There is a common theory amongst football pundits that Arsenal are terrible at playing out from the back.
“They often set a trap if you are playing out from the back,” Martin O’Neill said.
“They will let you think you have the space to do so, and will even actively encourage it. Liverpool are so quick in terms of their front players and attacking midfielders closing down, but they are also very clever in how they cut off the angles for passes, so they will pin you back and take the ball.
“In their [Premier League] game, Arsenal did score playing out from the back and through the lines, but they got themselves into trouble numerous times.”
However, a little research from the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards shows that Liverpool and Chelsea are worse at it.
Arsenal are yet to make an error playing out from the back and concede while Liverpool and Chelsea have already made three each. Even Manchester United made two errors trying to build up their attack from their own penalty box.
More statistical readings show that Arsenal’s pass completion is higher than that of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur this season. The Gunners are miles better from the Unai Emery regime but somehow, the improvements have escaped a few people’s eyes.
Mikel Arteta’s men are far from being perfect but they have demonstrated a clear-cut plan in every game week. There is a sense of identity amongst the North Londoners and they are winning games in the process. Perhaps, it is time everybody else caught up to them.
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