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MIKEL ARTETA outsmarted Brentford in midfield as Arsenal secured another crucial three points.
The Spaniard witnessed Mikel Merino score to help restore their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi puzzled Brentford by switching positions during Arsenal’s victory over themCredit: Getty
The Gunners may not have reached their full potential, but they got the job done as Merino continued to impress with a goal and an assist while filling in up front.
However, it was the clever strategy devised by the Arsenal manager in midfield that proved decisive.
On our YouTube show — in collaboration with Betfair — our expert Dean Scoggins highlighted the smart positional switches between Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi that were crucial to the Gunners’ success.
SPACEHOPPER SWITCH
DESPITE Odegaard and Zubimendi not having played together much due to injuries, their chemistry and understanding in midfield was truly remarkable.
For the first 20 minutes, I was captivated by Odegaard. He was absolutely exceptional.
The movement and the number of spaces he occupied – he kept going non-stop. While he was running, he was pointing, clapping, and encouraging them all to press.
During this, he and Zubimendi executed a clever tactic. When Zubimendi had the ball, he would pass it to his left, perhaps to Declan Rice or Ricardo Calafiori, then move into a different space.
Whenever Zubimendi made a pass, he would follow it into a different space
Odegaard would then fill the space Zubimendi had left, creating problems for BrentfordCredit: Getty
As Zubimendi vacated that space, Odegaard quickly filled it. Then a ball from Rice or Calafiori would return to Odegaard, now in the space Zubimendi had just left.
Brentford had to track their runner, as they do, and then the ball was played back into that area afterwards. It’s textbook training ground stuff, but executed with quality. They also need to understand each other during this process.
It was a case of one in, one out. For Merino’s goal, there was a fantastic three-touch move in the buildup. We’re talking about two top-class players – but sometimes top players can clash. These two do not.
This is a very positive sign for the remainder of the season, and if they are to win the title, Odegaard's role will be crucial. His understanding with Zubimendi will be equally important.
MERINO AND BRIGHT
IS anyone closer to Harry Kane than Merino at the moment?
He has an instinct in the box and is consistently improving.
For the goal, Merino sensed, “right, it’s my time” as the ball was played wide, and he made a run around the outside.
He moved away from the defenders, which brought the two center-backs closer together.
Mikel Merino demonstrated excellent tactical awareness against Brentford with a goal and an assistCredit: Getty
The makeshift forward showcased hints of
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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