Many people expected Mikel Arteta to use a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation when he took charge of Arsenal. The Spaniard started with the latter, but circumstances forced him to revert to a back three. The Gunners boss hasn’t moved away from that formation to date, but the addition of Thomas Partey will allow him to switch things up.
The Ghanaian is a complete midfielder. He can defend, he can attack, he is good with the ball at his feet and he is fantastic dribbler. Arteta can use Partey in a variety of systems depending upon the opposition. We look at three formations where our latest signing could thrive for Arsenal this season.
Sticking with the 3-4-3
Arteta has had huge success with the 3-4-3 over the last few months. The Gunners won the FA Cup and the Community Shield with the same formation, and Partey will have no problems slotting in next to Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park.
With the Ghanaian in the middle, we will control games much better than we have recently. Partey’s quality in duels, interceptions and ball recoveries will make this a solid system to employ, especially against the bigger sides in away games.
Replicating Guardiola’s 4-3-3
Arteta learnt his trade under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The former Premier League champions were hugely successful with the 4-3-3, and Arsenal finally have the player who would make that system work this season.
Partey, Ceballos and Xhaka are all very good with the ball. They can interchange positions at will and their versatility allows us to maintain the balance in different phases of the game. The 4-3-3 could potentially be our strongest formation, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Arteta switch to this system straight away.
4-2-3-1 if Ozil ever gets back into the team
One of Mesut Ozil’s biggest criticisms as an Arsenal player has been his work rate defensively. The German is a magician in the attacking third, but tracking back to help out the backline isn’t really his favourite thing to do on a football pitch.
With Partey playing behind him, Ozil doesn’t really have to worry about his defensive duties. The former Real Madrid man will get the ball from the Ghanaian or from Xhaka, and if there is one thing he excels at, it’s at creating chances for our attackers.
Partey is a player who will bring the best out of the players around him. Xhaka, Ceballos and Ozil will have more freedom to attack, which will make Arsenal one of the most dangerous teams in the Premier League if everything goes according to plan.
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