Arsenal used ’43 formations’ vs. Man City – Arteta
Mikel Arteta has said Arsenal used “43 different formations” against Manchester City last month as he dismissed criticism of his tactical changes at the start of the season.
After beating City to lift the Community Shield on penalties, Arsenal have taken seven points from a possible nine so far but looked unconvincing in wins over Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace before conceding late on to draw 2-2 with Fulham last weekend.
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Arteta has used midfielder Thomas Partey at right-back and started with central defender Jakub Kiwior at left-back in an attempt to trigger further improvement in a side which ran City close to the Premier League title last season.
However, new signing Kai Havertz has made a subdued start and the team’s general lack of fluidity has led to claims Arteta should simplify his gameplan for Sunday’s visit of Manchester United but the Spaniard defended himself by drawing an analogy with London’s road system.
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“I think we discuss formations in a different way,” Arteta told his Friday news conference. “The other day there were 36 different formations in the match [against Fulham]. Against Manchester City 43. I don’t know what formation we’re talking about. For me it’s something very different maybe from the ways that you look.
“I played different against Manchester City and there were 43 different formations. Every morning I come from my house to Colney. Sometimes I leave at six and I need to go to the windscreen because it’s icy.