Tactical Preview: Arsenal vs. Napoli

The second game week of this season’s UEFA Champions League brings us one of the more eagerly awaited matches since the draw was made, namely Arsenal vs. Napoli. A stunning deadline-day capture of genuine world-class talent in Mesut Özil and some strong performances in the Premier League thus far means that Arsenal welcome Napoli to the Emirates stadium brimming with confidence. Napoli themselves are on a trough as they sit second in the Serie A table behind leaders AS Roma, after some impressive performances. So, let’s take a look at the two teams in depth.

Arsenal:

Arsenal sit pretty atop the Premier League standings after 5 wins from their first 6 matches. Since the opening day defeat to Aston Villa, Arsenal have looked a different team altogether, stringing together some impressive performances. Wenger has gone with the formation du jour in the 4-2-3-1, with French striker Olivier Giroud leading the line. Özil plays right behind the powerful striker in the traditional playmaker’s role, and Arsenal will be looking to him to provide the creative impetus in the team.

Mathieu Flamini has operated competently in the role of the midfield destroyer, alongside a sparkling Aaron Ramsey. If Arsenal do have a concern, it is that the defence has not looked as cohesive as it did towards the end of last season. In the final 10 games of last season, it was Arsenal’s defence that led them to a 4th placed finish and the chance at Champions League football. But this time around the central pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker have not always looked that imposing. Mertesacker especially has had his old flaw- his lack of pace and slowness on the turn, exposed on occasion this season.

On the other hand, Wenger will be more than happy with Wojciech Szcz?sny’s performances in comparison with those from last season. The young Pole has looked more self-assured this season, and has managed to keep mistakes to a minimum. Young Serge Gnabry’s performances will also bring a smile on the canny Frenchman’s face. Gnabry, on for the injured Theo Walcott, scored his first senior goal over the weekend against Swansea.

Players to watch out for:

Mesut Özil, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere

Napoli:

It has been a season of change at Napoli, and a majority of it has been positive. The Partenopei issued an early statement of intent with their capture of Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid, who before his move to Italy looked imminent to sign for the Gunners. New manager Rafael Benítez has been quick to imbibe his identity into the team, and the Napoli players have looked t have done exactly that. Higuain’s capture dulls the blow of losing Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentine forward has looked sharp and keep to score goals, and has settled well into the Napoli team. Napoli did more than well to hold onto Marek Hamšík over the summer. The Slovakian international has been instrumental in Napoli’s rise to becoming a threat in both the Serie A and the Champions League. Possessed with excellent positional ability and great technical skill, Hamšík operating in tandem with Higuain will give any defence some nervous moments.

Hamšík notched up 11 goals and 17 assists last season in all competitions, and has already scored 4 and in this campaign. On-loan Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina will look to keep out Arsenal’s formidable offensive numbers, and will be assisted by the defence consisting of Raúl Albiol and Bruno Uvini. Italian youngster Lorenzo Insigne will look to make his mark over proceedings. Insigne had a wonderful campaign in the Under-21 Euros held over the summer, making important contributions through the course of the competition.

Player to watch out for:

Gonzalo Higuain, Marek Hamšík and Lorenzo Insigne

Head-to-Head:

Played: 1

Arsenal: 0

Napoli: 0

Draw: 1

Recent Result: 2-2

Prediction:

Arsenal 3-3 Napoli