Returning to Premier League action after the international break, Unai Emery will have more time to lay out his game plan for Sheffield United which should see Arsenal become more pro-active in their approach.
Although the Gunners sit third place in the Premier League performances so far haven’t been convincing. This could be their chance to bring style back to the way they play football.
Arriving as Arsenal’s record signing this summer, Nicolas Pepe is yet to show the brilliance that brought him to north London.
However, coming back from the international break with the confidence that his goal against DR Congo should bring him may help Emery’s record-breaking forward.
So far, the Ivorian has shown glimpses of what he can do. Coming up against a Sheffield United side that will look to attack Arsenal rather than defend for 90 minutes, this could give him the space he needs to express himself.
Facilitate the front three
Emery needs to give his forwards the platform to attack and a change in the midfield three he chooses could be the way to do this.
Of late, the Spaniard has favoured the trio of Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi. This leaves Arsenal without a link between the varying thirds of the pitch, somebody that can get the ball into the front three quickly and accurately.
One of the club’s five captains, Xhaka has often been used at the base of the midfield with Torreira in a more advanced position. With Xhaka’s form dipping, and Torreira looking out of his depth higher upfield, moving the Uruguayan back to anchor the midfield may work well.
Atojsports 