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Tactics:
Unai Emery is clearly trying to bring his style to the Emirates, and the Gunners are working on it. We saw them creating attacks from the back and pressing high up on the pitch in both the games. His idea of having a fast-paced counter-attacking game might help Arsenal win games but it also has some drawbacks of its own.
Pressing game
It was quite clear from their first game itself that Arsenal will be playing a pressing game, but the North London side had a tough time getting the ball back from City. Pep's understanding and knowledge about football are second to none and it seems like his team has got all the qualities of the legendary Barcelona team under Guardiola. Arsenal still found it a bit difficult to hold on to the ball as City's pressing was levels above to that of Arsenal.
Arsenal created chances in abundance throughout the two games, but the strikers didn't capitalize on any one of them, and this is a bit worrisome for the coach. Aubameyang, Ramsey, Mkhitaryan and Ozil had enough chances to change the scoreline, but each one of them failed to make the difference.
Counter-attacking football
The Arsenal side under Emery looks way different than that of Wenger's. Games with such intensity at the Emirates were not something the Gooners were familiar to. The fans witnessed some pacy and quality counter-attacking football, but regrettably, none of them led to goals. The defence looked a bit shaky and the full-backs, as always, failed to track back on time.
Aaron Ramsey played his part well, and he is also one of the players who missed a vital chance to score against the mighty City. He was subbed off in the 54th minute for Lacazette, and the Frenchman was set up by Aubameyang with a clear-cut chance as soon as he stepped in. It certainly was a difficult evening for Arsenal, but the positives are in profusion.
Starting attacks from the back
Unai Emery is trying to bring in a different style of game to the Emirates. Petr Cech was continuously trying to start games from the back, and he did not shoot the ball into the air aimlessly during goal-kicks like most goalies do. Unai is trying to make Petr a sweeper-keeper, and not just a goalkeeper. And for that, Cech needs to seriously work a lot as age is not on his side.
This is something very new and unexpected from Unai Emery, but it's also a very good idea. It helps the team to keep possession of the ball, and all the attackers of the opposition team will be in Arsenal's half. This will help in creating attacks quicker and there would not be many players for the wingers and midfielders to beat.
