In the upcoming Champions League final, Arsenal faces a formidable challenge against Paris St-Germain (PSG). The key to their success may lie in a tactical approach that they employed last season, which resulted in a narrow defeat. This strategy, centered around the use of midfielder Mikel Merino as a number nine, could be the game-changer they need.
One of the strengths of this tactic is its ability to exploit the principle of positional play: finding the free man. When opponents employ man-to-man pressure, this becomes a challenging task. By positioning Merino deep in central midfield, Arsenal can create a strategic advantage. PSG's center-back, Willian Pacho, was reluctant to follow Merino, leaving an extra player in the defensive line. This allowed Arsenal to have an additional midfielder, creating a numerical advantage in midfield.
The French team's midfield trio was alert to this move, but their attempts to shift across onto Merino would leave another Arsenal midfielder free, enabling the Gunners to advance up the pitch. This tactic is particularly effective because it plays to the strengths of players like Merino and Kai Havertz, who are naturally suited to this role. Last season, Arsenal struggled to score against PSG, often due to the heroics of Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, this season, they have a strong striker, Viktor Gyokeres, who has been in excellent form.
PSG has not conceded many goals this season, but teams like Chelsea, RC Lens, and Bayern Munich have managed to attack them effectively. These teams have drawn PSG and their man markers higher up the pitch, creating crowded clusters and leaving other parts of the pitch with fewer players. This has proven to be a successful tactic for breaking down a resolute PSG, especially when attacking down the middle. Arsenal, however, tends to shy away from playing centrally, focusing more on safer attacking play and crosses. But this might be a risk they could lean into, given the capabilities of players like Leandro Trossard, Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Zubimendi, and Eberechi Eze to operate in close proximity under pressure, paired with players capable of finishing moves centrally.
One of the most effective tools in Arsenal's arsenal this season is their set-piece strategy. PSG has only conceded 29 goals in the league this season, but six of them have come from non-penalty set-pieces. The size of their squad makes this an obvious area of weakness. Thomas Frank's Spurs lost to PSG in the Champions League earlier this season but managed to score three goals, one coming from a corner. They also lost on penalties against them in the UEFA Super Cup in August, scoring both goals in a 2-2 draw from crossed free kicks. Under Frank, Spurs adopted various Arteta-isms, including making set-plays one of their main methods of breaking teams down. For all three set-piece goals, Spurs targeted the back post before heading the ball back across goal, either for a teammate or directly to goal. PSG appears uncomfortable dealing with crosses that float over their heads, as they track back, and the header back in the other direction goes against the direction they are moving in, giving the attacking side an advantage.
Arsenal is even better placed for this, so if they can get up the pitch and force corner kicks or win free-kicks, they will have good looks at goal. While there is little that can be done about potential moments of brilliance, there are signs of hope that Arsenal can hurt the defending champions. The Champions League final will be a thrilling spectacle, and with the right tactics and execution, Arsenal has a chance to emerge victorious. The highlights of the final will be available on the BBC Sport website and across social media channels 15 minutes after the trophy lift, and on BBC iPlayer and television later in the evening. Live commentary will also be on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, with build-up from 15:00 BST.
In my opinion, the key to Arsenal's success lies in their ability to adapt and innovate. By employing a tactic that worked so well last season, they can exploit PSG's weaknesses and create opportunities to score. However, they must also be prepared to take risks and play centrally, given the capabilities of their players. The set-piece strategy is another area where they can gain an advantage, as PSG has shown vulnerability in this area. Overall, Arsenal has a chance to win the Champions League, but it will require a combination of tactical brilliance, individual performances, and a bit of luck. Personally, I think they have what it takes to emerge victorious, but it will be a tough battle against a formidable opponent like PSG.
