As Arsenal gets ready to play Tottenham Hotspur, Mikel Arteta plans to make three major adjustments to the team’s standard 4-2-3-1 formation. Due to injuries, Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard—two important players—have not been able to play, which has forced these adjustments.
Arteta will need to replace Rice, who is unable to fulfill his essential role as a defensive midfielder, with a player who can provide both ball progression and defensive solidity in the middle of the pitch. As Ødegaard is essential to Arsenal’s attacking play, frequently setting the tempo and generating scoring opportunities, his absence leaves a void in creativity and leadership.
With two of his most important players out of the picture, Arteta is looking to make up for it, and it is anticipated that these moves will reshape Arsenal’s midfield and perhaps have an impact on how they approach attacking and defensive transitions.
