The Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town match-up in the fourth round of the EFL Cup has proved to be an all-timer. Despite the vast difference in financial might and the history of these two English clubs, Arteta’s Arsenal were outdone by the spirited club from Northwest England.
The season is an entirely different prospect for the London club. Last time around, they were committed to remaining robust defensively and nicking results off of corners and set-pieces. However, with an intention to play dominant, attacking football, Arteta’s Arsenal don’t quite have the same threat they did last season.
Why did the Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town game end this way? And is it a sign of a bigger malaise for the Premier League champions?
Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town: A Thrilling Result that Reinforces Faith in England’s Domestic Cup Competitions
All those who suggest doing away with the EFL Cup – well, the result will certainly not have strengthened your cause.
Despite the massive difference in the size of the two clubs, the Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town tie reminded us of the age-old adage: football is played on the ground and not on paper. And when you have the wind in your sails, and the fans are screaming to get you over the line, anything can happen – and so it did.
‘Ringing in the Changes’: Did Arteta’s Team Choice Upset Arsenal’s Rhythm?
The League Cup competition gives you an excellent opportunity to rotate the team. Unfortunately, that can always come at the cost of your place in the competition.
In the Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town tie on Tuesday night, Arteta’s Arsenal had a new look about them. Only Victor Gyokeres and Myles Lewis-Skelly retained their place in the starting XI from the victory against Everton. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier and 18-year-old Ceadach O’Neill debuted against the League Two opponents, with Arteta seeing this as an opportunity to hand the less-played members of his squad some crucial minutes out on the football pitch.
However, completely changing the team might have caused teething troubles for his team in the Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town tie – not only were two completely new faces present, but:
- Two of Arsenal’s four attackers were less than 19 years of age
- Kai Havertz started on the left, and
- Marli Salomon (19-year-old) played in the centre of defence alongside Cristhian Mosquera
Handing minutes to academy prospects didn’t pan out as planned. Not only did the Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town tie end in a loss for the Gunners, but they were unable to impose themselves throughout the game.
They kept less of the ball than they did against Everton, and unsurprisingly went behind early on until they clawed one back through their Swedish dynamo up front, eventually bowing out on penalties.
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Sign of a Bigger Malaise? What Arsenal’s Current Form Tells Us About Their Domestic and European Prospects
The start of this Premier League season meant a complete transformation for Arsenal. Departing from their rigid defensive structure and an over-reliance on corner kicks and set-pieces, the Gunners have tried to play exciting attacking football ever since the season began.
Yet, without a powerhouse left-winger and with question marks lurking over the centre-forward position, they have struggled to assert their dominance in games. Already, the Gunners have recorded five 1-0 wins, with four of those coming in the eight Premier League games they’ve played.
I know this is a core trait that the London club imbibed last season. But their approach to games has completely changed in this one – in fact, they are trying to score more goals and play more expansive football to keep the fans on the edge of their seats. Considering that, they seem to be struggling – and the loss on penalties in the Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town tie will certainly have caused worries down at the Emirates Stadium.
Will Arteta modify his approach to win games more conclusively? Only time will tell…
Extra Time Notes
Arsenal have been “Grimsby’d”. On Tuesday Night, the Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town game served up more drama than we anticipated. Despite possessing significantly more financial might and resources, the prestigious London Club were served humble pie by a team placed 18th in League Two.
The result raises questions over Arteta’s new-look Arsenal team this season. Unlike their previous campaign, where they were happy to sit back and absorb pressure, this time around, Arteta’s Arsenal are looking to dominate games and play expansive football.
However, they have won four out of their eight games in the Premier League by a 1-0 margin, and the latest result against Fleetwood Town is bound to raise eyebrows within the Londoners’ setup. Will Arteta change his approach? What modifications will he make to counter the Gunners’ woes?
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