Arsenal Season Preview: the three-at-the-back effect

Many Arsenal fans feel the FA Cup win should have been used as a swansong for Arsene Wenger’s tenure, not justification for it to continue. He has perhaps, lost some of the goodwill from supporters by signing a two-year deal.

However, there may be room this season for some excitement. The club’s last Europa League (UEFA Cup) fixture came back in September 1996: Ian Wright and Paul Merson were the scorers. After crashing out in the last 16 in each of their last seven seasons, normally to Bayern Munich or Barcelona, this change might be refreshing. They are finally among the biggest fish in their European pond and are in a competition they have a realistic chance of winning.

To do so, they will need David Ospina, who has underlined his intentions to stay and fight for his place, to provide strong competition for Petr Cech. The ex-Chelsea stopper perhaps didn’t have his best season last year, but could benefit from extra motivation if his competitor performs well in cup matches.

Either goalkeeper will be protected by a back-three that performed well the end of last season. Rob Holding, especially, impressed after signing from Bolton and looks to have a bright future. Nacho Monreal may be more suited to playing as a wide centre-back at 31, rather than in a more physically demanding role, with Sead Kolasinac likely to have the stamina required to play as a left wing-back. On the other flank academy graduate Hector Bellerin, one of the few to acknowledge the fans after last horror-show at Crystal Palace, could influence proceedings with his pace.

Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey formed a decent partnership in the latter stages of last season. Xhaka improved steadily after an ill-disciplined start in North London and his playmaking from deep gives Ramsey, when fit, the freedom to press forward. It is important that Arsenal pair Xhaka with a more mobile performer capable of joining attacks and providing fluidity, to ensure they are not reliant on individual magic.

That came, last season, from Alexis Sanchez, the future of whom Wenger will hope to secure. On Sunday though, there was at least some evidence that the team can perform without the Chilean as well as Mesut Ozil. Summer signing Alexandre Lacazette looked bright while Danny Welbeck, although not a proven goalscorer, does a lot of selfless work off the ball to create space for others.

Last season’s fifth place finish might have felt disappointing, but a haul of 75 points would have seen them finish in the top three in six of the last eight seasons. Factor in a run of seven wins in eight with three at the back and there is potential for improvement.

The Football Lab’s Verdict: 3rd