Samir Nasri was able to get on the ball in areas that the opposition found difficult to pick up, he basically had a free role to get on the ball and create chances for other wide players or Van Persie who was operating as a lone man

What an amazing game, if we could transfer that kind of performance into our league games in recent months then Aston Villa would be talking about freeing up their Thursday’s as they would be already booked up.

I spoke about the formation in the Match Report this morning. I am beginning to think that this could well be the way forward for Arsene Wenger’s 2009 team.

Our players are slowly coming back from injury and when we have close to a full bill of health we will have many quality players to choose from. The wide areas are now a very strong area in our squad, fitting four wingers into two positions isn’t possible but last night’s formation gives Arsene the option of including creative talents like Nasri, Arshavin and Rosicky or Walcott.

The team last night looked something like this.

Samir Nasri was able to get on the ball in areas that the opposition found difficult to pick up, he basically had a free role to get on the ball and create chances for other wide players or Van Persie who was operating as a lone man.

Bendtner was playing out of position on the left flank and put in a good shift for the side but you can see that it is not his most natural position. The team could be even more dangerous and flexible with someone like Arshavin or Rosicky playing in that role.

As with changing of formations it has pro’s and weaknesses to it. I will start with what I think can only be a positive influence to the team.

All of our creative current wide players have said that they would prefer to play from a central position. Samir Nasri improved his game tremendously from the weekend wide display. This system allows all three of our wide players to have the chance to get in the role behind the forward.

Tomas Rosicky plays in a role behind the front striker for his country. Andrey Arshavin also plays in the ‘number 10’ role behind Tottenham forward Pavlyuchenko.

All of those players are comfortable operating on either flank also which will allow for the players to pop up in different areas in the final third.

When we have played two strikers sometimes we have lacked that link between the midfield and attack and our football breaks down. The three creative players behind the front striker have enough guile and craft to find the final pass.

With the line of three players behind the striker, it means that the two central midfielders do not have to push as far forward if not necessary. This gives the defenders behind them that little extra protection.

The extra protection from the central midfield would allow the freedom of old for both Clichy and Bacary Sagna. Both players clearly were more aggressive in their attacking last night. The downside of altering the formation is of course having to lose a striker in his forward position. This can cause the front player to have to work that little extra which can cause fatigue.

If you choose not to play Adebayor at the top end of the formation then you lose his ability to win headers and hold the ball up however you can play him there and move Van Persie to a position behind the striker either centrally or in a wide right or left position.

Either way Arsene Wenger has many choices and flexibility. It will be interesting to see how the team forms over the coming months.

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