05 Oct 2018 08:00:40
I noticed that under Emery we seem to defend deeper now, often drawing the opposition onto us, which on the one hand clearly provides chances for our opponents, but on the other hand we are counter attacking more, with space available behind the opponents defence as they push up whilst attacking us. I recall under Wenger how often we held a high line and forced our opponents to defend deep, which made it hard for us to break down and in turn we often got caught on the counter-attack. Is this a tactic? Or just a consequence occurring as the team adjust to Emery's methods?


1.) 05 Oct 2018
05 Oct 2018 11:55:05
Interesting points! It's easy to forget I think, how spoilt we were getting to watch the invincibles. That team could rinse the opposition on the break, could pass waiting for space to open, or press hard with strong players in and around the box. It was absolute magic, but it never seemed like a heavily coached formula. Wenger relied on enabling great players to express themselves, and thus on great defenders organising themselves. It'll take some getting used to a team being coached into a system again. It's totally necessary, as things had deteriorated into chaos under Arsenes last years, but it won't always be fluid or balanced as Emery learns and adjusts, and the players change their mindsets again. The high or deep line defence will become less of an issue hopefully, as slowly the team gets used to defending as a unit, not as separate entities.