Talking Tactics: Five changes Arsenal could make to reignite season

Arsenal have hit a rough patch of late as they look to stay ahead in the Premier League title race. 

A home defeat to Manchester City tonight would see the Gunners slip down to second place, behind the defending champions on goal difference. 

The North Londoners were beaten 1-0 by City in the FA Cup before losing to Everton and drawing with Brentford in their last two league games. 

Ahead of that top-of-the-table clash at the Emirates, we take a look at the tactical tweaks Mikel Arteta could make to get their season back on track. 

Trust Trossard

Leandro Trossard replaced Gabriel Martinelli in the 62nd minute of the 1-1 draw with Brentford over the weekend and within four minutes he had given Arsenal the lead. 

It was the Belgian’s first goal for the Gunners but took his overall tally to eight Premier League goals this season from 21 games when you take into account his previous form at Brighton. 

Martinelli has a similar record of seven goals in as many appearances. However, the Brazilian has failed to score in any of his last five league games. 

The January arrival deserves a chance to start and a period of rest could rejuvenate Martinelli. 

With Arteta having picked a very settled side this season, perhaps some competition for places will give his side an extra edge. 

Unleash Zinchenko

When Oleksandr Zinchenko moved to the Emirates from tonight's opponents this summer, a central midfield role was mooted. 

Instead he had been used as a left-back, just as he was at City. Arteta has even adopted Pep Guardiola’s tactic of having the Ukrainian tuck into a midfield position, enabling Granit Xhaka to fly forward. 

Against teams that sit back and play a low block, who have limited threat on the break, it would make sense for the 26-year-old to be unleashed. 

That could simply mean him having license to attack more on the left-flank, giving support to Martinelli or Trossard. Alternatively, he could be used on the left of the midfield three, in place of Xhaka. 

Pre-Season Plan

Zinchenko was used as a left wing-back in a pre-season friendly against Sevilla, with Bukayo Saka lining up on the right. 

Ben White was the third central defender, with Xhaka and Thomas Partey in front of the back three in a midfield double pivot. Martin Odegaard lined up behind Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, who played as dual strikers. 

They won that friendly 6-0, with Jesus scoring a hat-trick and Saka finding the net twice. Considering the success of Arteta’s experiment, it is perhaps a surprise that he has not tried a 3-5-2 formation again.

It could be utilised with the players that line up in Arteta’s regular formation, making it an option within games when trying to overload the opposition. 

Reintroduce Smith Rowe

Emile Smith Rowe is close to returning to fitness and the England international could play a key role in the title fight. 

The 22-year old scored 10 Premier League goals last season but injuries have restricted the youngster to just six appearances during this campaign. 

With his finishing ability and dribbling prowess, Smith Rowe would be a great option from the bench. technical director Edu has spoken about his versatility.

Edu said: "I think Smith Rowe can play in four positions. He can play as a left-winger, he can play as a left attacking midfielder, right attacking midfielder and he can play as a No9. Very, very well I think."

Pray For Jesus

When it comes to injured players, the one that fans really want to see return to the team is Jesus. 

After picking up an injury on World Cup duty, the Brazilian has been replaced by Eddie Nketiah.

The understudy has done well in the striker role, but Jesus adds a level of skill, industry and unpredictability to the team, that cannot be replicated. 

He has scored five goals and assisted six in 14 Premier League appearances. 

Reported to be nearing a return, the Sao Paulo native would help to bring out the best from the wide players that flank him.