Source: TheGuardian
Premier League and FA Cup: talking points from the weekend’s action
Arsène Wenger overcomes resistance to change, Aitor Karanka wants fighters more than Stewart Downing, and José Mourinho has more pressing concerns than getting revenge at ChelseaOne of the many criticisms routinely directed at Arsène Wenger concerns his tactical conservatism and it is fair to say that he has seldom deviated from his preferred and predictable 4-2-3-1 in recent years. But on the back of a crucial drop in form Wenger has actually started the last two games with a new plan, playing 4-3-3 against Bayern Munich and Lincoln to address the malfunctioning midfield by adding an extra man. He thinks some of his midfielders, namely Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, benefit from being in a three and perhaps it is also designed to relieve some pressure on the struggling Granit Xhaka. Although he has had to change things around in both games (after Laurent Koscielny’s red card against Bayern and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s hamstring strain against Lincoln) it is revealing that Wenger is trying something tactically new in a bid to save Arsenal’s season. It is, of course, a credit to Lincoln that he would play his strongest team, in its potentially most solid guise, against the non-league flagbearers.We know we have a top manager in charge and we’re right behind Aitor Related: Danny Cowley revels in Lincoln’s brush with big time and praises Arsène Wenger | Amy Lawrence Related: Pep Guardiola glows as praxis starts to make perfect at Manchester City | Louise Taylor It’s not an ideal situation when you have a game the night before, any game – never mind rugby league. Related: Rejuvenated Ross Barkley reaps benefits of Everton’s midfield makeover Continue reading......read full article
