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After the momentous showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City a few weeks ago, some in British media began framing the Gunners as a defensive team.
In that match, Arsenal played with 10 men and relied on their defense—which was statistically the best last season—to secure a result. They are also missing their chief playmaker, Martin Odegaard.
However, labeling them as defensive overlooks their adaptability. Arsenal created a record 35 shots against Leicester and then 29 shots against Southampton last matchday. They also managed the game brilliantly against PSG with a 2-0 win. Their ability to adjust shows they are a top team. Despite criticism, their versatile approach makes them unpredictable opponents.
Arsenal’s defense is still their biggest strength
Without a shadow of a doubt, Arsenal has the best defense in the league. Statistics prove it last season with only 29 goals conceded and David Raya winning the Golden Glove. Their defensive approach in the opening games of this season also has context. At 11v11, the statistics between Arsenal and Manchester City until the red card. The same was true against Brighton. They also secured a 1-0 win against their rivals Tottenham, a traditionally unpredictable match.
Mikel Arteta doesn’t plan for his team to be defensive; game circumstances often dictate that. Against PSG, Arsenal limited them to 0.31 xG, the lowest output ever recorded for the French club in a Champions League match since Opta started tracking data.
xG, or Expected Goals, evaluates the quality of scoring chances in a football match by assigning a numerical value to each shot. It reflects the probability of it becoming a goal based on factors like shot type or the assist.
This highlights Arsenal’s adaptability—attacking when needed and defending when necessary—proving they don’t have just one style but adjust based on their opponent.
The duo of William Saliba and Gabriel has become formidable over the last…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-show-theyre-more-than-just-a-defensive-team/
Author : Aasif Rahman
Publish date : 2024-10-13 22:40:38
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