Arsenal FC: What will the Starting XI look like ahead of the 17/18 season?
Introduction
Following the formation change in the second half of the 16/17 season after the 3-0 away defeat to Crystal Palace FC, the Gunners had a run of successive games. Fans had expected manager Arsene Wenger to revert to the comfortable formation that was played previously (4-2-3-1) in crucial games such as the FA Cup semi-final and final however, 3 at the back saw the North London side lift silverware at the end of the season.
The formation
It was first implemented against Middlesborough (away) which saw Arsenal comfortably win 2-1 after a poor run of form, which uplifted fan spirit and the overall atmosphere around the club. Arsene Wenger is not known for drastically changing tactics or the overall structure of the team, especially during the season at such a crucial time, but his tactics had paid off, although the club had failed to secure a Champions League place for the first time in 20 years.
The defensive side of Arsenal's game has always been an issue, with the likes of Steve Bould not making a strong impact on the back line. Following heavy defeats home and away to Bayern Munich (10-2), West Brom (3-1), Chelsea (3-1), Liverpool (3-1) and Crystal Palace (3-0), fans were demanding a change in the formation however, no one expected it until the start of the upcoming season.
Recently appointed left wing-back Sead Kolasinac slots right into Arsene Wengers plans, with the Bosnian international carrying attributes that can definitely strengthen the left side. His strength, pace and crossing ability carries a strong danger for the opposition, as the likes of Kieran Gibbs not fulfilling the requirements of that role in the last few seasons.
Due to this, a 3 at the back system that Arsenal ended the season with is most likely to be applied in the upcoming season at least, with this being the possible starting XI:
Team depth
With a variety of defensive options on the bench, such as Rob Holding who impressed fans last season, Calum Chambers who had a successful loan spell at Middlesborough, Hector Bellerin who has settled well into the right-back role and Nacho Monreal who was crucial towards the end of the season, there is no doubt that the defence which was heavily criticised previously, now has a lot of depth.
Moving onto the left side of midfield, Granit Xhaka, who had a rough start to the season after being sent off and booked on numerous occasions, stepped up towards the end, adding the cover and insurance for the back line. Aaron Ramsey is more of an attacking option, after proving his worth securing the winner in the FA Cup final in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea. Back-up defensive options such as Mohammed Elneny and Francis Coquelin can also be used if need be. Following the recent update on Santi Cazorla's injury means that Arsenal may need to hunt this window to find a replacement for the soon-to-be 33 year old Spaniard. The versatile Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has previously expressed his desire to play in midfield and follow suit of Steven Gerrard.
Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have proved their attacking worth over the last few seasons, with the duo combining on numerous occasions and contributing to the majority of Arsenal's goals. Recently signed Alexandre Lacazette joined for a club-record fee of £52.7m and scored within 15 minutes of making his first Arsenal appearance. Options on the bench include French international Olivier Giroud, who has been a first option for Arsenal prior to the arrival of Lacazette, winger Theo Walcott who managed to bag 19 goals last season and Danny Welbeck who has made an impressive return from injury.
Do you think this Starting XI will be enough for Arsenal to compete for the Premier League trophy? Comment below!