06-Nov-2025

Tactics! 🧠 Arteta's flexing: Saliba 🚘 in midfield, Saka 🌶️ wing swap, new warrior Hincapie, and Trossard 👓 and Merino stepping up! #Arsenal ⚽️

Tactical Tweaks I: Saliba moves to midfield

Alright, Gooners, let's talk tactics! Mikel Arteta's been tinkering, and one of the most intriguing moves we've seen is from the Slavia Prague match: William Saliba's frequent forays into midfield. Did you catch that? It wasn't just a one-off; he was consistently stepping up, and it wasn't by accident.

As Arteta explained, this was a tactical adjustment to counter Slavia's man-marking press. The goal? To create space and overloads, giving us more control in build-up play. It's a testament to Arteta's tactical flexibility, isn't it? We're not just sticking to a rigid plan; we're adapting and evolving, which is exactly what we need to do to compete at the highest level.

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Tactical Tweaks II: Saka's Wing Swap

And what about shifting Bukayo Saka to the left wing during matches? This has been talked about since we signed Madueke during the summer considering how both can easily play from either wing. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Why mess with perfection?" And I get it! Saka's been our main man on the right, but hear me out.

Arteta's aiming to make our attack more unpredictable, and this wing swap is a clever way to do it. Imagine the chaos it causes for the opposition! Defenders are so used to Saka on the right, and suddenly, he's popping up on the left, cutting inside, and creating new angles. It's a tactical twist that could be especially effective late in games when defenses are tired.

We saw a glimpse of this in the Champions League, where Saka moved to the left and scored a crucial goal. Arteta values versatility, and this flexibility could be a game-changer as we push for the title. What do you think, fellow Gunners? Is this a masterstroke in the making? Let me know your thoughts!

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Hincapie: The Versatile Warrior Impresses

And what did you make of Piero Hincapie so far? The reports are in, and it seems like Arteta has brought in a player who can slot in seamlessly at both left-back and center-back.

What's really exciting is his versatility. He's got the speed and stamina to contribute offensively, overlapping and providing width, but he's also a defensive rock. The article mentions his duel success rate being the highest of any Arsenal player this season already! Talk about making an impact.

Arteta's already calling him a "warrior," and with his ability to adapt and his South American grit, I can't wait to see more of him in action. I'm especially keen to see how he links up with the attack from the left-back position.

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Testing our squad depth!

Solid, dependable, versatile, not a starter, not exactly in their prime. Most of us would use that to describe Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard. Remember during the summer transfer window, when they were seen as dispensable? Well, fast forward to now, and they are not just in the team, they are crucial.

Due to some unfortunate injuries, especially in the attacking front, Arteta has depended on Merino and Trossard to make valuable contributions and both have answered his calls by putting in the work, scoring vital goals, and assisting like a boss!

They are proving their worth in this title chase, and honestly, I couldn't be happier to see them thriving in the Arsenal shirt!

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Have a good day. COYG!