).
• The centre backs’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept balls (2+ per game) and win aerial duels (3+ per game).
• The centre defensive midfielder’s primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) and make interceptions (2+ per match) to recover the ball.
• The attacking midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per game) and contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per game) and key passes (1+ per game).
• The forwards’ primary aim is to contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per match) and key passes (1+ per game) and in the form of goal scoring (10+ goals per season).

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Centre Backs

Left Wingback

Centre Defensive Midfielder

Centre Attacking Midfielders

Right Wide Forward

Centre Forward

Left Wide Forward

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs,
• Elneny and Smith-Rowe recovering from injury, and
• this being Arsenal’s easier fixture of the week, in contrast to their next match versus Liverpool,

the 11 players which should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Europa League clash vs Bodoe/Glimt would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following Arsenal’s convincing victory against Brentford, attention now turns to Arsenal’s Premier League clash versus Tottenham, and which 11 available players make up Arsenal’s most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises Arsenal’s senior squad, and Arsenal’s ideal tactical approach.

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
• Centre Backs
• Left Wingback
• Centre Defensive Midfielder
• Centre Attacking Midfielders
• Right Wide Forward
• Left Wide Forward
• Centre Forward

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 19 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) in Europe’s top 5 leagues or the Championship, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 4-1-2-3 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Defending by the wingbacks, attacking midfielders, and forwards pressing the opposition in their own half, with the centre backs and central defensive midfielder containing the opposition in the event they break the press.
• Attacking through a combination of:
  • the attacking midfielders, wide forwards and wingbacks combining and using third man runs to the by-line and cutting the ball back to the centre forward and other wide forward
  • the attacking midfielders combining to create for off the ball runs made by the forwards
  • the forwards’ dribbling through the opposition’s defensive line to create opportunity for their fellow forwards or shooting
  • counter pressing.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) to recover the ball and and contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per game) and key passes (1+ per game).
• The centre backs’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept balls (2+ per game) and win aerial duels (3+ per game).
• The centre defensive midfielder’s primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) and make interceptions (2+ per match) to recover the ball.
• The attacking midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per game) and contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per game) and key passes (1+ per game).
• The forwards’ primary aim is to contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per match) and key passes (1+ per game) and in the form of goal scoring (10+ goals per season).

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Wingback

Centre Backs

Left Wingback

Centre Defensive Midfielder

Centre Attacking Midfielders

Right Wide Forward

Centre Forward

Left Wide Forward

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and
• Soares, Tierney, Zinchenko, Elneny, Smith-Rowe and Nelson recovering from injury,

the 11 players which should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Premier League clash vs Tottenham would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

With Arsenal’s 2021/2022 Premier League campaign in the books, and the transfer window shortly to open, it’s an opportune time to examine the on-field production of each player in Arsenal’s senior squad, and the player market, in order to identify:

• which players Arsenal should retain
• which players Arsenal should sell
• which players Arsenal should recruit.

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 9 positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Wingback
• Centre Back
• Left Wingback
• Central Defensive Midfielder
• Attacking Midfielder
• Right Forward
• Centre Forward
• Left Forward

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 19 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) in Europe’s top 5 leagues or the Championship, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 4-1-2-3 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Defending by the wingbacks, attacking midfielders, and forwards pressing the opposition in their own half, with the centre backs and central defensive midfielder containing the opposition in the event they break the press.
• Attacking through a combination of:
  • direct long passes from the centre backs and central defensive midfielders into the centre forward to create for the wide forwards or link with the attacking midfielders who in turn can create for the wide forwards making inside runs, with the wingbacks holding the width
  • direct long passes from the centre backs and central defensive midfielder into the wide forwards making runs into the channel
  • crosses from the wingbacks into the centre forward, created by switching the play through long direct cross-field passes into space that the wingback can attack.
  • counter pressing.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The wingbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) to recover the ball and and contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per game) and key passes (1+ per game).
• The central backs’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept balls (2+ per game), win aerial duels (3+ per game), and contribute to the team’s attacking play through long passes per match (3+ per game).
• The central defensive midfielder’s primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) and make interceptions (2+ per match) to recover the ball, and contribute to the team’s attacking play through long passes per match (3+ per match).
• The attacking midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per game) and contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per game) and key passes (1+ per game).
• The forwards’ primary aim is to contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per match) and key passes (1+ per game) and in the form of goal scoring (10+ goals per season).

Once the on field productivity of Arsenal’s current senior squad was assessed, the comparative KPI data (from Whoscored.com) of those players competing in the following leagues was then reviewed:

• English Premier League
• Championship
• Serie A
• Ligue 1
• La Liga
• Bundesliga

When considering players competing in the aforementioned leagues, those players in clubs who are competing in the 2022/23 Champions League were not considered. This included Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Napoli, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Lille, PSG, Monaco, and Marseille. This was designed to realistically account for Arsenal’s attractiveness as a prospective employer, based on the club’s current standing in European football (Europa League club).

Also, only players from the aforementioned leagues who have, during their professional career, started at least 19 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) in those leagues, were considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed. Again, this was designed to provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production.

The KPI data of the reviewed players was then contrasted against the KPI data of the players who currently comprise Arsenal’s squad.

Player rankings

Goalkeeper (KPI: Whoscored.com rating of 7)

Starting with the goalkeeping position, it’s unfair to judge Turner, Okonkwo, Runarsson or Hein’s suitability, as all four of those players have insufficient professional experience in the reviewed leagues to appropriately assess their performances. That said, it is fair to say that Bernd Leno and Aaron Ramsdale, have not met the required performance standard during their respective careers to date.

In light of that, a lack of alternative goalkeeping options in the considered leagues with the required KPI level, and the need for one of Arsenal’s goalkeepers to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Leno, Ramsdale and Runarsson and retain Turner, Hein and Okonkwo to serve as Arsenal’s three goalkeepers.

Right Wingback (KPIs: 2+ Tackles, 1+ Dribbles, 1+ Key Passes)

In terms of the right wingback position, it’s unfair to judge Maitland-Niles, Swanson, Norton-Cuffy or Osei-Tutu’s suitability, as all four of those players have insufficient professional experience in the reviewed leagues to appropriately assess their performances.

As for the club’s other contracted right wingback options:

• Soares is strong in terms of tackles and key passes per game but is inadequate in terms of dribbles per game
• Bellerin is strong in terms of dribbles per game but is both inadequate in terms of tackles and key passes per game.

In light of the deficiencies of Arsenal’s currently contracted right wingback options, a very limited number of alternative right wingback options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for one of Arsenal’s right wingbacks to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Soares, Bellerin and Osei-Tutu, recruit Felipe Anderson from Lazio and retain Maitland-Niles and Norton-Cuffy as the club’s three right wingbacks.

Centre Backs (KPIs: 2+ Interceptions, 3+ Successful Aerial Duels, 3+ Long Passes)

As for the club’s contracted centre backs, it’s unfair to judge Rekik, Clarke, Ballard and Mari as all four players have insufficient professional experience in any of the considered leagues, to appropriately assess their performances.

Regarding the club’s other contracted centre backs:

• Holding is strong in terms of interceptions and long passes per match, but is inadequate in so far as successful aerial duels per match
• Saliba is strong in terms of long passes per match, but is inadequate both in terms of interceptions and successful aerial duels per match
• White, Tomiyasu and Gabriel are inadequate in terms of interceptions, long passes and successful aerial duels per match.

In light of the deficiencies of Arsenal’s currently contracted centre backs, there being a number of alternative centre back options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for two of Arsenal’s centre backs to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Holding, Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Mari and Ballard, recruit Shaun Hutchinson from Millwall, Marc Oliver Kempf from Hertha Berlin, Liam Cooper from Leeds United and Bremier from Torino, and retain Rekik and Clarke as the club’s six centre backs.

Left Wingback (KPIs: 2+ Tackles, 1+ Dribbles, 1+ Key Passes)

In terms of the left wingback position, it’s unfair to judge Tavares’ suitability, as he has insufficient professional experience in the reviewed leagues to appropriately assess his performances.

As for the club’s other contracted left wingback options, Tierney is strong in terms of key passes per game but is inadequate in terms of tackles and dribbles per game.

In light of the deficiencies of Arsenal’s currently contracted left wingback options, a number of alternative left wingback options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for one of Arsenal’s left wingbacks to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Tierney, recruit Simone Bastoni from Spezia and Marcus Tavernier from Middlesbrough and retain Tavares as the club’s three left wingbacks.

Central Defensive Midfielder (KPIs: 2+ Tackles, 2+ Interceptions, 1+ Dribbles, 3+ Long Passes)

In terms of the central defensive midfield position, it’s unfair to judge Maitland-Niles, Akinola, Smith, Azeez, Lokonga and Elneny’s suitability, as all six players have insufficient professional experience in the reviewed leagues to appropriately assess their performances.

As for the club’s other contracted central defensive midfield options:

• Partey is strong in terms of tackles and dribbles per match but is inadequate in terms of interceptions and long passes per match
• Xhaka is strong in terms of tackles and long passes per match but is inadequate in terms of interceptions and dribbles per match
• Torreira is strong in terms of tackles per match but is inadequate in terms of interceptions, dribbles and long passes per match
• White and Guendouzi are both inadequate in terms of tackles, interceptions, dribbles and long passes per match.

In light of the deficiencies of Arsenal’s currently contracted central defensive midfield options, Maitland-Niles assignment as one of the club’s right wingback options, a very limited number of alternative central defensive midfield options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for one of Arsenal’s central defensive midfielders to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Partey, Xhaka, Torreira, White, Guendouzi, Lokonga, Azeez and Smith, recruit Milan Badelj from Genoa and retain Elneny and Akinola as the club’s three central defensive midfield options.

Attacking Midfielders (KPIs: 2+ Tackles, 1+ Dribbles, 1+ Key Passes)

As for the club’s contracted attacking midfielders, it’s unfair to judge Smith-Rowe, Patino, Cirijan, Flores and Oulad M’Hand as all five players have insufficient professional experience in any of the considered leagues, to appropriately assess their performances.

Regarding the club’s other contracted attacking midfielders, Odegaard is strong in terms of dribbles and key passes per game, but is inadequate in so far as tackles per game.

In light of the deficiencies of Arsenal’s currently contracted attacking midfielders, there being a number of alternative attacking midfield options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for two of Arsenal’s attacking midfielders to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Odegaard, Flores, Oulad M’Hand and Cirijan, recruit Teji Savanier from Montpellier, Emiliano Buendia from Aston Villa, Oscar Trejo from Raya Vallecano and Lucas Paqueta from Lyon, and retain Smith-Rowe and Patino and as the club’s six attacking midfielders.

Right Forward (KPIs: 10+ Goals, 1+ Dribbles, 1+ Key Passes)

In terms of the club’s contracted right forward options, it’s unfair to judge the suitability of Hutchinson, as he has insufficient professional experience in any of the examined leagues to appropriately assess his performances.

Regarding Arsenal’s other contracted right forward options:

• Pepe is strong in terms of goals per season, and key passes and dribbles per match.
• Saka is strong in term of key passes and dribbles per match, but is inadequate in terms of goals per season.

In light of Saka’s deficiencies, Pepe’s KPIs, and the need for one of Arsenal’s right forwards to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Saka, recruit Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo and retain Pepe and Hutchinson as the club’s three right forward options.

Centre Forward (KPIs: 10+ Goals, 1+ Dribbles, 3+ Successful aerial duels)

As for the club’s contracted centre forwards, it’s unfair to judge Moller, John-Jules and Biereth as all three players have insufficient professional experience in any of the considered leagues, to appropriately assess their performances.

In light of the lack of experience in Arsenal’s currently contracted centre forwards, there being a number of alternative centre forward options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for one of Arsenal’s centre forwards to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Moller and John-Jules, recruit Ivan Toney from Brentford, Wout Weghorst from Burnley, and retain Biereth as the club’s three centre forwards.

Left Forward (KPIs: 10+ Goals, 1+ Dribbles, 1+ Key Passes)

As for the club’s contracted left forwards, it’s unfair to judge Nketiah, Balogun, Martinelli, Smith-Rowe, Nelson, Lewis, Ideho or Taylor-Hart as all eight players have insufficient professional experience in any of the considered leagues, to appropriately assess their performances.

In light of the lack of experience in Arsenal’s currently contracted left forwards, Smith-Rowe’s assignment as one of the club’s attacking midfield options, there being a number of alternative left forward options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for one of Arsenal’s left forwards to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Nketiah, Balogun, Taylor-Hart, Nelson, Lewis and Ideho, recruit Said Benrahma from West Ham and Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, and retain Martinelli as the club’s three left forwards.

Summary of proposed Arsenal squad

First team

Reserve team

Under 21 team

Freddie08

With Arsenal’s 2021/2022 Premier League campaign in the books, and the transfer window shortly to open, it’s an opportune time to examine the on-field production of each player in Arsenal’s senior squad, and the player market, in order to identify:

• which players Arsenal should retain
• which players Arsenal should sell
• which players Arsenal should recruit.

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 8 positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Fullback
• Centre Back
• Left Fullback
• Central Defensive Midfielder
• Attacking Midfielder
• Right Forward
• Left Forward

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 19 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) in Europe’s top 5 leagues or the Championship, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 4-2-2-2 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Defending by the central defensive midfielders, attacking midfielders, and forwards pressing the opposition in their own half, with the fullbacks and centre backs the opposition in the event they break the press.
• Attacking through a combination of:
  • direct long passes from the centre backs and central defensive midfielders into the forwards’ who are making runs beyond the last line of the opposition’s defence
  • direct long passes from the centre backs and central defensive midfielders to the attacking midfielders, who are occupy positions in the half space and who in turn can create for the forwards making runs beyond the last line of the opposition’s defence
  • counter pressing from the forwards, attacking midfielders and central defensive midfielders.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The fullbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) and intercept balls (2+ per match).
• The central backs’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept balls (2+ per game), win aerial duels (3+ per game), and contribute to the team’s attacking play through long passes per match (3+ per game).
• The central defensive midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) and make interceptions (2+ per match) to recover the ball, and contribute to the team’s attacking play through multiple dribbles (1+ per match) and long passes per match (3+ per match).
• The attacking midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per game) and contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per game) and key passes (1+ per game).
• The forwards’ primary aim is to contribute to the team’s offensive play through attacking dribbles (1+ per match) and key passes (1+ per game) and in the form of goal scoring (10+ goals per season).

Once the on field productivity of Arsenal’s current senior squad was assessed, the comparative KPI data (from Whoscored.com) of those players competing in the following leagues was then reviewed:

• English Premier League
• Championship
• Serie A
• Ligue 1
• La Liga
• Bundesliga

When considering players competing in the aforementioned leagues, those players in clubs who are competing in the 2022/23 Champions League were not considered. This included Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Napoli, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Lille, PSG, Monaco, and Marseille. This was designed to realistically account for Arsenal’s attractiveness as a prospective employer, based on the club’s current standing in European football (Europa League club).

Also, only players from the aforementioned leagues who have, during their professional career, started at least 19 league games in at least two seasons (consecutive or non-consecutive) in those leagues, were considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed. Again, this was designed to provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production.

The KPI data of the reviewed players was then contrasted against the KPI data of the players who currently comprise Arsenal’s squad.

Player rankings

Goalkeeper (KPI: Whoscored.com rating of 7)

Starting with the goalkeeping position, it’s unfair to judge Turner, Okonkwo, Runarsson or Hein’s suitability, as all four of those players have insufficient professional experience in the reviewed leagues to appropriately assess their performances. That said, it is fair to say that Bernd Leno and Aaron Ramsdale, have not met the required performance standard during their respective careers to date.

In light of that, a lack of alternative goalkeeping options in the considered leagues with the required KPI level, and the need for one of Arsenal’s goalkeepers to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Leno, Ramsdale and Runarsson and retain Turner, Hein and Okonkwo to serve as Arsenal’s three goalkeepers.

Right Fullback (KPIs: 2+ Tackles, 2+ Interceptions)

In terms of the right fullback position, it’s unfair to judge Maitland-Niles, Swanson, Norton-Cuffy or Osei-Tutu’s suitability, as all four of those players have insufficient professional experience in the reviewed leagues to appropriately assess their performances.

As for the club’s other contracted right wingback options:

• Soares is strong in terms of tackles per game but is inadequate in terms of interceptions per game
• White, Tomiyasu and Bellerin are both inadequate in terms of tackles and interceptions per game.

In light of the deficiencies of Arsenal’s currently contracted right fullback options, no alternative right fullback options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for one of Arsenal’s right wingbacks to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Soares and Bellerin, and retain Maitland-Niles, Osei-Tutu and Norton-Cuffy as the club’s three right fullbacks.

Centre Backs (KPIs: 2+ Interceptions, 3+ Successful Aerial Duels, 3+ Long Passes)

As for the club’s contracted centre backs, it’s unfair to judge Rekik, Clarke, Ballard and Mari as all four players have insufficient professional experience in any of the considered leagues, to appropriately assess their performances.

Regarding the club’s other contracted centre backs:

• Holding is strong in terms of interceptions and long passes per match, but is inadequate in so far as successful aerial duels per match
• Saliba is strong in terms of long passes per match, but is inadequate both in terms of interceptions and successful aerial duels per match
• White, Tomiyasu and Gabriel are inadequate in terms of interceptions, long passes and successful aerial duels per match.

In light of the deficiencies of Arsenal’s currently contracted centre backs, there being a number of alternative centre back options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for two of Arsenal’s centre backs to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Holding, Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Mari and Ballard, recruit Shaun Hutchinson from Millwall, Marc Oliver Kempf from Hertha Berlin, Liam Cooper from Leeds United and Bremier from Torino, and retain Rekik and Clarke as the club’s six centre backs.

Left Fullbacks (KPIs: 2+ Tackles, 2+ Interceptions)

In terms of the left fullback position, it’s unfair to judge Tavares’ suitability, as he has insufficient professional experience in the reviewed leagues to appropriately assess his performances.

As for the club’s other contracted left wingback options, Tierney is inadequate both in terms of tackles and interceptions per game.

In light of the deficiencies of Arsenal’s currently contracted left fullback options, a very limited number of alternative left fullback options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for one of Arsenal’s left wingbacks to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to recruit Kristian Pedersen and retain Tierney and Tavares as the club’s three left fullbacks.

Central Defensive Midfielder (KPIs: 2+ Tackles, 2+ Interceptions, 1+ Dribbles, 3+ Long Passes)

In terms of the central defensive midfield position, it’s unfair to judge Maitland-Niles, Akinola, Smith, Azeez, Lokonga and Elneny’s suitability, as all six players have insufficient professional experience in the reviewed leagues to appropriately assess their performances.

As for the club’s other contracted central defensive midfield options:

• Partey is strong in terms of tackles and dribbles per match but is inadequate in terms of interceptions and long passes per match
• Xhaka is strong in terms of tackles and long passes per match but is inadequate in terms of interceptions and dribbles per match
• Torreira is strong in terms of tackles per match but is inadequate in terms of interceptions, dribbles and long passes per match
• White and Guendouzi are both inadequate in terms of tackles, interceptions, dribbles and long passes per match.

In light of the deficiencies of Arsenal’s currently contracted central defensive midfield options, Maitland-Niles assignment as one of the club’s right fullback options, a very limited number of alternative central defensive midfield options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for one of Arsenal’s central defensive midfielders to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Partey, Xhaka, Torreira, White and Guendouzi, recruit Milan Badelj from Genoa and retain Elneny, Lokonga, Azeez, Smith and and Akinola as the club’s six central defensive midfield options.

Attacking Midfielders (KPIs: 2+ Tackles, 1+ Dribbles, 1+ Key Passes)

As for the club’s contracted attacking midfielders, it’s unfair to judge Smith-Rowe, Patino, Cirijan, Flores and Oulad M’Hand as all five players have insufficient professional experience in any of the considered leagues, to appropriately assess their performances.

Regarding the club’s other contracted attacking midfielders, Odegaard is strong in terms of dribbles and key passes per game, but is inadequate in so far as tackles per game.

In light of the deficiencies of Arsenal’s currently contracted attacking midfielders, there being a number of alternative attacking midfield options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for two of Arsenal’s attacking midfielders to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Odegaard, Flores, Oulad M’Hand and Cirijan, recruit Teji Savanier from Montpellier, Emiliano Buendia from Aston Villa, Oscar Trejo from Raya Vallecano and Lucas Paqueta from Lyon, and retain Smith-Rowe and Patino and as the club’s six attacking midfielders.

Right Forward (KPIs: 10+ Goals, 1+ Dribbles, 1+ Key Passes)

In terms of the club’s contracted right forward options, it’s unfair to judge the suitability of Hutchinson, as he has insufficient professional experience in any of the examined leagues to appropriately assess his performances.

Regarding Arsenal’s other contracted right forward options:

• Pepe is strong in terms of goals per season, and key passes and dribbles per match.
• Saka is strong in term of key passes and dribbles per match, but is inadequate in terms of goals per season.

In light of Saka’s deficiencies, Pepe’s KPIs, and the need for one of Arsenal’s right forwards to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Saka, recruit Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo and retain Pepe and Hutchinson as the club’s three right forward options.

Left Forward (KPIs: 10+ Goals, 1+ Dribbles, 1+ Key Passes)

As for the club’s contracted left forwards, it’s unfair to judge Nketiah, Balogun, Martinelli, Smith-Rowe, Nelson, Lewis, Ideho or Taylor-Hart as all eight players have insufficient professional experience in any of the considered leagues, to appropriately assess their performances.

In light of the lack of experience in Arsenal’s currently contracted left forwards, Smith-Rowe’s assignment as one of the club’s attacking midfield options, there being a number of alternative left forward options in the considered leagues with the required KPIs, and the need for one of Arsenal’s left forwards to be under 21 years of age, it would be logical for Arsenal to sell Nketiah, Balogun, Taylor-Hart, Nelson, Lewis and Ideho, recruit Said Benrahma from West Ham and Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, and retain Martinelli as the club’s three left forwards.

Summary of proposed Arsenal squad

First team

Reserve team

Under 21 team

Freddie08

Following Arsenal’s disappointing loss against Newcastle, attention now turns to Arsenal’s Premier League clash versus Everton, and which 11 available players make up Arsenal’s most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises Arsenal’s senior squad, and Arsenal’s ideal tactical approach.

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 eight positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Fullback
• Central Defenders
• Left Fullback
• Central Midfielders
• Right Attacking Midfielder
• Left Attacking Midfielder
• Centre Forwards

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 or the Championship, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 4-2-2-2 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Defending using a vertically and horizontally compact 4-4-1-1 low block, which aims to congest the central area, and only press, albeit aggressively, when an opposition player takes a poor touch or the opponent attacks down a flank.
• Attacking primarily down the flanks through the fullbacks or attacking midfielders driving forward with the ball and looking to release the centre forward. This system relies much more on individual attacking flair to create chances, as opposed to complex passing moves.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The fullbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) to recover the ball, and contribute to the team’s attacking play through making multiple key passes (2+ per match) and dribbles (2+ per match).
• The central defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept (2+ per game) balls played into the penalty box, win aerial duels (3+ per game), and contribute to the team’s attacking play through long passes per match (3+ per match).
• The central midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) and make interceptions (2+ per match) to recover the ball, and contribute to the team’s attacking play through long passes per match (3+ per match).
• The attacking midfielders’ primary aims are to contribute to the team’s offensive play through multiple dribbles (2+ per game) and key passes (2+ per game) and contribute to the team’s goal scoring (10+ goals per season).
• The centre forward primary aim is to contribute to the team’s offensive play through multiple dribbles (2+ per game) and key passes (2+ per game) and in the form of goal scoring (20+ goals per season).

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Fullback

Central Defenders

Left Fullback

Central Midfielders

Right Attacking Midfielder

Left Attacking Midfielder

Centre Forwards

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and
• Tomiyasu, Tierney, Partey recovering from injury,

the 11 players which should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Premier League clash vs Everton would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following Arsenal’s disappointing loss against Tottenham, attention now turns to Arsenal’s Premier League clash versus Newcastle, and which 11 available players make up Arsenal’s most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises Arsenal’s senior squad, and Arsenal’s ideal tactical approach.

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 eight positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Fullback
• Central Defenders
• Left Fullback
• Central Midfielders
• Right Attacking Midfielder
• Left Attacking Midfielder
• Centre Forwards

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 or the Championship, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 4-2-2-2 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Defending using a vertically and horizontally compact 4-4-1-1 low block, which aims to congest the central area, and only press, albeit aggressively, when an opposition player takes a poor touch or the opponent attacks down a flank.
• Attacking primarily down the flanks through the fullbacks or attacking midfielders driving forward with the ball and looking to release the centre forward. This system relies much more on individual attacking flair to create chances, as opposed to complex passing moves.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The fullbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) to recover the ball, and contribute to the team’s attacking play through making multiple key passes (2+ per match) and dribbles (2+ per match).
• The central defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept (2+ per game) balls played into the penalty box, win aerial duels (3+ per game), and contribute to the team’s attacking play through long passes per match (3+ per match).
• The central midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) and make interceptions (2+ per match) to recover the ball, and contribute to the team’s attacking play through long passes per match (3+ per match).
• The attacking midfielders’ primary aims are to contribute to the team’s offensive play through multiple dribbles (2+ per game) and key passes (2+ per game) and contribute to the team’s goal scoring (10+ goals per season).
• The centre forward primary aim is to contribute to the team’s offensive play through multiple dribbles (2+ per game) and key passes (2+ per game) and in the form of goal scoring (20+ goals per season).

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Fullback

Central Defenders

Left Fullback

Central Midfielders

Right Attacking Midfielder

Left Attacking Midfielder

Centre Forwards

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and
• Gabriel, Tierney, Partey recovering from injury, and Holding suspended,

the 11 players which should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Premier League clash vs Newcastle would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following Arsenal’s victory against Leeds United, attention now turns to Arsenal’s Premier League clash versus Tottenham, and which 11 available players make up Arsenal’s most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises Arsenal’s senior squad, and Arsenal’s ideal tactical approach.

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 eight positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Fullback
• Central Defenders
• Left Fullback
• Central Midfielders
• Right Attacking Midfielder
• Left Attacking Midfielder
• Centre Forwards

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 or the Championship, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 4-2-2-2 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Defending using a vertically and horizontally compact 4-4-1-1 low block, which aims to congest the central area, and only press, albeit aggressively, when an opposition player takes a poor touch or the opponent attacks down a flank.
• Attacking primarily down the flanks through the fullbacks or attacking midfielders driving forward with the ball and looking to release the centre forward. This system relies much more on individual attacking flair to create chances, as opposed to complex passing moves.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The fullbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) to recover the ball, and contribute to the team’s attacking play through making multiple key passes (2+ per match) and dribbles (2+ per match).
• The central defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept (2+ per game) balls played into the penalty box, win aerial duels (3+ per game), and contribute to the team’s attacking play through long passes per match (3+ per match).
• The central midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) and make interceptions (2+ per match) to recover the ball, and contribute to the team’s attacking play through long passes per match (3+ per match).
• The attacking midfielders’ primary aims are to contribute to the team’s offensive play through multiple dribbles (2+ per game) and key passes (2+ per game) and contribute to the team’s goal scoring (10+ goals per season).
• The centre forward primary aim is to contribute to the team’s offensive play through multiple dribbles (2+ per game) and key passes (2+ per game) and in the form of goal scoring (20+ goals per season).

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Fullback

Central Defenders

Left Fullback

Central Midfielders

Right Attacking Midfielder

Left Attacking Midfielder

Centre Forwards

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and
• White, Tierney, Partey and Saka recovering from injury,

the 11 players which should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Premier League clash vs Tottenham would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following Arsenal’s hard fought victory against West Ham, attention now turns to Arsenal’s Premier League clash versus Leeds United, and which 11 available players make up Arsenal’s most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises Arsenal’s senior squad, and Arsenal’s ideal tactical approach.

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 eight positional categories (with some players allocated to multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

• Goalkeeper
• Right Fullback
• Central Defenders
• Left Fullback
• Central Midfielders
• Right Attacking Midfielder
• Left Attacking Midfielder
• Centre Forwards

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 or the Championship, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that Arsenal adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation and the cornerstones of Arsenal’s tactical approach is as follows:

• Defending using a vertically and horizontally compact 4-4-1-1 low block, which aims to congest the central area, and only press, albeit aggressively, when an opposition player takes a poor touch or the opponent attacks down a flank.
• Attacking primarily down the flanks through the fullbacks or attacking midfielders driving forward with the ball and looking to release the centre forward. This system relies much more on individual attacking flair to create chances, as opposed to complex passing moves.
• The goalkeeper’s primary aims are to stop shots and claim crosses.
• The fullbacks’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) to recover the ball, and contribute to the team’s attacking play through making multiple key passes (2+ per match) and dribbles (2+ per match).
• The central defenders’ primary aims are to shield the goalkeeper by positioning themselves to intercept (2+ per game) balls played into the penalty box, win aerial duels (3+ per game), and contribute to the team’s attacking play through long passes per match (3+ per match).
• The central midfielders’ primary aims are to tackle their opponent (2+ per match) and make interceptions (2+ per match) to recover the ball, and contribute to the team’s attacking play through long passes per match (3+ per match).
• The attacking midfielders’ primary aims are to contribute to the team’s offensive play through multiple dribbles (2+ per game) and key passes (2+ per game) and contribute to the team’s goal scoring (10+ goals per season).
• The centre forward primary aim is to contribute to the team’s offensive play through multiple dribbles (2+ per game) and key passes (2+ per game) and in the form of goal scoring (20+ goals per season).

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Goalkeeper

Right Fullback

Central Defenders

Left Fullback

Central Midfielders

Right Attacking Midfielder

Left Attacking Midfielder

Centre Forwards

Formation and line-up

Based on:

• the above analytical comparison,
• Arsenal’s aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and
• White, Tierney, and Partey recovering from injury,

the 11 players which should comprise Arsenal’s starting 11, for their Premier League clash vs Leeds would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08