Arsenal vs Sheffield United Review: We'll take Nervy Endings

avatar
(Edited)

The team line up featured a strong side in our 3-4-3/4-3-3 formation that we've been using this season. The defence/offensive shape allows the team to accommodate forward movement from the wing-backs and also overload the opponent's defence. It gives us assuredness when in possession but not much in terms of creativity, but I reckon that is as a result of the personnel, rather than the system.


source

The first half of the match went by without any noteworthy attacking move from either side and was rather flat. Eddie Nketiah struggled to find space against Sheffield's defenders, and whenever he managed to get a breather in their defence, he could barely do anything because he had been narrowed down to a tight angle.

In the second half, the game had more life and after Pepe replaced Nketiah, and Auba got moved to the centre, we were able to have a bit more joy in the opponent's defence. The tactical change to move Auba central and bring Pepe paid of almost immediately. The Gabonese forward combined with Pepe, Bellerin and Elneny in a quick exchange on the right that led to cross to the unmarked Saka on the opposite flank to head in.

Pepe's introduction proved to be the game-changer, as the Ivorian then netted his first premier league goal of the season and gave us our second goal. A quick one-two with Belerrin left the winger with some space to run into and eventually curl the ball into the net.

Pepe's goal gave us more control of a match we largely dominated possession for large spells and barely gave anything away. In the space of 4 minutes, we found ourselves 2 goals up and cruising to an "easy" victory but you know how it is with Arsenal and easy. We don't mix.

We moved the ball from side to side for large spells but it was to no joy. A lot of our passes were easy options and unadventurous but when you're 2 goals up in Premier league, perhaps there's no point. However, on the 84th minute, McGoldrick curled one in for the visitors that brought the game to a tensed ending.

We held on to our slender lead and ended up with three points, on a day when things could have easily gone tits up for us. It's another 3 points in the bag and one step closer to our goal for the season. Next up, we travel to Etihad to face Manchester City who is currently experiencing some hard times after losing at home and then drawing with Leeds yesterday. It is going to be a tough game but is very winnable if we play a perfect game. Until we meet again, up the Arsenal.





0
0
0.000
3 comments
avatar

Congratulations @arsenal4life! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :

You distributed more than 100 upvotes. Your next target is to reach 200 upvotes.

You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP

Do not miss the last post from @hivebuzz:

Feedback from the October 1st Hive Power Up Day
Hive Power Up Day - Introducing the Power Up Helper!
0
0
0.000