Tactical Analysis: Manchester City vs. Arsenal

Manchester City took on Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening. In the last meeting between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, Arteta’s side restricted City with their 5-4-1 formation and punished them on the counter, resulting in a 2-0 win and taking Arsenal through to the FA Cup Final.

In truth, Saturday’s match was quite conservative. Neither side attacked particularly well and the game felt lethargic. However, there was a reason for this. Guardiola employed an unexpected tactical plan which proved successful on the night. 

The Catalan manager's game plan helped City effectively press Arsenal and made Arsenal struggle to advance possession for large periods of the game. City also reduced the effectiveness and the frequency of Arsenal’s counter-attacks, especially down Arsenal’s effective left side. Saturday’s match was a timely reminder that Guardiola is still capable of a tactical masterclass.

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