Whenever Arsenal face Sam Allardyce’s boys, it always seems scarier than it usually turns out to be, as Arsene Wenger generally gets the better of him.
In any sense, Arsenal travel to a team looking well drilled, who beat the prospective Champions at Stamford Bridge last week.
A fluid performance in midweek gives hope that Arsenal may finally have found balance in the system. This has come from two subtle changes – one, the introduction of Mohamed Elneny, who’s positioning and ability to retain possession allows Granit Xhaka a little more time on the ball – and didn’t we see some excellent long passes from the Swiss against West Ham.
Secondly, the change in Mesut Ozil’s positioning; although officially a number ten, Mesut Ozil drops to make a 4-3-3 in midfield, making the centre of the pitch compact.
In attack, he fills the ‘half spaces’ and through quick, accurate balls, allowing space to be created in wide areas. He is helped by Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez jinking inside to create space for the overlapping full-backs.
The introduction of the more mobile Danny Welbeck also enables Ozil, as well as the wingers, to find a little more space in the central attacking third of the pitch as Welbeck stretches the central defenders.
Palace’s main threats are the Wilfred Zaha and Christian Benteke combo which has been so devastating on the break. It may be unpopular, but a player like Francis Coquelin may be needed to stop likely counter attacks.
Naturally, Arsenal must also look out for the aerial ball – but having dealt well with Andy Carroll, a repeat performance should keep Benteke quiet.
Otherwise, an unchanged team and a similar style to Wednesday, albeit a little more conservative with the fullbacks flying forward, should do the job.
