Tactics

January 19: Analysing Arsenal’s defensive system

The number of goals conceded by the Gunners has much to do with the side’s expansive style of football.

January 18: Hybrid option Nicklas Bendtner can present a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack

Karthik (KV) explains how Nicklas Bendtner can bring back a much-needed presence to the Arsenal attack following the injury to Robin van Persie.

January 4: Predicting the tactical advancements of the new decade

Improvements in technical ability and fitness means the likely trend in football could see the proliferation of all-rounded players.

October 19: Thomas Vermaelen represents a sweeping change to Arsenal’s backline

Arsène Wenger’s quest for attacking perfection sees his two centre backs playing with more than a hint of libero.

July 9: The subtleties of Arsenal’s 4-4-2 formation

The fluid 4-4-2 has been synonymous with Arsenal under Arsene Wenger but there are greater subtleties beneath the mere physical arrangement of players.

July 2: Barcelona lead the way but their blueprint cannot easily be imitated

Arsenal fans want a similar implementation of Barcelona’s formation but the system is not as simple as 4-3-3.

June 26: Thomas Vermaelen fits the bill of the modern central defender

Thomas Vermaelen’s technical prowess and reading of the game will help Arsenal both at the back and in building up attacks.

May 25: The rise of the defensive winger?

Managers Rafa Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson have recently deployed players in the wide positions for more than just the capability to take people on.

May 1: Walcott’s anonymity shows wingers’ freedom of touchline is no more

Theo Walcott’s anonymity in the first leg against Manchester United showed why there is a lack of natural wingers nowadays and as the game has evolved, so has their skill set.

April 10: Why the full back has been the most important position this season (2008/09)

The defensive shield may have been getting most of the plaudits but the cautious nature of Sagna and Clichy has been the real reason for Arsenal’s recent defensive stability.

January 19: The 3-5-2 enjoying final lease of life before it’s impending doom

After Argentina had won the World Cup 1986 with the 3-5-2, who would have thought the formation would be all but dead and buried as its use declined. However, it has made a so far successful reappearance by Napoli and Sampdoria though this reemergence looks short lived in the context of the modern game.

January 15: Arsenal style of play shaped in part by the wind

Although Arsenal’s style of football has suffered slightly this season, on their day they can be one of the most appealing on the eye. However the wind may have made a slight contribution to the Gunners style of play.

December 14: Barcelona Tactics: Why they are the best in Europe

Pep Guardiola has applied the philosophies of Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’ to his Barcelona side as the Catalan club were crowned Champions of Europe.