Thread by @Chris17_t

Match Analysis: Leeds vs. Arsenal #LEEARS
[THREAD]

The main aim by Leeds’ press was to force Arsenal wide, create an overload against the winger and eventually win the ball back to create a chance after a transition.

This approach worked quite well at times. Especially on Arsenal’s left side, Leeds was regularly able to create a 3v1 situation against Martinelli and won the ball back there, by applying aggressive pressure.

However, Arsenal found a few ways to bypass this overload. For example, through clever positioning, individual quality and quick combinations. The goal was then always to switch the ball to the underloaded side and attack potential 1v1s/2v1s.

Moreover, Arsenal was at times able to progress through the centre with Jesus providing an option by dropping deep and creating a 3v2 overload against the double pivot of Leeds.

In the 35th minute, Arsenal deservingly scored. Funnily enough, it came from a bad pass by Rodrigo to the underloaded side, after Leeds successfully won the ball back from a pressing situation (a strategy Arsenal used the whole 1st half). The gunners then just outplayed the 2v1.

In the first half, Leeds was only really threatening from transitions. After winning the ball back, Jesse Marsch’s philosophy is to directly attack the ball instead of recycling possession to exploit an unorganized opponent.

Jesse Marsch adapted the pressing approach slightly in the 2nd half with the introduction of Bamford, changing it to a 4-4-2. The STs (Bamford & Aaronson) then looked to both close Partey and press the CBs, by working alternately.

This approach was more aggressive, and Leeds was often able to win the ball back in the centre, where the way to the goal is shorter than through the wings. The timing, angle and intensity of the runs from the STs was key to put the CBs under sufficient pressure.

Generally, the whole squad looked more aggressive, and Leeds dominated the second half with their impressive intensity. Winning the ball higher up in the centre and giving Arsenal no time to breathe with their outstanding counterpressing.

That’s why Arteta tasked his wingers later on to track back deeper and he eventually changed the system to a 5-4-1, to secure the 1-0 lead.

Conclusion:
Big credit to Leeds for really challenging Arsenal. Nevertheless, they lost the game (also due to their at times bad chance exploitation). Moreover, this match showed why Arsenal is a top team. Despite struggling for most parts, they still won the game.