A tactical revolution? How the Big Four have changed

Much has been made of the many comings and goings at the ‘Big Four’ clubs throughout a summer full of signings and speculation. The Premier League title is destined, however, for the team which makes the most of their resources, whether massive or relatively meagre. Personnel, motivation – and luck – are all important factors, of course, but countless points will be won and lost on the pre-game chalkboard.

The relative importance of tactical systems is debated long and hard by so-called students of the game, and, from Harry Redknapp’s successful “keep it simple and enjoy your football” mantra to Arsene Wenger’s relentlessly analytical approach, the pros differ wildly in their methods too. It’s undeniable, though, that there has been a significant tactical shift at the top table of English football between this season and last.

Starting with the defending champions, whose hand has been forced by the much-hyped loss of their free-scoring talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, early season outings have seen Manchester United reclaim their beloved (but long-estranged) formation: the classic 4-4-2. Ronnie’s departure, allied to that of Carlos Tévez, has necessitated a switch from Sir Alex’s patented ‘strikerless’ set-up to a more orthodox approach. United often exhilarated spectators and overwhelmed lesser opposition, during their golden run of the past three years, with a fluid forward line of Rooney, Ronaldo and A.N.Other. Michael Owen’s arrival means that the manager will, more often than not, adopt a flattish midfield four incorporating two wingers from Nani, Valencia, Park, and, in due course, Obertan and Tošić.

Wayne Rooney, therefore, will shoulder the burden of responsibility for both goalscoring and goalmaking, alongside Owen or Berbatov. The evidence so far suggests that reining-in the multi-talented forward’s excessive workrate outwith his new penalty-box remit will be more difficult than first considered.

It is, these days, something of an anomaly to operate a simple two-man central midfield partnership too. Can Carrick and co. still influence games in the same way as before, especially when taking into account the continuing physical decline of old stagers Giggs and Scholes? All told, it is difficult to see United, barring late investment in the squad, dictating to the Premier League minions in quite the same manner as before.

Old rivals Arsenal, meanwhile, have made alterations with an eye on suffocating those opponents that stubbornly refuse to roll over upon mere sight of pretty passing football. In other words: Bolton and Blackburn. In order to turn over their Lancastrian nemeses (and other sides of their ilk), manager Arsène Wenger has in fact borrowed (just a little) from Gary Megson’s team.

Though he’d hardly admit it, the right-sided role that Wenger has thrust Nicklas Bendtner into of late echoes that of Bolton warhorse Kevin Davies – one of the league’s most quietly feared opponents – in seasons past. While the big Dane’s physicality is minimal by comparison with Davies, his presence in the new-look three-man Arsenal front-line draws defensive attention away from the mercurial talents of Robin van Persie and, particularly, Andrei Arshavin.

Wenger explains: “I want to play high up the pitch and bring the threat to the opponents half very early in the game. We are an attacking team and that gives us an opportunity to show our character.”

This plan worked to tremendous effect at Goodison Park last weekend, but doubts persist over whether the Alsatian’s slavish adherence to the beautiful game in its purest form can realistically yield a first league title since 2004. Much will depend on the consistency and continuing development of Cesc Fabregas’ midfield cohorts; Alexandre Song and Denilson. If that pair can form an effective shield in front of an already impressive Gallas-Vermaelen defensive axis, the Gunners might prove more than just also-rans this year.

To finish as relatively close runners-up last year was something of a breakthrough for Rafa Benítez’s Liverpool. To then lose one of their most consistent and able performers from that campaign might be considered careless if it weren’t for the sheer scale of Xabi Alonso’s new employers’ ruthless ambition. Thirty million big ones is an impressive haul, some would say, for a deep-lying midfielder with a shamefully weak goal/assist record. However, the technical prowess and vision offered by Real Madrid’s new no.22 was crucial in the delicate tactical balance which held together the 4-2-3-1 line-up favoured by Benitez.

Notwithstanding the possible impact of energetic Roman midfielder Alberto Aquilani on the Merseysiders’ fortunes, there’s no doubt that they have lost a significant dimension to their play. The over-reliance on Steven Gerrard’s freakish blend of athleticism and finesse, and on Fernando Torres as the point of attack (Andrii Voronin might have returned from a brilliant loan spell in Berlin with greater confidence, but still lacks a little star quality) means that Liverpool will inevitably struggle to maintain their momentum.

While a significant departure has placed Benítez in something of a tactical quandary, title rivals Chelsea will surely benefit from continuity of key personnel. The latest head coach along the Stamford Bridge production line, Carlo Ancelotti, has brought with him from Milan a narrow midfield structure; latterly used by a certain Jose Mourinho. The Blues’ abundance of able central midfield players lends itself to such a ‘diamond’ formation, it’s true. The absence of orthodox wingers from the XI, however, brings with it serious limitations.

One of the main beneficiaries of the switch, Michael Ballack has played the old “you can play any system with good players” card in recent interviews. Tellingly, the 32-year-old has conceded Ancelotti’s preferred option has as many cons as pros: “You gain a small advantage through the centre but there's more hard work for the four midfielders because they have a lot of work to do on and off the ball in this system,” said Ballack.

Quite where this approach will leave the likes of resurgent Florent Malouda, expensive new-boy Yuri Zhirkov and the returning Joe Cole is for Carletto to know and the King’s Road hordes to find out. At least the Premier League’s most frightening front two – Anelka and Drogba – can both be accommodated within the new framework. At the Stadium of Light this week, near-forgotten Deco was given a chance in support of Drogba, showing a certain flexibility in Ancelotti’s thinking. It is for this reason that Chelsea can produce their most cogent title push since the departure of their one-time tactical tsar, Mourinho.

Of course, it’s too early in the season to fully assess the impact (and longevity) of these changes, but it will be fascinating to see how events unfold on the chalkboard as the season develops.

To tinker with a winning formula exhibits bravery, for there’s the risk it can all go horribly wrong – witness Martin O’Neill’s switch to 4-4-2 spectacularly de-railing Aston Villa last term; beware Harry Redknapp, who has spoken of altering his hitherto winning formula by adding a third man to the Tottenham front-line.

For those who gamble and win? Well, they’ll be lionised as tactical geniuses forevermore. Well, at least until their next cock-up. 4-5-1 at home to Stoke!? What were you thinking?

Is Arshavin the man to rouse erratic Arsenal?

Zenit St Petersburg general director Maxim Mitrofanov claimed yesterday that talks are on-going with Arsenal over the potential move of their prized asset, Andrei Arshavin, to the Emirates Stadium. Some sources have it that Arshavin has already visited London with a view to wrapping up one of this season’s most tedious transfer sagas.

It seems a deal is imminent. So is it a move that can revitalise Arsenal’s flagging title challenge, or is this impending transaction too high-risk and somewhat ill-advised given the evident shortcomings of the Gunners’ squad? In short: is Andrei Arshavin really the right man to rouse Arsene’s Arsenal?

YES

Arsene Wenger admitted to French TV channel Canal Plus last month that he wanted to secure the services of a creative midfielder during this transfer window. Following last weekend’s FA Cup victory over Plymouth he said: “What I want, if we do add somebody, is someone who can create a little spark.”

“If the right player comes in, even if he is not available for the Champions’ League, the class is more important. Players like (Aaron) Ramsey, of course they still show lapses, through lack of experience.”

He concluded: “In the Premier League now, you need to be really a man.”

It’s implicit, then, that an experienced, inspirational talent such as Arshavin would be a more than welcome arrival at Ashburton Grove. And rightly so.

Signing a technically adept, innovative playmaker might not seem an immediately obvious response to a campaign characterised by defensive lapses and a lack of engine room fortitude. However, it is a typically Wenger-esque solution to his team’s exasperating form of late. Just look at one of his previous expensive winter purchases – José Antonio Reyes.

OK, so in the long-run that deal didn’t work out for the best, but the impetus of Reyes’ arrival from Sevilla helped the Gunners along to their ‘perfect’ 2003/04 title. Arshavin would have his hands full trying to steer Arsenal to top spot this time around, but could make all the difference in the battle, with Aston Villa, for a precious Champions League spot.

It’s a move that would also relieve the creative burden which falls heavily upon the slim shoulders of Ramsey, Nasri, et al, in the continuing absence of talisman Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky. It is the little Czech midfielder who stands to lose out from this move, but few fans will shed a tear should his inconsistent, injury-riddled stay at the Emirates be terminated come the summer. Like Rosicky, Arshavin is not a frequent goalscorer, but will weigh in with his fair share and create at least twice as many for others. In his best year to date, 2007, he notched up 15 goals and a remarkable 25 assists in 46 league and European games.

Those harbouring doubts whether the player can adapt to the relentless rigours of English football need only cast their eye across North London towards Spurs’ Roman Pavlyuchenko – the major protagonist behind the Lilywhites’ run to within touching distance of the Carling Cup final. The striker was not an immediate success, but his numerous qualities have become all the more apparent in recent weeks. Should he finally arrive, Arshavin must similarly be given time to acclimatise.

One recurring complaint about the proposed deal is the financial aspect. Zenit are holding out for a fee in the region of £20m, to be paid in full. Yet, when you consider that Arsenal alumnus David Bentley – a gifted, but essentially superfluous performer – cost Tottenham £17m last summer, Arshavin should certainly command such a sum. In any case, the eventual price will surely be less, with Zenit keen to cash in on a disillusioned asset before the window slams shut.

Finally, though it would hardly concern Wenger, signing the mercurial midfielder would really spice up the upper reaches of the Premier League. Arshavin is one of those rare players, in the mould of a Messi or Ribéry, who can routinely turn a game on its head – as evidenced by his stellar performances during Euro 2008; particularly in Russia’s comprehensive quarter-final defeat of Holland. Throughout that tournament, Wenger eulogised to all and sundry about the exceptional talents of the little man from Leningrad. Now is the time to give the tricky no.10 his big chance to make it in the West.

NO

Zenit want £20m payment in full, a deal which, given the standard Premier League practice of paying by instalments, would spectacularly shatter Wenger’s strict model of prudency. Arsenal’s record outright payment (Reyes cost £10m plus various add-ons) was the £13m acquisition of Sylvain Wiltord some eight years ago. Mid-season, while a new, young side is in its infancy is hardly the time for the ex-Monaco manager to abandon his famed principles.

And what of Ramsey and 17-year-old prodigy Jack Wilshere? Surely Arshavin’s arrival would curb their encouraging development, with first team opportunities at a premium – especially once Fabregas returns.

Even if a lavish outlay is forthcoming, Wenger must spend it in the right areas. As Bill Shankly used to say: “A football team is like a piano. You need eight men to carry it and three who can play the damn thing.” The potential addition of Arshavin to the Arsenal ranks may add another virtuoso player, but leaves them, still, with precious few carriers.

What Wenger most needs now, as most observers would surely agree, is a destructive element. Someone to sift through the dirty work; as Messrs Vieira, Petit and, latterly, Flamini did with such authority. A box-to-box player such as Barcelona’s Yaya Touré would fit the bill nicely. Mark Hughes apparently hopes to persuade the Ivorian to swap Camp Nou for Moss Side, but if any club might prise Kolo’s little brother away from the Catalans it would more likely be Arsenal. And, of course, there are many other, cheaper, alternatives. Arshavin’s Zenit team-mate Anatoliy Tymoshchuk would be one.

With ex-skipper William Gallas and Mickael Silvestre ruled out of action for the rest of the month, defensive recruits must now take priority – Matthew Upson is supposedly a key target.

As for the transfer target himself; between making his first-team debut at, curiously enough, Valley Parade (against Bradford City in the 2000 Intertoto Cup) and his influential role in Zenit’s UEFA Cup triumph last season, Arshavin made only a negligible impact on the football public’s consciousness. His star turns against Sweden and Holland during the Euros were impressive, it’s true, but the 27-year-old was notable by his absence during the Russians’ capitulation in the semi-final clash with Spain. In that game, it was Xavi, Iniesta and Arsenal’s own Fàbregas that shone, while Arshavin floundered.

Since that time, he has sulked his way through the remainder of the Russian League season, as potential summer moves to Spurs and Barcelona faltered at the negotiating stage. Zenit then fell through the Champions League trapdoor, with Arshavin failing to make an impression. His fleeting appearances in the competition this season would also rule him out of Arsenal’s challenge for European honours – their best remaining chance of major glory this term.

Should this gamble fail, Wenger’s apparent infallibility will be drawn under further scrutiny. Any departure from the policy of youth and shrewdness that has served the 59-year-old so well in his career cannot – and will not – be taken lightly.