Tactics Exposed

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    Top five genius Premier League 2024/25 tactics from Arsenal jigsaw to Tottenham’s ‘wheel of chaos’

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    THE Premier League campaign is over – and it is time for Tactics Exposed’s awards.Our tactical expert Dean Scoggins has unpacked the systems, shapes and styles that managers have deployed to varying levels of success this season.Arsenal create a ‘jigsaw’ at corners by slotting into the gaps between defendersCredit: ReutersOmar Marmoush made an immediate impact with his runs against ChelseaCredit: GettyManchester United and Tottenham only narrowly avoid relegation.Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Spurs ended their long wait for trophies, Nottingham Forest will play in Europe for the first time in 30 years and Manchester City endured a nightmare year.And SunSport’s record-breaking show has delivered top-quality analysis for its first full season.As the curtain falls on 2024-25, in our final episode, we pick out our top five genius tactics from the Premier League… READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS5. Arsenal’s sensational set piecesAssuming the timing and the trajectory of the delivery are sorted, then it is all about the runners, who form a love train at the back post. All but one run in and slot in between each gap between the defenders, creating a jigsaw.Assuming the corner avoids the front man, the next person in the train is an attacking Arsenal player. They jump in sequence which sounds simple but it’s not, especially because you can’t see the ball so they have to trust their team-mates – as soon as the man in front jumps, the next one jumps. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSometimes they identify a weak link and will put two men into the gap in front of him. They jump in sequence and it proves a nightmare to defend againstCredit: The Times4. The double Enzo at Chelsea Enzo Maresca was forced into a switch against Tottenham in December where he dropped Enzo Fernandez into a deeper midfield role and abandoned the box shape.How Tottenham won the Europa League final v Man UnitedEnzo Fernandez was superb as Chelsea came from behind to beat TottenhamCredit: GettyFernandez partnered Moises Caicedo in a two and bossed the game in the second half. He was fantastic. His movement off the ball and understanding of what is happening in the game is brilliant. A manager might see it – but you still need a player to carry it out on the pitch. He may have been more than £100million but his performances for Chelsea went under the radar. 3. Omar Marmoush’s arrivalIn January, City came from behind to beat Chelsea – thanks to new arrival Omar Marmoush. City paid £64m to land the Egyptian from Eintracht Frankfurt and what a signing he is, making an immediate impact.He said upon his arrival that he is “dangerous” and that is no exaggeration. Marmoush started three or four yards in front of Reece James to make sure he was well onside, pointed where he wanted it – and backed himself in a race. He proved too hot to handle for Reece JamesCredit: Sunday TimesBy scaring James, the Chelsea man knew he couldn’t let Marmoush get away and therefore stuck with him… and kept Marmoush onside. Marmoush offers something different from Savinho, Jeremy Doku and to an extent Jack Grealish who are fast but crucially want the ball to feet – Marmoush is happy to run behind on to it. To start with, City were not releasing the ball quickly enough to set him away – but they soon learnt.And it was good news for Erling Haaland to have a runner in the half-space – not out on the wing but also not as a second striker but in between. This was long passes, not long ball – there is a difference. 2. Liverpool’s offside-busting moveWe talk a lot about how teams change formations between defence and attack.Like many teams, Liverpool move into a 3-2-5 in attack.But the genius is that they use runners off the ball to bust the offside trap.These runners don’t want the ball and the runs are wild – it could be Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai or more often than not Andy Robertson. It is a lung-busting sprint of about 40 yards from their own half in behind the opposition defence to force them back.Andy Robertson’s runs forward create chaos for the opposition defence’s offside trapCredit: AlamyIt makes a usually straight flat back four all jagged and ensures the attacking players who want the ball are not offside. As well as the confusion, it also creates a gap between defence and midfield – which creates more space for the creative playmakers to operate. Against United, Robertson ended up in the left striker position, Harry Maguire dropped two steps and that was enough to keep Cody Gakpo onside.A VAR world is changing the game for Liverpool as these marginal ones get properly checked. 1. Tottenham’s Wheel of ChaosEveryone thinks it’s a wild way of playing because they concede silly goals from silly mistakes but Ange Postecoglou has a very rigid structure the players have to play within.I see the Spurs team as two ‘wheels of chaos’ with three players on each side – a high No8 like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski on either side, then a full-back on either side and a winger on either side. They don’t cross over across the field much but will rotate within the threes.It is based on a ball out wide which then enables quick, first-time passes to progress up the wings.Read More on The SunIt leaves the goalkeeper, centre-backs, holding midfielder and striker as a central spine. The rigidity does, though, make Tottenham susceptible to teams setting up against them by dropping midfielders in to stop the underlap. More

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      How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup final with hokey cokey midfield and Glasner’s tactical masterclass

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      CRYSTAL PALACE made history by winning their first major trophy – after a tactical masterclass from Oliver Glasner. The Eagles outsmarted Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to record a deserved 1-0 win at Wembley on Saturday. Eberechi Eze took his chance and proved to be the matchwinner against Man CityCredit: GettyOliver Glasner put together a bold tactical plan – and it workedCredit: GettyGlasner employed similar tactics to his team’s 5-2 loss against City earlier this season. But SunSport’s Dean Scoggins reveals how subtle tweaks to the system paid off for Palace.How did Palace set up? Glasner had an absolutely brilliant plan. It’s great for a club like Palace to win their first trophy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Austrian said in his pre-match press conference that if Pep plays the same way again as he did when they beat them 5-2 at the Etihad, he’ll have a plan for it. I’ve got his number. And he did. He had his number. Everyone had to be well drilled, but they were. It’s a setup which we know they play 3-4-3 – but it was more of a 5-2-3.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPalace matched up with City to deny their playmakers space in midfieldThey set up with the wing backs very deep, Tyrick Mitchell on one side and Munoz the other side.Most read in FootballMunoz got forward a lot more than Mitchell did, but essentially they were a back five. Bold Oliver Glasner reveals eleven-word football lesson he gave Pep Guardiola on pitch after FA Cup finalAs well as the midfield two in front, it was where Eze and Ismaila Sarr got in the positions to stop City. Manchester City set up in a fairly predictable shape, but it was Nico O’Reilly who went into the inside left positionEze and Sarr dropped in alongside the midfield two, and then Mateta in front created a semicircle around in front of the midfield.Everywhere you looked, it looked like Palace had more players. City were unable to break through the compact Palace defenceWho caught the eye? The work rate of Eze and Sarr was so impressive.It showed how much Glasner trusted his forward players to do a defensive job and then be so compact between the lines. You also have give a hat tip to Adam Wharton, who as a young English midfield player was like the marshal in there.You could see him pointing, the conversations he was having with team-mates.It’s a relief he’s fine after suffering a concussion, which halted his celebrations. But his mind was definitely on it when he was in the game. He was absolutely brilliant.How did Mateta affect the game?He might not have had many chances in front of goal, but Mateta was crucial to Palace’s success.We know he holds the ball up well. We know he makes good runs in behind.Palace have said before the game, we know that City will have a deep-lying midfield player who will sit, who will drop off and recycle possession and go side to side.Mateta did tireless work off the ball for PalaceMateta had a massive job to do – and that was basically to go and mark that player out of possession.As a striker, he was man-marking Bernardo Silva for the majority of the game.City later swapped it round and it was De Bruyne trying to be the playmaker. Mateta did the same thing.It was a thankless role but a crucial one that stopped City getting the ball to their danger men. The Frenchman had the tough job of man-marking Bernando SilvaHow did Palace score?Glasner had a plan with Daniel Munoz where he was looking to exploit gaps left by O’Reilly.When the ball goes into Mateta, Munoz is only thinking one thing – get down the wing.It’s the understanding of the tactic and when to go, when to gamble.Because if you choose the wrong time against Manchester City, you’ve got Jeremy Doku to chase going back the other way.Munoz was on the move as soon as Mateta got the ballThe Colombian raced into the area where Nico O’Reilly should have beenMunoz crossed for Eze to smash in the matchwinnerWhere did City go wrong?Aside from the penalty, Omar Marmoush didn’t get in the game at all.Erling Haaland had one moment early in the first half where I thought, City are going to break them down here.De Bruyne went back into the pocket, and City forced Palace back into their area around the penalty spot.The Belgian hit a lovely cross, which Dean Henderson makes a great save from.De Bruyne linked up early with Haaland for a golden chance – but Palace didn’t let them do it againCity were camped just outside the Palace area all game, with Glasner’s side keeping them at arms lengthAfter that, it wasn’t working – but they didn’t change it up. City didn’t put the full-backs on the touchline and push the wingers inside.They could have put Haaland up the middle to try and push Palace into a 3v3 at the back.But they didn’t. It was the same set-up all the way through.Read More on The SunThey just didn’t have that man in front of the back three or back four to dictate play.Mateta was the key and gave them a problem with the way he was marking. More

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      How Man Utd can use Bruno Fernandes in a ‘free role’ to win the tactical battle and Europa League vs Tottenham 

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      THE position of Bruno Fernandes against a depleted Tottenham midfield is the key to Manchester United winning the Europa League.It is an all-English final in Bilbao on Wednesday as both sides look to save themselves from the consequences of a disastrous season.Bruno Fernandes holds the key to United unlocking SpursCredit: GettyThe tactical battle in midfield will make all the differenceCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s spell at United has been incredibly poor and his side are from settled in his 3-4-3 system.But if the Red Devils get it tactically right, they can carve apart a Spurs team without injured trio James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall in midfield.Where should Bruno Fernandes play?Amorim has a conundrum – whether to play his skipper in one of the No10 positions or deeper in his midfield two.United must trust Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in the final so Fernandes can be used in a free role further up the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen he has played as one of the No10s, he is expected to run in-behind and stretch defences.But this does not suit his game and against Micky van de Ven, a waste of time. Amorim must ditch that and let his most complete player have freedom, drifting out the structure to give Spurs a headache.Ange Postecoglou wants his team to press aggressively and get high on United when they have possession deep. Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut letting Fernandes float into a “normal” central No10 position will force Spurs to pull one of their midfielders back to deal with him or they will have a 3 vs 2. Spurs will have to form a three to deal with Fernandes moving insideAnd a pass should be on when Spurs attack down their left as they like to do with Destiny Udogie.Fernandes must not get sucked into chasing the ball and instead pull into a pocket to quickly switch the attack as Tottenham overload the left.Getting the ball out quickly to the other side can catch Spurs outIf United’s captain plays as one of the midfield two, they will be pressed relentlessly and struggle to get out.United could struggle to play through Spurs’ press if Fernandes does not use his intelligence to pick up the best areas further up the fieldThey will have no player beyond the ball with the intelligence to drop into areas to receive it, plus his lack of creativity in the final third will hurt.Going direct is not an option as Rasmus Hojlund does not hold it up well enough.Going over the top to the speedy Alejandro Garnacho cannot be done, as again, Van de Ven will have an easy night.Should Amad play wing-back?Amad Diallo can be Amorim’s wing-back long-term but not on Wednesday night.Spurs full-backs drift inside to allow for the centre-backs to then fire passes out to the wingers.Due to this, Amad risks being forced into doing an awful lot of tracking runs and one vs one defending, which are not his strengths.Amad will have to track Udogie inside and stick with him as he runs beyond the ballSpurs work the ball forward with interchanges and overloads down the channels.And to combat this, it is a safer bet to start with Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu as the wing-backs.Amad can be an impact sub later in the game when players begin to tire and he can use his pace to burst forward. Amad could end up in one vs one situations defensively and it is therefore safer to play MazraouiCan Man Utd play through the Spurs press?It is unpopular but Postecoglou has changed this season, especially away in Europe with more measured, less gung-ho performances to counter-balance opponents.And they need to be wary of United using their left flank to expose Spurs.United like to circulate the ball in a W shape with the midfield two with the centre-backs so the wing-backs push high.United use a W shape to move the ball around in their own half and get their wing-backs to advanceBalls between the lines into a free role Fernandes will cause issues and they will target right-winger Brennan Johnson to get out.He does not read the game well enough, not cutting out passing lanes and pressing at the wrong moments.Away from passes into Fernandes’ feet, zipped ones to the wing-back Dorgu will cause problems for Spurs as right-back Pedro Porro will be reluctant to press him and leave Fernandes open behind him. United must target Johnson and they will be able to play around himThe ball to Dorgu will be on from midfieldHow Spurs can winWithout Maddison, Kulusevski and Bergvall, it is likely to be a defensive and physical trio from Tottenham in midfield.Instead of the usual 4-2-3-1, Postecoglou should implement a more standard 4-3-3.Spurs should play a 4-3-3An extra man in midfield will allow them to press United’s midfield two and help them combat Fernandes’ drifting in the free role as they have one more player in there.Tottenham can press United’s two and they will have a free man to pick up FernandesSpurs will get Udogie and Porro involved in attack and look to pin United’s wing-backs in a back five rather than a three.It will mean there are spaces in the pockets for Spurs to work the ball into areas to create.But not having Maddison or Kulusevski in these spaces is a real blow as they can produce the killer pass.Read More on The SunSpurs need to pin United’s wing-backs back and createBut Spurs could suffocate United with their press and there is no easy out ball with Hojlund unlikely to win a duel or race against Van de Ven or Cristian Romero.Check out the SunSport YouTube channel on Wednesday night for a LIVE watch-a-long. Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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      How Crystal Palace can use Erling Haaland to their advantage to topple Man City in FA Cup final

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      ERLING HAALAND could be key to winning the FA Cup final… but not necessarily for Manchester City.Crystal Palace head to Wembley looking to win their first-ever trophy having reached the final in 1990 and 2016.Erling Haaland’s return may pose as much of an issue as it does a solution for Man CityCredit: PAEberechi Eze is unquestionably Crystal Palace’s star man – and Erling Haaland’s return could play into his handsCredit: PAOn both occasions they lost to Manchester United in nail-biting games.But they’ll be hoping to use their late-season form to snatch glory from another Manchester side, this time City, amid their worst-ever season under Pep Guardiola.The eight-time Premier League champions have been boosted by the return of fit-again Haaland.But could that be more of a problem than a solution for Guardiola?READ MORE SPORT STORIESSunSport’s Dean Scoggins runs through why Haaland’s comeback in the capital could be to the Eagles’ advantage.Will Man City be forced to change their shape for Haaland?Yes, they will.When you play with a false nine, whether that’s Phil Foden or Omar Marmoush or whoever, Pep plays in just a different way.What I expect to see is Haaland as the target man and City trying to create a triangle off him.Most read in FootballHaaland’s presence will be a boost for City, but could also play into Palace’s handsCredit: GettyGuehi and Lacroix will have a tough time up against Haaland, but if they do their job it could allow Eze to shineCredit: GettyWe’ve talked about this in previous shows, where you’ve got Marmoush one side and maybe Foden or De Bruyne in an area where they’ll go then beyond Haaland.This is actually where Palace might hope that City change their formation in order to suit Haaland.It will benefit them because their defenders are going to be a little bit more free.The right centre-back, maybe Maxence Lacroix and the left centre-back being Marc Guehi, they might be a bit more free off and on the ball if the midfield players do their job.So therefore, if City push their wingers on, those centre-backs can cover and the rest of the team get the freedom going the other way.WILD De Bruyne & Martinelli stats set to shape FA Cup final weekend | Experts’ bets – Weekend WagerEberechi Eze key for Crystal PalaceThat’s when they’ll be trying to free up Eze… and, It sounds ridiculous, but I think it might actually suit Palace if Haaland plays.Yes, he’s a goal threat, but in open play, it gives you that option to get the game forward.In the game at the Etihad earlier this season, Palace pushed their full-backs right up on Man City… if they do that in this game, they’re going to end up getting Eze in areas where he’s most dangerous.And if the ball goes in direct to him, he can cause a real problem going the other way.Oliver Glasner and Pep Guardiola have some huge tactical decisions to contend withCredit: AlamySo, what’s the verdict?It’s a difficult one because in one way, obviously you’ve got to defend against Haaland and he’s the best striker in the Premier League…But from a tactical perspective, if you can trust a centre-back to do a job on him 1v1, it actually gives you the option to overload going the other way.We’ve seen it in games against Liverpool where Virgil van Dijk has done it and Ibrahima Konate has done it – and we’ve seen it in a Manchester United game where Harry Maguire did it because he wants to play that combative way.Read More on The SunI’m not saying that Haaland’s not going to score and Man City aren’t going to be ridiculously dangerous.But if Palace get their transition right from defence into attack, they could end up getting Eze in the position they want him. More

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      How Eddie Howe’s tactical mystery helped Newcastle bamboozle Chelsea in race for Champions League

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      NEWCASTLE boosted their Champions League hopes with victory over Chelsea thanks to Eddie Howe’s tactical bamboozle.Howe insisted that his side’s first half performance was “electric” as they went into half time a goal and a man up.Eddie Howe masterminded Newcastle’s win over ChelseaCredit: EPAThe Toon finished with a 2-0 win to boost their Champions League credentialsCredit: AFPSandro Tonali fired the Toon ahead before Nicolas Jackson lost his head and was sent off before the break.Bruno Guimaraes settled the tie with a 90th-minute goal to earn his side three huge points.Despite the scoreline being a modest 2-0, there was plenty to show that Newcastle were far superior.1. Quick SandSandro Tonali’s pressing led to Newcastle’s opening goalHe and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes were able to act as strikersSandro Tonali embodied Newcastle’s high work ethic against the Blues.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe showed incredible stamina and pace to cover ground in order to press the opposition and put them under pressure.This helped other press from the front and as a result increased the numbers in the box.This was evident in Tonali’s goal after the ball was won up the pitch.He and Bruno Guimaraes were then able to act as strikers and get into the box and threaten the goal, from which the Italian scored.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS2. Botman and Rob himChelsea found themselves down to ten men after Nicolas Jackson was sent off for an elbow on Sven Botman.The visitors’ front three were up against Newcastle’s changed defensive line, which was made up of five players.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsThe full-backs Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento were charged with marking wingers Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto.Newcastle’s defenders were allowed to push up the pitch to mark Chelsea’s midfieldDan Burn pressed Cole Palmer deep in the visitors’ halfSven Botman was able to jump up to deal with Nicolas JacksonWhile the three centre-backs Botman, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar could go man for man with Jackson and midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.Burn and Schar were allowed to move up the pitch to mark the midfielders in turn, knowing that there would still be a back four behind them.Botman was marking Jackson, and when he would go, Burn and Schar would become the two central defenders.Chelsea could not work it out and it was as if the Toon had an extra player on the pitch.The trigger for the defenders to make their move appeared to be when Chelsea players would put their foot on the ball.This stopped Enzo Maresca’s player from being able to get a foothold in the match.Newcastle deployed a back five against the BluesBurn could move up to press PalmerFabian Schar was able to do the same to Enzo FernandezBotman could do the same with his team-mates forming a back four behind him3. Break the boxChelsea have been playing with a box midfield all season and the Toon were able to break it down.The tactic uses players such as Palmer who can control the ball and then play it out wide while sucking in the opposition.Howe’s side got into their back five and put three of the midfielders into Chelsea’s box.This would see the likes of Guimaraes and Tonali be joined by one of Harvey Barnes or Anthony Gordon, making it tough for the Blues to progress the ball.And with the back-five so deep it meant that any longer or more direct ball would be collected by goalkeeper Nick Pope.The defence was so well connected that it made it almost impossible for Palmer to influence the game.Newcastle disrupted Chelsea’s box midfield by flooding it with playersThe back five stayed firm and did not allow the Blues to get the ball into spaceWingers Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon would move into the box4. Change that ToonThe second half showed how Eddie Howe was able to react to Enzo Maresca’s changes.Nick Pope was called into action on a couple of occasions to preserve the Toon’s lead.Chelsea abolished the box shape and went for a line of three, which meant they could dominate possession as Newcastle still had a back five.Chelsea abandoned the box midfield in the second halfHowe changed to a back four to counter the change and return controlHe had to change again to contain the changed role of Moises CaicedoHowe changed this by moving the formation to a four at the back and a more natural 4-2-3-1 shape.Maresca countered back by using Moises Caicedo as a midfielder and full-back which saw them return to dominate.But Howe was able to change the tide again by calling on Emil Kraft and Lewis Miley which bolstered the midfield and stop Caicedo.5. Palmed offNewcastle did a great job of squeezing Cole Palmer away from the goal.They were able to palm him off and keep him at a safe distance.If he were to have had a shot, it would have likely been from 35 yards and at that point, they backed Nick Pope to deal with the effort.Read More on The SunPalmer also suffered from the change in tactics as he is more limited than some of Chelsea’s other players.He continued to try to find space in the match but was often stuck in his own half and facing his own goal. More

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      How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final despite Arteta’s brilliant Kvaratskhelia plan

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      ARSENAL crashed out the Champions League to PSG despite Mikel Arteta’s bold tactical plan nearly paying off.The boss claimed the Gunners were the “better team” and the difference came in both boxes.Mikel Arteta’s bold plan so nearly workedCredit: GettyBut missed chances and Mikel Merino’s lack of goalscoring instinct proved costlyCredit: ReutersPSG have goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and some other excellent movements from goalscorers Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi to thank.Meanwhile, Arsenal fans will be left scratching their heads again as to why the club refused to buy a striker.1. Striker LightEnough is enough – Arsenal need to spend big on a top quality No9 this summer.Last night, there was more than one occasion when Arsenal won it back high up the pitch and flooded towards the area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Mikel Merino inexplicably, even though he is not a striker, runs off to the left instead of going into the number nine position and when the cross comes in, there’s nobody there.Arsenal’s lack of a striker was clear to seeThey got into good areas but nobody was thereOther situations saw Declan Rice, who was covering so much ground, break into that area but make the wrong movements to lose the PSG defenders.Eventually, the Parisians began to welcome crosses and they made a whopping 43 clearances in the match – easy for centre-backs Marquinhos and Willian Pacho.A striker must be Arsenal’s one and only priority in the transfer window – if they had a centre-forward they could well be in the final.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS2. Brave ArtIt was relentless in the opening stages from Arsenal and they deserved a goal – front-foot, pressing high and aggression in the tackle.To help get Bukayo Saka running at PSG left-back Nuno Mendes, Jurrien Timber was playing like a right-sided No10.Mikel Arteta’s claim that PSG bench told him Arsenal were the better team over two legsWhen Arsenal had the ball deeper, William Saliba would shuffle across and Martin Odegaard would drop to receive it. It allowed Timber to go forward and then move wide to interchange with Saka.It presented PSG with a headache – does a midfielder follow the Dutchman and mean they lose their shape? Or do they allow him to go unmarked and double up on Mendes with Saka?The tactic forced danger man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to do loads of defensive work.Timber deserves plenty of credit for playing the role so well and at times he was getting the ball between makeshift No9 Merino and Saka to overload the right.The bravery was nearly rewarded with an early goal – fair play to Arteta.Timber drifted forward and combined with SakaIt made Kvaratskhelia go the other way3. Incredible Donnarumma The Italian stopper won the tie for PSG. The save from Odegaard is as good as you’ll ever see a goalkeeper make. They should be playing it on loop at the their training ground because it was absolutely sensational. He doesn’t see the ball until it’s gone through two defenders and Odegaard can’t hit it any better. It’s going into the corner and it bounces just before it gets to him.He moves his feet, taking little steps on his line, like a tennis “split step” so he is ready to dive either way.Donnrumma’s save percentage is not that high compared to other keepers in the Champions League this season, but PSG’s dominance means few shots come at him and it shows how good he is to constantly stay alert.4. Ab FabRuiz goes under the radar but as an integral part of this PSG side and the Spain team that won the Euros last year, he should be spoken about among the best in the world.His overall play is unbelievable. But his movement for the goal is incredibly clever.PSG have a free-kick to be crossed from out wide and he lines up next to the Arsenal defence.Ruiz anticipated the ball dropping brilliantlyBut the Gunners are not deep enough and the delivery comes in too far from David Raya to claim and the defence have to flick a ball clear after charging back to their own goal to deal with it.Ruiz is smart enough to stay put on the edge of the box and anticipate a loose ball. His genius bit of movement away from the backline, which are going in the opposite direction, creates the space for him and the goal.His first touch and finish was spectacular5. Hak AttackHakimi was absolutely everywhere and he plays on the right by himself at times.This enables the right-winger ahead of him to drift inside and create overloads elsewhere on the pitch.Hakimi has all the attributes, but his game intelligence to move into areas that team-mates have vacated is extraordinary. Read More on The SunPSG progress the ball up the pitch by creating diamonds and the right-back is always a pass ahead.He bursts into inside areas when Desire Doue is wide or he overlaps and becomes the wide option if the winger is elsewhere.PSG use diamonds to progress the ballHakimi’s energy and intelligence to know when to move inside was exceptional More

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      How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final with star’s return and new pressing plan

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      ARSENAL face a make-or-break battle against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.The Gunners are trailing in their Champions League semi-final battle after a 1-0 first-leg defeat at the Emirates.Arsenal are preparing for their biggest game in living memory against PSGCredit: GettySunSport’s tactics guru Dean Scoggins (right) explained how Arsenal can reach the Champions League finalCredit: The SunAnd Mikel Arteta’s men have it all to do as they look to overturn the deficit and book their place in the final.But just how can they go about achieving the seemingly-impossible?And just who will make the starting XI cut for Arsenal’s biggest game in memory?Here, SunSport’s tactics expert Dean Scoggins reveals all as he answers YOUR questions…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSYSTEM CHANGE?Fan question: “Do Arsenal need to switch up their whole system in the second leg?”The short answer is no. It’s only half time. It’s game on.They don’t need to change the whole system but there’s a couple of subtle tweaks to make.PSG slot into three at the back and Hakimi goes to the right wing.Most read in FootballArsenal defended in a 4-4-2, with Odegaard joining the front man. It didn’t work.PSG’s diamonds meant they played out. I want to see Arsenal go man for man and be much braver on the press.The forwards go and the midfielders back it up, with the defenders also in a brave pressing shape.It could leave them vulnerable on the right. Do they bring Saka back in? It means Odegaard would go into a more natural position and Martinelli pushes on the left.PSG used clever wide diamond shapes to outplay Arsenal in the first legCredit: The SunThe Gunners’ pressing did not work and allowed PSG to cut through themCredit: The SunHakimi’s still a problem, but that’s where Lewis-Skelly comes in.He was unbelievable with his decision making in the first leg. He narrows off the midfield.So on paper, the system stays the same. But how they press and go from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 needs to slightly adjust.In the first leg, when it came into the central area, they should have set Merino and Rice onto PSG and steal the ball. Villa saw joy there against PSG.Rice was getting dragged wide and out of those positions. They have to cut off the central channel by forcing PSG infield and setting a trap to win it back.Arsenal need to be brave and squeeze the centre of the fieldCredit: The SunA compact shape will stop PSG from controlling the heart of the fieldCredit: The SunPARTEY’S RETURNFan question: “How vital will Thomas Partey’s return be?”He will be vital. Partey can change this. But it’s not just about him coming back in. It’s about Rice being freed up.Rice and Merino were split in the first leg with PSG playing diamonds out wide. They went picking those players up and PSG exploited it down the middle.We will now see a much more balanced midfield with Partey, Rice and Odegaard.Merino will definitely not be in midfield and it will be a difficult decision for Arteta as to who is up front.Arsenal are a different beast with Thomas Partey in the teamCredit: The SunHe straight away allows midfield teammates to operate in their natural areasCredit: The SunI’d err on the side of Trossard starting and Merino coming on later.But Partey gives you so much and takes the sting out of the game.He also favours the right side of the field, Arsenal’s attacks come from there.Partey drifts in to block the counter-attack and slots back into position.Going forward, Rice comes in for a 2vs1. And the right-back will help Partey too, allowing Lewis-Skelly to invert.They end in a very compact defensive shape. Partey on and off the ball will make a huge difference.Partey gives the attacking players licence to go and play. Without him you lose two, because you lose Rice as well.Partey will provide stability and flexibility in midfieldCredit: The SunHe will also drift to the right as Arsenal look to exploit their favourite flankCredit: The SunARSENAL FULL-BACKSFan question: “Will Arsenal’s full-backs need to step up in the second leg?”Lewis-Skelly showed you can get physical with PSG and upset them. He doesn’t lose duels, it’s remarkable.His body shape, size, speed, low centre of gravity… he almost took that side of the field on his own.Lewis-Skelly frees up Martinelli with his positioning, and his decision-making is also fabulous.Myles Lewis-Skelly was sensational in the first legCredit: The SunHe will tuck in as Arsenal aim to exploit the other flankCredit: The SunOn the right, you want Saka picking up the ball with the full-back coming to meet him.Odegaard has to do a deeper-lying job too, let’s not let Saka do that job.Timber’s got to be better and step up. They need to stop the ball going into Kvaratskhelia’s feet and leaving him 1v1.I think you start with Timber and accept if he gets booked, you make the change for White.White is very good on the overlap and works well with Saka, so later in the game he will overlap and that’s the substitution.Arsenal can use their full-backs to outwit PSGCredit: The SunBukayo Saka’s success depends on the support he gets on the rightCredit: The SunDEANO’S VERDICTArsenal have to score first but it doesn’t mean they should go all guns blazing early on.They’ve got to be sensible and dampen the crowd down.PSG are the team under pressure at home so the first 15 minutes might end up being cagey, which suits Arsenal.Read More on The SunThey’ve got to be brave though. Raya’s long passes will come into it, as will set pieces.The longer the game goes on, the more it plays into Arsenal going through. Go hard or go home. More

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      How Arsenal can outsmart PSG in Champions League semi-final as Mikel Arteta faces Declan Rice dilemma

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      ARSENAL face Paris Saint-Germain in one of their most important games in recent history next week.The Gunners welcome PSG to the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.Arsenal beat Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: GettyThe Gunners face PSG in the semi-finalsCredit: AFPAnd should they win across two games, they will reach the final of Europe’s elite competition for the first time in 19 years.It is certainly doable, given the club’s performance against Real Madrid earlier this month.But PSG will prove another tough test.In the latest edition of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert Dean Scoggins takes a look at how Arsenal can beat the Ligue 1 champions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWILL PSG PLAY WITH A 4-3-3 FORMATION?Aston Villa showed in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals that you can get at PSG.On paper, they will play 4-3-3 with three midfielders in a triangle including Vitinha at the base.PSG usually start in a 4-3-3 formation but shift to a 3-2-5 on the attackAchraf Hakimi will be key for PSGCredit: AlamyHowever, that is rarely how a team ends up.PSG and Luis Enrique are massive disciples of the 3-2-5, so the 4-3-3 will convert very quickly into wide players going up, a centre forward going forward, midfielders joining in and a full back going in to make a 3-2-5 shape.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesManchester City and Arsenal both do it in the Premier League on a regular basis.The tactical flexibility of Achraf Hakimi in this situation is key, because what may happen is that whoever plays on the right – possibly Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue or Ousmane Dembele – may go inside.’I already mentioned that twice’ – Mikel Arteta takes issue with reporter’s question as Arsenal title hopes all but endHakimi would then be the wide high man and the midfield player would stay inside.They’re very flexible, but it’s a rigid structure.PSG have an attacking shape that they want to play within.They will commit wide men right up on the line and try to maintain their width all the way through.PSG are not afraid to be direct – they will switch play a lot and they will try and target those wingers in behind.For Arsenal, the gaps to attack will be high and wide.PSG are very brave in possession. They are more than happy to take the ball under pressure in a bid to create more space for the attackers.Should Myles Lewis-Skelly play as a left-back for Arsenal, it is unlikely he will invert to the middle like he usually does, because the Parisians will have a field day on the wing with the remaining space.Mikel Arteta could go with Riccardo Calafiori or Jurrien Timber on the left with Ben White on the right because they are out-and-out full-backs.WILL RICE BE THE HOLDING MIDFIELDER?Thomas Partey will not feature for the Gunners in the first leg due to a one-match suspension.It leaves Arteta with a few dilemmas – not just about personnel.Declan Rice will have to adjust his position due to the absence of Thomas ParteyCredit: GettyEnrique absolutely loves the diamond shapeThe Arsenal boss could decide to play Mikel Merino next to Declan Rice in midfield.Or, Rice could push up next to Martin Odegaard, leaving the dilemma of who will be the holding man.It could be White, Timber or potentially Calafiori.But Arteta is risk averse. It’s very unlikely that he is just going to switch up a player that he hasn’t used in that position that much.Therefore, Merino will likely stay in midfield with Leandro Trossard moving into the No9 position.How do PSG combat that?Enrique absolutely loves the diamond shape – that’s why he likes that 3-2-5 formation.It means they can overload when moving forward.They want to create an overload so that opposition players are dragged in, leaving space behind for the attack.Rice will therefore have the job of his life moving across the pitch so that Arsenal’s full-backs don’t get dragged inside.DO PSG HAVE MOST ATTACKING THREATS?PSG are breathtaking going forward.They are so comfortable in every position. We could see any of Bradley Barcola, Kvaratskhelia, Doue and Dembele on the left – and then all of those in different positions.And because they regularly switch play during a game, it causes major problems for the defenders.The changes of positions out wide and into the middle will also be key.Read More on The SunIt’s not just the attackers that are the big threats, it’s Hakimi as well.That is why PSG are the hardest team in Europe to defend against right now.PSG have some of the best attacking players in EuropeCredit: Getty More

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      How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League title with Nicolas Jackson freeing Cole Palmer

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      CAST our minds back to the first-half of the Premier League season and Chelsea were being talked about as Liverpool’s closest competitors.After 16 matches, the Blues had just been on a five-match winning streak and they were sat just three points behind Arne Slot’s side.Enzo Maresca is facing tactical problems at ChelseaCredit: RexNicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer are key to the Blues’ successCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca was asked about challenging for the league and he played down Chelsea’s chances, saying: “We are not in a title race. “It’s not about the pressure for the players, club or me. For me it’s just the reality.”We’re ahead of our expectations in terms of the way we are playing and points, as our mission for this season is to develop players and just try to do our very best.”I would like to have that kind of pressure… hopefully soon we can have that kind of title race pressure.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSince those comments, Chelsea’s form has dipped and they have fallen to sixth in the table, 22 points behind Liverpool.Maresca can still transform the club into title contenders but a lot needs to change.The boss has missed Nicolas Jackson through injury in recent months and they have been unable to replace his running in behind, lay-offs and combinations with Cole Palmer.Maybe another striker is needed in Jackson’s mould to share the workload and stop a drop-off if he gets injured again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIn the 3-0 win over West Ham, Maresca-ball was a joy to watch.Jackson can drop deep to combine and then spin in behind to drag defenders with him.How Ruben Amorim can fix Man United’s Garnacho problemThere is a “box” midfield for the striker to work with as the full-backs invert to form the deepest points of a square as Enzo Fernandez pushes higher.This frees up Palmer for him to work his magic and he can pick up pockets of space that Jackson frees up by pulling defenders away with his movement.Chelsea have not been the same without JacksonThey have missed his movement and link-up play with the midfieldChelsea were up there at the start of the season due to the inverted full-backs working wonders.Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto impressed in the roles and Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were excellent. But Chelsea have been worked out and their play has become too focused in the middle of the pitch and predictable. The wingers are not good enough in one vs one situations.There is not enough creation from the wide players and they need a left-footer on the left who can go on the outside and take defenders on.With the full-backs inverted and the wingers cutting in – it is all far too narrow and Palmer then has no space in congested areas and his game is restricted.Chelsea’s games are being played in the width of the penalty box when someone must offer a threat on the flanks. Chelsea’s play has been too narrow and their wingers have not been direct enoughRuben Amorim at Manchester United and Thomas Tuchel with England have spoken about the need for direct wingers.Jamie Gittens, 20, is a target for Chelsea and they should break the bank to get him.Meanwhile, the other thing that must change at Stamford Bridge is the man between the sticks – Robert Sanchez is not good enough.He makes too many mistakes and his underwhelming passing has been putting pressure on the centre-backs.Read More on The SunMaresca wants his keeper to join the back line and become like an extra outfield player in possession.Sanchez has been shaky with the ball at his feet. The No1 at Chelsea must be a good shot stopper and be comfortable playing out.Chelsea should make a move for Jamie Gittens this summerCredit: Alamy More