Arsenal Are Unpredictable Again, Arteta is Transforming: West Ham 0-6 Arsenal Tactical Analysis

On Sunday Arsenal traveled to the London Stadium where they thrashed David Moyes' West Ham 0-6. In today's video I provide an in-depth tactical analysis and post-match reaction to Mikel Arteta and his team's performance, where I cover:
- Ben White's role as an inverted full-back
- Arsenal's fluid rotations, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jakub Kiwior, and Declan Rice all benefiting too.
- the half-space cross: why it is so vital for Arsenal's chance creation and attacking dynamics
- Arsenal and their returning unpredictability (pre-season finally makes a return)
- the underlying statistics come good
Declan Rice returned against his former club and provided 2 assists and one incredible long-range goal to cap off Arsenal's victory. Bukayo Saka provided is 10th goal of the season, Trossard, Gabriel Magalhaes, and William Saliba also got on the score sheet for the gunners. The afternoon was also rounded off by Ethan Nwaneri's second appearance for Arsenal, providing a very nice cameo.
Also today, Aston Villa lost 1-2 to Manchester United, with Douglas Luiz's goal cancelled out by Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay.
This channel covers the entire Premier League, including Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Manchester United, Eric Ten Hag, Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham Hotspur, Ange Postecoglou, Aston Villa, Unai Emery, Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, the Champions League, and the entire world of football or soccer!

[@ryanfinnerty6239]

Arteta Ball is so much more fluid than Pep’s play - there are parallels of course, but it’s such a simplification to say Arteta copied Pep’s system

[@harveygration]

A gross simplification. Doesn’t mind dominating teams without possession much more, for example.

[@iyanuloluwabalogun9145]

Shurrup your lips, 1stly if arteta is doing any tactical stuff, he's been an assistant manager with pep, so stop saying he's copying Pep. When that's the only manager that he's been with who else would he learn some things 4rom And then the success of this arsenal team isn't cos of him using peps tactics , so please stop saying that, it makes you look dumb😊

[@busetgadapet]

pep's play is all about either long ball to haaland or attacking half space after making the opponent fall asleep after their 10000th backpass

[@cavendishmontigue3254]

Wenger invented the original in the 90s and Pep improved it

[@jimmybalantyne5545]

@@cavendishmontigue3254 Rinus Michels...

[@jlistergaming7880]

Am a West Ham fan who went to the game and am watching this after being awe at Arsenal’s performance. Painful one to take but was an interesting analysis!

[@harveygration]

Hi mate, great to have you. Don’t think this was as much on you lot as has been made out. This type of scoreline was in the horizon for Arsenal (vs someone). As for you, you have a genuine European level midfield with almost elite outlets up front in Bowen and Kudus. Moyes is a strange one, because appointing a new manager of course may be a LT goal, but it must be the right choice: outdoing Moyes is still a challenge in itself. Think the greatest things that have to change stylistic wise is becoming more intense/active OFF the ball, instead of sitting in a passive press. WHU are one of 2 sides in the premier league who don’t press man-man from oppo goal kicks (Hodgson’s Palace). Interesting what takes place. I still like Potter personally. Especially because stocks are low now!!

[@owensengooba527]

Great analysis ​@@harveygration

[@nicklikethesoup]

West Ham & Moyes got the better of Arsenal & Arteta earlier in the season. This tactic did us in multiple times already and was doing a bit of it the first 30 minutes. It was a tactical change around the 20-25 minute that frustrated y’all and Moyes wasn’t able to address until half-time but by then, it was already lost.

[@adrianhall8765]

Finally, someone highlighted Benny Blanco’s role. He was a main factor to our build up and ball progression. Tucking into midfield and sometimes even offered himself as an outlet all the way across the pitch to relieve pressure.

[@harveygration]

Very malleable role - he definitely has that mentality to do it. Very free and open mind for learning I think. Will be interesting how he does vs a proper press though because West Ham are passive OOP

[@izanudin]

Great point! I think this is where Arteta begins to diverge from Guardiola's school of thought. If Pep is "system or die", Mikel leans a little more on individual strengths as opposed to a rigid structure. That's why we'll see Havertz as a target man despite being an left sided 8, Jesus dropping deep, Trossard is allowed to drift anywhere across the front etc. There were too many in game tweeks and innovation to mention. This team also showcases our set piece variety and potency.

[@AH-mp1fh]

Pep has Haaland, which requires more rigidity I suppose. I imagine if Arsenal had a striker with the same output, they would also be more rigid in that sense. Having your forward players rotate, specifically Havertz/Jesus, also comes back to the idea that Havertz was brought in to be an additional option to try and score goals, rather than cutting it back which was Arsenals potent goal scoring move last season

[@mikeblake9761]

Epic breakdown as usual Harvey. Watching the match again through the lens of your insights is going to be eye opening

[@harveygration]

Very kind of you again, Mike. Can’t thank you enough ❤️

[@mikeblake9761]

No worries bro, we appreciate your hard work

[@ke5943]

dude the quality of your work is very impressive. In a crowded area where people only want to be first, or worst - be loud, your diligence, insight and great communication skills stand out

[@harveygration]

Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment. Genuinely this means the world. Thank you ❤️

[@EMAN4everlife]

Good video harvey. Arteta actually suprised me with the tactical tweaks yesterday which I give him credit. He is getting the hang of adjusting to players strengths rather than swapping then in & out with the same roles which shows improvement. I enjoyed the rotations and movements on both sides of the pitch. On the right white and odegaard were taking turns playing next to declan rice in the pivot and saka was having more access centrally. On the left you would see kai lw which allowed martinelli in thr half space or trossard occupying the half space with kai centrals. Sometimes you would see martinelli on the right giving saka an underlapping run. It was our best attacking performance this ssz especially with key injuries out aswell.

[@harveygration]

Sums up the rotations perfectly this 🔥

[@danchef8823]

So insightful! You’ve earned a subscriber. Keep it up 👍🏾

[@harveygration]

Thanks Dan - welcome along! Thanks so much, really means a lot ❤️❤️

[@Godspeedysick]

Wonderful analysis. It shows the nuance in the purchase of Havertz finding small spaces inside the 18 when Saka draws 2 to 3 men out wide. Havertz does NOT need to bury the ball in the event that there’s someone else he can lay the ball off to. I also definitely noticed Ode’s heat map? I think it was in the second half he drew 3 men out wide where he’s clever enough to either chip in between two men for an on-coming man in the box. He can however still square and switch play while dragging players out of position. Anyway, top analysis. Thanks.

[@harveygration]

Havertz provides solutions we desperately lacked before, and definitely has levels to go up still - at the very least he is a tactical Swiss army life that strangles you OOP. Odegaard was wonderful today. From the empathy of his passes, the zone of influence, key passes. Brill.

[@harveygration]

And thank you for the lovey comment - hero

[@Godspeedysick]

@@harveygration I absolutely agree here. The Swiss Army knife comparison is perfectly stated. Let’s hope your channel grows. One of my fav.

[@meditationman415]

@@harveygration I agree, rarely seen Odegaard so good, seemed to be always involved. So what happened? What allowed him to be so involved? Love your vids🙏

[@tilikistephen1624]

@@meditationman415”rarely seen Ødegaard so good” What does that mean?

[@Ravens1300]

First time getting you in my recommendations, loved it, subbed and liked. Very insightful.

[@harveygration]

Welcome! Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@MrCriossant]

Thanks Harvey! Was looking out for your video. It's so good to see that fluidity developing among our different players. Excited for what comes next!

[@harveygration]

❤️🫡

[@vizhal007]

Was starting to miss your videos in my feed ❤

[@harveygration]

❤️

[@ham_free]

Good to see you looking healthy Harvey!

[@harveygration]

Blessings to you ❤️❤️

[@GrantFerris-ly6cj]

I'm 300% convinced that you're a ring renter 😂

[@ham_free]

@@GrantFerris-ly6cj you're 499% wrong

[@GrantFerris-ly6cj]

@@ham_free And I 500% couldn't give fcuk if i am goat boy

[@ham_free]

@@GrantFerris-ly6cj I'm 600% sure you wouldn't have replied if you didn't give that thing you claim not to 😂😂

[@user-is2ic4yd6j]

These videos are great mate, keep going!

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I appreciate you❤️

[@AbdulmajeedDurojaiye]

welcome back missed you for the liverpool game

[@harveygration]

Apologies. Lots of work and was under the weather! But nothing new to what we’ve already covered. Thanks for the continued support. ❤️

[@sinewave100]

Very nice tactical analysis , keep up the good work.

[@harveygration]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@unknownllama9833]

Great vid m8, keep it up

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed.

[@Arthur-bd4vi]

Appreciate the analysis, keep it up!👍

[@harveygration]

🙏❤️

[@cellyszn20]

I had to sub now your videos were recommended again

[@harveygration]

Welcome! Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@remy7663]

Brilliant as usual👍

[@harveygration]

Thanks for the support again ❤️

[@davidscot7767]

Pep plays Wenger’s football but with better players. They play so dullly that the opponent falls asleep. 😂😂😂😂😂 so many backpasses and when the opponent falls asleep then they create opportunities and score goals. To beat the city is easy, just stay awake and alert, and you’ll win.

[@xty070]

😂😂😂

[@GrantFerris-ly6cj]

1 win in 17 PL games and you think even as a worthless plastic fan that you have the answer? Clown

[@jamesajayi9857]

Yo Prof, I was keenly awaiting your analysis of the match. You never disappoint. Always delivers. Thank you

[@harveygration]

Thanks again james. Your support is tremendous. ❤️❤️

[@user-gu8mg3bw6t]

Another brilliant job. Well done Harvey

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much! Your support means a lot ❤️

[@PCVMaxieB]

Thanks for the video

[@harveygration]

🙏

[@Sam1626473]

A Harvey video always brightens my day. Thanks for the upload!

[@harveygration]

Lovely comment, thanks so much. I truly appreciate you 🙏

[@c0mbat15]

Outstanding analysis! Where would we be without you Harvey!?

[@harveygration]

Very kind of you to say, I’m sure you would be fine though!

[@DanielIgweDannydigitcommandPR1]

Harvey for president 🙌🏽.. in depth analysis man. From a Nigerian subscriber 👏👏

[@harveygration]

Your support is appreciated so much. Thank you!❤️

[@brissprilla]

I did see White inverting in the midfield in a 2-3-5 with Him, Partey and Zinchenko in certain games last season

[@findingaether]

As someone who is asian.. I love the White Rice pivot..

[@TBG968]

Great vid Harvey,and wow we’ve been saying for weeks this has been coming,Arteta deserves massive credit for the tweaks,the new double 10s we’ve been using is a real problem for the opposition CBs they look lost trying to pick our players up,keeping the left back high and wide allowing Martinelli closer to goal,odegard has been magnificent,the interchanging between him in the first phase & white inverting was something special.All this considering our injuries if we can get our players fit we have a massive chance at the title. Also wanted your thoughts on the links to zubimendi I think we got a glimpse of what the double pivot could look like next season in the game against Liverpool with the Jorginho display.COYG

[@harveygration]

De Jong has to be the no.1. Especially if the rumours of leaving Barca are true. Zumbi + Luiz, even Locatelli, Kimmich etc are all next in line. But yeah the two players in between the lines at the top of that 4-2-4 set up are a lovely set of roles, and like you said, we will have the increasing ability to play a proper box midfield as more players come back. This has been coming for a while. We are very close ❤️

[@TBG968]

@@harveygration completely agree FDJ would be ideal however zubimendi or Locatelli I wouldn’t complain.You’re right Harv were so close arteta tactically has brought us to where we need to be it’s about individual quality & top level recruitment now,big summer ahead regardless of what happens this season.

[@harveygration]

Very aptly put - just need the very very best now and that’s what we should settle with. Underlying numbers wise we’ve been the best in the league since November, and fair I say it those numbers are true. That Dubai break did us the world of good 😌

[@udeeko]

Whoever had the idea for the Dubai trip needs recognition. A raise?

[@ricomorris1494]

Again another top video!

[@harveygration]

Thank you so much ☺️🥰

[@DUBSDADEVILL]

Great video

[@harveygration]

Much appreciated ❤️

[@JamesHatfield49]

Never clicked faster 🤩

[@harveygration]

My flipping guy ❤️

[@n_k_s_b]

keep it up harvey

[@harveygration]

Thank you❤️

[@kingsleyiserhienrhien2093]

I enjoy your podcast bro, keep it up.

[@harveygration]

Thanks ever so much❤️

[@nicklikethesoup]

This is the difference between wanting to control and wanting to dominate. This team changes how it hunts teams like a contract killer. It finds the best method for the job. It’s fantastic.

[@harveygration]

💯

[@jeviasgodasmywitness6753]

Big up👍🏽

[@harveygration]

❤️💪

[@markowen6721]

Always happy to see a video from you, Harvey. Keep up the good work, don't forget to study too 😅

[@harveygration]

Don’t you worry. Plenty of that happening. Just couldn’t not get a video out on the game! 😂 thanks for the support again - glad you are enjoying ❤️

[@Harleymchugo1010]

Harvey, this is elite analysis as always, absolutely love what you do. It’s unique, objective and informative, so thank you for all the hard work. As an Arsenal fan, I find Kai Havertz so confusingly frustrating. Whilst his game intelligence, work ethic and commitment cannot and shouldn’t be questioned, I know how good he actually is as I used to watch him in Germany quite often, and find his on-ball contribution so underwhelming. At his best, he had this languid ease on the pitch, and would do things elegantly, and was just brilliant to watch. He was creative, and played with a beautiful swagger, which is something we rarely saw at Chelsea, and would argue haven’t really seen at all at arsenal. I don’t know if this is just me, but he has appeared quite clunky and rushed in possession for basically all of his arsenal career to date, and has almost appeared to have lost that elegance and smoothness that made him such a highly sought after talent 3 or 4 years ago. Even looking at the way he passes the ball at the moment, it lacks that punch and zip, and his passing technique seems quite rigid and unbalanced. If you haven’t seen older videos of Havertz passing the ball and gliding around the pitch, I highly recommend it as it genuinely looks like a different player. It’s probably a compliment to him that he still has a significant use in a team as good as us when he is so far from his best, but I can’t imagine edu & arteta had attacking third duel winner in mind when they offered Chelsea 65m and Havertz 275k per week . The only other thing that may fit into the bigger picture, is even for arsenal he has always looked more natural from the right side, so whether a more permanent switch with odegaard, particularly if we get a more traditional 9 in the summer may help maximise both players even though odegaard has been absolutely immense anyway? My faith may be misguided, but I still have faith that with time, arteta and Havertz will find that spark on the ball that made him so good, but it has been a LONG time of highly inconsistent on ball production if you include his spell at Chelsea. I guess that talent doesn’t leave you, and there’s a reason basically every big club in the world has been wanting to sign him in the past - and maybe his confidence was just completely shattered at Chelsea, and that will take a significant amount of time to rebuild. Apologies for the long reply Harvey, have just found his integration very frustrating as I know how talented he really is, and what an amazing asset he could be if he can rediscover that spark that made him so special in the first place.

[@harveygration]

Firstly, thanks so much for the kind words. Can’t say how much that means. As for Kai, I have quite a bit to say! At Levekusen he was 6ft 1, now he is 6.4 plus!! He is a totally different player not unsurprisingly and also has to learn and adapt to the new frame he finds himself within. Similar problems for Emile, who is very tall too now. At the very least, Kai is a tactical Swiss Army knife that gives us a litany of options we lacked last year. At the most, he develops that confidence as a 9 hopefully in his shot preparation and final action. He’s got levels still to go through, and that’s still part of the investment - I hope we can see that. I believe it’s well within him. As we’ve seen in flashes re his improved carrying, nastiness and of course OOP qualities we’ve seen all year.

[@DaRealestGoat7]

Hey Harvey! Appreciate the analysis. Any reason why you have not uploaded a video in awhile? I always check your page for uploads.

[@harveygration]

Lot of uni work + been under the weather unfortunately. But I will upload whenever I can I promise. Thanks for the support again❤️❤️

[@abdiazizabdi6687]

The best player was Harverz his off ball movement is killing the teams

[@harveygration]

To analyse Kai is totally different to what people know: it’s much more about the details. Once you appreciate him think you see a lot of other things in different lights IMO

[@udeeko]

He is my favorite player on an amazing team. I have bought into what he brings to the team since your video, Harvey. He is so underrated, and his play goes over everyone's head (the fans who live merely by goals and assists). He is getting better and better!

[@jeviasgodasmywitness6753]

I see arsenal targeting jorrel hato from ajax what u think about him? He's quality

[@highfivetm8304]

Was here before a million sub🎉🎉🎉

[@harveygration]

❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@mesadofitness8774]

Timber coming back will take us to the next level

[@harveygration]

Can’t wait.

[@terryfoley7725]

Awesome analysis, as usual! I worry that our current success is significantly due to the Zinchenko and Jesus injuries. I wouldn't entertain Zinchenko replacing Kiwior - wait for Timber. Jesus confuses me! Better than most of our forwards, but, doesn't seem to click!

[@harveygration]

❤️❤️ thanks so much. Timber is the Zinny upgrade, have to be patient with him but can’t wait to have him back - love him

[@robbieharry2630]

harvey rank the tilte contenders in order and favourites please?

[@harveygration]

Man City (and only because of our unfortunate 6 point slump in new year) by the skin of their teeth, Arsenal. Liverpool. - no one else.

[@fatherdavid7498]

Ben White would have even scored he instead decided to make an assist which Rice rocketed to the back of the net. Lovely players lovely team.

[@harveygration]

❤️

[@albertgrant4512]

I love this performance we dont miss jesus and zinny at all

[@harveygration]

Different games require different solutions though

[@frankoboh8217]

Arteta listens! By becoming very dynamic, flexible and adaptable, his team setup will become unpredictable in every game. It is much easier for teams to know exactly where Saka and Martinelli would be playing and use their strategy to nullify them. But when you have Saka and Martinelli rotating with the rest of the front 5 in Havertz, Odegaard and Havertz, it becomes very, very difficult for the opposition to

[@harveygration]

💯

[@markpotter544]

👍

[@user-xt4xy8sx3h]

Arsenal again showed why we are the best out of postion team on the planet

[@sjthesource]

Arteta ball is more wenger ball than peps ball. Yall need watch closely

[@jeviasgodasmywitness6753]

Yep its purely instinctive free flowing football pep style is bit more rigid

[@holymoly2422]

Brilliant analysis as usual mate 👍

[@harveygration]

Very kind, thank you ❤️

[@jacominaar5852]

harvey, do u think we are now the best team in the league with our great OOP. structure and now chance creation is back, are we now winning the title?

[@harveygration]

We are in the race. Pep demands perfection in order to win. But we are in the hat, and have been for the whole season. I believe atm we are the best performers in the league, but reliability is the best ability!

[@Godspeedysick]

Aren’t you late for work? Diving in deep now :).

[@rogorog8693]

harvey am a chelsea fan, but why cant arsenal be considered favourites for the title, u. are the best OOP, your 4 4 2 block is impenetrable, you are creating loads of chances and counterpressing at an elite level, also u are the best performers in the league since november?

[@harveygration]

We’ve been the best performance wise since Nov- I agree. Think the 6 point swing over new year was so so unfortunate. Dubai did us so well as I thought it would. As I’ve maintained all along, we are in with a big big shout, and I can see us going on a run of wins now. City away of course is the ultimatum. But with a fully fit swuad, the game will essentially come down to how much breaking capacity city truly have vs us (we have the slight edge in that department defensively as well). The new year swing may be costly, I don’t know. But what I do know is we are doing the right things.

[@meditationman415]

Hi Harvey, Hope you are well!. Fourfourtwo said that we didn't have a shot on goal against Porto because they played a very well disciplined mid block, and we tried everything but nothing worked. What are your thoughts on this, and how Arteta can work this out.

[@harveygration]

Physical mid blocks have been our toughest oppo thus far - vs Porto is was a game for Jorgi or Vieira or Partey. Timber coming back to, one of the most progressive players in build up in the world, will make these teams much easier to play vs. And all good mate, just a lot of work atm which is why vids have slowed

[@meditationman415]

@@harveygration 🙏Thanks Harvey

[@robinflakes4902]

harvey, do u think arsenal are as good as man city or who do u think is better, also do u think arsenal can win ucl and pl with our impenetrable OOP block?

[@harveygration]

Better OOP, just as good in between boxes, just as good chance production wise, but with Haaland + KDB you have to be able to find margins elsewhere (hence our set piece dominance, transitional control etc etc). They are favourites for the title I think, but we have a really good chance.

[@harveygration]

Better OOP, just as good in between boxes, just as good chance production wise, but with Haaland + KDB you have to be able to find margins elsewhere (hence our set piece dominance, transitional control etc etc). They are favourites for the title I think, but we have a really good chance.

[@kasimshaikh3750]

I disagree a little bit because I still feel Arsenal are dependent on set pieces to get the opening goal. It's been very rare and difficult to get that 1st goal from open play.

[@harveygration]

This is where I stand: if I’m Arteta and am up against a team with KDB + Haaland, and I have a football team which I know is capable of swashbuckling football (last season proof), I’m focusing on maximising us in the margins (set pieces, transitions, the press), making us as hard to get away from as possible. Then add the levels of chance creation we’ve seen since November - up there.

[@juliusouko1365]

A goal is a goal, it doesn't matter how it is scored.

[@kasimshaikh3750]

​@@juliusouko1365 1-0 loss to Porto This is what happens and happened against Newcastle, Fulham, West Ham & Aston Villa. But all the so called analysts refusing to see the truth and forgetting the basics.

[@matthewhayden1332]

harvey, do u think arsenal are a better team than liverpool?

[@harveygration]

Yes I do - I think performance wise we are actually performing the best in the league right now. However, so much can change, and the Pep juggernaut demands repeated (near) perfection + Liverpool have forwards producing at a phenomenal rate. Can never count out elite quality. But in short, yes - think I’m settled play our positional play is just simply put much better. And it’s why when you come to the Emirates you can’t put chaos an Arteta control-scheme. We look sharp after Dubai. Fancy us to go on a run now to be honest, but just my opinion.

[@Cbart23]

Who put the ball in the west ham net ?

[@harveygration]

😂 half the ******* team did

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

"Change in tack" not "change in tact"

[@robinalexander6699]

harvey, please what are your thoughts on people saying spurs are better than arsenal and will finish above you?

[@harveygration]

I like Ange, but no, respectfully.

[@xty070]

Lol

[@sjthesource]

And grayson love your content but where is the liverpool breskdown man. Be more consistent please

[@harveygration]

I’m trying!

[@denodennis8871]

Arsenal fc forever

[@shahrirabduljamil]

White play cm...

[@Keinho7]

No Liverpool breakdown?

[@harveygration]

Unfortunately not, sorry. Lots of work and was severely under the weather. But nothing new to what we’ve been saying!

[@danchef8823]

Did you stop making videos?

[@harveygration]

No man! Just had so much university work. I hope to make one soon again. In a few weeks time when work is done for the term I’ll have videos flying at you!!!!!!

[@eddymwanza1378]

Slow down those slides bruv

[@harveygration]

👍👍

[@WillzeeWoo]

Shouldn't you have been working instead of making this video? 😂😂 Not complaining.. Great analysis as always Harv. 🤘🏻❤️🤍

[@harveygration]

Back to the grind now!

[@WillzeeWoo]

@@harveygration haha. No it's sleep time now. Get back to it tomorrow. 😆👌🏻🤘🏻