Gabriel Martinelli UNLOCKED, Arteta’s Ruthless Plan: Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace Tactical Analysis

Arsenal announced their return from a 2-week break with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Roy Hodgson and Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta and his men move third in the Premier League table, but it was the Spaniard's plan for Gabriel Martinelli when he came on, that epitomized a potential new attacking method.
This video provides an in-depth tactical analysis on the Saturday game, but also uses the match to describe a larger theme of importance for Arsenal- the transition. Maximizing not just Martinelli, but variety and volume of shooting, and how to attack space differently is integral if Arteta's side are to become more ruthless this season.
I provide a deep-dive into how Arsenal have used Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah, and Gabriel Martinelli so far this season on the counter attack, and how a more direct route of access to their attackers could see them benefit greatly.
This goes hand in hand with Jorginho and his great form, Declan Rice, and the transitional control provided by the Arsenal defence, comprised of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White, and David Raya.
Emile Smith-Rowe got a warm welcome back to action as well.
Arsenal opened the scoring vs Palace with a header from Gabriel Magalhaes, before a Dean Henderson own goal put the Gunners 2-0 up. Leandro Trossard rounded off a fantastic counter attack for 3, before Martinelli scored an injury time brace to send Palace packing back to Selhurst Park at the Emirates Stadium.
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[@TBG968]

Great vid Harv,Martinelli is a transition monster we truly saw today how dangerous he can be closer to goal.I was really impressed with Jorginho’s cameo love the way he manipulates the ball.Really intrigued to see partey back as I feel we still lack those line breaking passes in some phases & OOP wow….the way we control the opposition without the ball I would go as far to say there’s no better in Europe.Players needed that today onto Forrest.COYG.

[@harveygration]

Thanks again TBG. Jorginho has to play more minutes, that relationship with Rice gets so much out of both of them. Still frustrated with how Arteta is using the squad at times but his deployment of Martinelli at the end was perfect. And yes, but that in tandem with OOP + a striker signing like Osimhen and we are the best transitional team period.

[@TBG968]

@@harveygration completely agree!

[@abrahamgarshong2826]

Bro, you are giving our opponents a lot of free info to neutralize Arsenal. It's one of the reason we are not winning the way we want to. You are a brilliant analyst and a free resource to our opponents

[@abrahamgarshong2826]

Focus more on our competitors such as Liverpool, Spurs, City, Villa, Chelsea, and Newcastle. This will expose them so they drop points

[@TBG968]

@@abrahamgarshong2826 I doubt anyone at rival clubs is listening to us😂

[@hamoudziane]

Keep it up mate , your content makes the hard days a bit easier.

[@harveygration]

Hope all is well mate. Always here for a chat ❤️

[@Godspeedysick]

My prayers answered in how to treat Martinelli who has speed but isn’t being utilized in the correct way. I wanted him relegated to the bench to see how the game is being played then subbed in later when defenses become tired. Finally!

[@sachinpatel5447]

My tactical knowledge of football is honestly lacking but I think I'm learning some things from you. Great video.

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much. Glad you found it helpful

[@ricomorris1494]

Your videos are great! Great knowledge and analysis 🔥

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much, very kind of you.

[@meditationman415]

Very positive Harvey. I loved Zinchenko yesterday, outstanding

[@danbryanfitness]

Great job again Harvey, and appreciate the more regular videos...I know they are time-consuming to construct but I think it will be worth it over the long-run for if you decide to make this full-time, your analysis is excellent and you are consistent in your delivery. I think the future is bright. I know I always say it but would love you to do a Collab with TDK/The cannon podcast, that would be awesome!

[@harveygration]

Thanks again mate! Trying to do as much as I can whilst balancing with university stuff but trying. Would love to speak to those guys but need to keep improving first I think!

[@keeganbowen]

Keep up the good work bro!

[@harveygration]

Thank you!!

[@anthonyhewitt819]

Excellent analysis

[@harveygration]

🫡❤️

[@n_k_s_b]

great video harvey

[@harveygration]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed ❤️

[@harveygration]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed ❤️

[@sayansingha8474]

Harv we need a video on the Liverpool game, mate!

[@Sam1626473]

Something I noticed today was Gabriel being much higher IP. We really overloaded the LHS with Trossard, Zinny, Havertz and Gabriel. Maybe to compensate not having that out and out LCM? Great video as always. Love learning new things about the team we love!

[@harveygration]

Great observation because he definitely was. Nice to get his line breaking passes closer to goal I think, and given Zinny ever so slightly more license to rotate. Thank you as well, very kind ❤️

[@TJ-vv3ex]

@@harveygrationHistory shows us (Amazon Documentary) that whenever Arteta implements a new system he always starts with our RHS first - could we start to see a shift in our LHS dynamics as we grow accustomed to the new system?

[@uwalakapaul9467]

Great Job Harv, I love your detailed analysis. Can we agree that Declan rice to a certain extent limits us in being able to play over the top, unlike jorginho and partey like we saw with both martinelli goals

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much for the kind words. As for Dec, the short answer is no, he doesn’t limit us. Part of it is usage, part is physiological details. He switches of play, if used are the best in the team, and retention should always be the priority in a 6. However, Jorginho and Partey with their verticality are at the top of WORLD football + it is why a more rigid pivot or Rice (+1 of them) gets the best out of all contributors. Rice has also play the most forward passes in the league this season, so do with that what you will. Thoughts?

[@uwalakapaul9467]

@@harveygration I guess I didn't use the right saying he limits us but I just feel like against palace he wasn't as settled in his passes and plays, unlike Jorginho who came on and had 9 progresses passes than any other player on the pitch and an assist in just 17mins of play, although game state matters I understand that but I agree he needs to play together with partey more I guess

[@harveygration]

It’s true that Jorg + Partey, whoever plays, you’re struggling to find someone better vertically. But I do agree mate. It’s just about balance, always will be. Rice’s on ball qualities are top notch, it’s just about finding a synergy with others

[@uwalakapaul9467]

@@harveygration Exactly mate, he needs to understand the flow of the team and also the players too, the usual runs they'll likely make cause he has the quality to do so

[@lutherstcroix9392]

What are your thought's on Rice's in ablility to play line breakng passes? There was a wrold of deference between him and Gorginho today. I don't think Rice makes that pass to Martinelli today. I love him as a player, but it's so frustrating when those passes are on and he doesn't make them. Is it instruction from the manager or more a deficiency in his game? Love the content, please keep it up, your analysis really helps me when I'm watching games.

[@harveygration]

Firstly, thank you so much. So so kind of you. Secondly, Rice has made the most progressive passes out of any midfielder in the league this season, so do with that what you will. Jorginho is quite literally the best at clever manipulative vertical balls over the top as well, and when he plays in more of a rigid pivot with rice it gives both much more freedom to be themselves (Rice in the carry, Jorg like we saw today). It’s all about it type. Rice definitely has that pass within him, and can also access Gabi through other methods (carrying). Bottom line, don’t worry about Rice on the ball. There are a few things to iron out (like how he receives on is back foot) but all very minor IMO. Thoughts?

[@seunmoses]

Great video, re Rice, players are basically a series of trade offs, if Rice was an elite passer, in addition to being an elite CDM he'd be in the conversation for being the greatest ever, it's rare to have Redondo, Gullit, Reijkard type players who could defend, pass and attack at an elite level.

[@lutherstcroix9392]

he can definitely progress the ball, especially during the second phase, he's wonderful. When we're in the final thirds with teams pinned back or when defenses aren't settled into their shape, I don't see the ability to do something decisive with his passing, it's mostly the sideways or a switch of play. I'm not worried, but it's something I've noticed. Thanks again!@@harveygration

[@anthonydagbue3655]

It's more speed of thought. In modern football angles last a second.. nd close up fast Rice's mind isn't designed that way as first priority though his technical capacity means he "can" do it if it's on nd stays on long enough for him to notice it (which is rare in EPL) Jorginhos mind on the other hand dosent even function any other way - He'll see it seconds "before it opens" .. he is tier 1 in this particular metric.

[@harveygration]

I think that’s a fair comment, thanks for the continued support ❤️

[@philligzy4616]

Lovely little analysis video. Are u related to Fabio Vieira?😮 I could swear I was looking at him in the video just now. I do feel Arteta knows what our ideal team would be, though our limited squad depth by position is forcing him to overcompensate. It's a matter of an injury in a key position say, Defense right now or God forbid to Rice

[@harveygration]

I know I’m doing something well when the Fabio Vieira likeness pops up in the comments. And yes, I’m slightly waiting off criticising Arteta totally with his squad usage because of the lack of availability. But not being loose and limber enough is something he must improve upon

[@harveygration]

And thank you for the lovely comment ❤️

[@ojooyebamiji875]

Really excited for Martinelli. I've been really worried about him lately but really glad he has found his form. The result was good, it wasn't the perfect game though, but this was really an improvement on the last few games, especially in terms of speed of attack in attacking transitions (even havertz showed an urgency I've not seen in him in an arsenal shirt😅). Result is good for morale. We go again! #coyg

[@harveygration]

Think that’s the main thing. Transitional ascendancy enables you to create these types of situations more in games, and take the dependency off breaking down a settled block+ when Martinelli is on your team it would be rude not to use his superpower

[@ojooyebamiji875]

@@harveygration Exactly!

[@rogorog8693]

harvey am a united fan, but how do u feel about your title chances, considering u are now creating again and the defence has been solid. maybe if u played smith rowe rcm and odegaard lcm. maybe the chance creation goes through the roof, it feels like u are going for more control, do u prefer that, also are u aware people said u should better watch out for spurs as they play more exciting football than u this season and are better, do u agree?

[@mikeblake9761]

Gration Nation! We back bro!

[@harveygration]

🤜

[@angkhoapham8209]

Havertz at 9 is so weird. How he is so aggressive when we dont have possession yet so lethargic when we do have the ball is offputting and exciting at the same time.

[@EMAN4everlife]

Great video harvey. I thought it wasnt our best performance but i will take the 5-0 victory and enjoyed the last 20 mins of the game with esr, martinelli and jorginho coming on. Imo a deep lying playmaker is the primary reason why our attack hasnt been fluid yet but i think it will be fixed when partey comes back so we should stick to a rice and jorginho pivot untill then rather then playing havertz in midfield.

[@harveygration]

Yeah, was not our fluid best at all. But I guess that’s kind of the point. Maximising transitional threat and the ability to create them more consistently is a reliable goal scoring method alone. Loving the new Jorg role, hope Mikel gets a bit more loose and limber with his squad soon (when Partey is back).

[@EMAN4everlife]

Agreed especially when we have raya in goal who is really good at claiming crosses and is always ready to spring counters with his ball or feet in transition which martinelli can benefit from like you said. I can deffo see why arteta wants toney.

[@harveygration]

Toney is an interesting one because I actually don’t think he is a massive ceiling raiser. But in terms of transitions, he’s a killer. Has the Harry Kane ability to release runners, although not a runner-type himself, unbelievable technical quality etc. Osimhen pips him though because of his two way threat (creates shots like Nunez, occupies defenders ala Toney/Havertz, and his presence alone generates.

[@nicklikethesoup]

I’ve been chewing around the comments people keep making about LCM being the issue, I’m not sure it is still. I think it’s tempo. Fewer switches this season. More methodical control of possession. We’re playing more like Man City and less like Liverpool this season. For proper chaos to ensue, we need to be able to switch between both with ease and we really haven’t done so until this game. Watching how Havertz and Odegaard are rotating between the mid positions with Rice has been the most interesting thing to watch the last few weeks. They are clearly working on something and I think it’s related to tempo and figuring out which piece needs to be complimenting the other going forward. So that when they transition, they are protected. I’m also watching the FBs more. There is something happening there too I just can’t place my finger on what it is yet. I see something happening with the CBs, but what exactly is new, is still a little unclear.

[@harveygration]

Very interesting. Talking about tempo, yes I agree! But this is where I currently stand on the stylistic changes: if we can already play the slick, fast-flowing, improvisational football we know of last season so well, then my next job as a coach would be to make sure we are set piece dominant, dominate our zones; and are transition monsters. Tie up the loose ends. When it comes together, wow. Now people can (rightly so) critique how we’ve gone about is this season, but I think this is the general idea with a neutral cap on.

[@frankoboh8217]

I know Arteta would want to persist with Saka and Martinelli as inverted wingers forever. But before he decides to make substitutions when things are not working as usual, he should please switch player positions first for at least 20 minutes to see whether there would be improvement in the potency of the attack before making the substitutions. For instance, if our front five in attack are Havertz, Odegaard, Martinelli, Saka and Gabriel Jesus with Saka and Martinelli in their rigid traditional right and left inverted wings, he should switch their positions from formation A to formation B or C or D or E below to see how the gameplay would change. FORMATION A ---------Odegaard------------Havertz---------- Saka---------------Jesus-------------Martinelli FORMATION B --------------Havertz--------------Jesus---------- Martinelli-------------Saka-----------Odegaard FORMATION C -----------Saka-------------------Martinelli----- Jesus---------------Havertz-----------Odegaard FORMATION D --------------Saka--------------------Odegaard---- Martinelli---------------Havertz-----------Jesus FORMATION E --------------Havertz--------------Jesus---------- -Odegaard--------Martinelli---------Saka But I will be honest with you because I have seen the future already. For as long as Arteta continues to persist with Saka and Martinelli as inverted wingers alone, we may never win the league or any major trophy given the type of right and left backs we currently have. Yes, we will definitely win many games, but we will never win the title or a major trophy with that level of rigidity. The only way Saka and Martinelli, as inverted wingers, can ever produce any meaningful result on a consistent basis is if we have proper explosive and pacy attacking left and right fullbacks (e.g., Fripong of Bayern Leverkusen). If Arteta continues to resist DYNAMISM, FLEXIBILITY, and ADAPTABILITY for his and the team's own good, then Arsenal may never achieve its full potentials any time soon. Go and write it down.

[@rakeshmehta6067]

Are we attacking still with a 5 or would u say more of a 2-1-7 as zinchenko overlaps at times and bw so would that be a2-1-7?

[@harveygration]

We ain’t tryna look like Pochettino in possession bro!

[@markpotter544]

So transition to attack you mean Liverpool like right )). Disagree with you on odegaard,he is more or less the only creative link right now (zinchenko too but different), but if you mean at start of buildup, then I agree, he should be further forward and dropping when needed. Odegard is doing too much, so lcm is needed to help him. On Havertz as False 9, him and martinelli/Jesus can be like Kane and son or like firmino and salah. Finally, it's just one game, better not get carried away, next 3 games will be tough

[@mowzeyradio5048]

Palace where not doubling against our wingers like other teams do and secondly today they always went for the forward risky pass but also palace played with 3 at the back with wing backs so there was always space btn the wing back and the 3 cbs

[@nicklikethesoup]

If you speed up play, there isn’t time for the doubling up on our wingers. 3 v 1 or 2 is still an advantage. We scored despite the advantage multiple times. These are wins for the team.

[@highfivetm8304]

Where are your latest vids

[@meditationman415]

Lot of excitement Partey back, but have we forgotten the crap show when he was fit at the beginning of the season and Mikel played him right back? exciting if he plays him midfield, pain if he plays him right back.

[@harveygration]

Think what Mikel wanted was just unpredictability. The ‘best’ vision for human and Rice was using them in a more rigid pivot I think with flexible fullbacks (why Timber injury so frustrating). Have a video coming up on our lost/soon to be redound unpredictability that was the feature of pre seaosn

[@frankoboh8217]

Jorghino can do a Thomas Partey in terms of making progressive passes to Saka, Odegaard and Martinelli.

[@KVIDEO7]

This platform at the moment consists of too much technical language, which requires diagrams or some kind of illustrations to make it more to understand.

[@harveygration]

How Can Mikel Arteta Improve Arsenal's Attack? #1 Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Player Platforming kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZPcdnR9nbOfY6M

[@restkams9821]

Give mattinelli number 9 ll ve more goals

[@matthewhayden1332]

harvey do u think arsenal are back in the title race, based on the upturn in form with a great chance of winning, also what do u make of some funny people saying spurs are better than us?

[@harveygration]

We have always been in the title race, and are thoroughly in with a shout. Do I even need to comment on the second half of your comment?😂

[@robinflakes4902]

harvey am a spurs fan we play more excitng football so what makes u closer to city than us, i dont get it, are u jealous?

[@laislabonita]

Spurs aren’t closer to City or Arsenal or Liverpool, because Spurs cannot play in as many ways as City or Arsenal or Liverpool. Spurs have one way of playing successfully, and that is for teams to press them and they play through that press, like how Brighton do. The problem for Spurs is when they are not faced with that situation, they are no longer as consistent in their ability to create good chances. They are able to create chances in different ways, but not as well as when they building up short. Arsenal and City can play through a press, play through an low block, press teams in their build up and create chances that way, go long and direct, attack set pieces consistently. And on top of all that Arsenal and City can defend at a very high level as well. Liverpool can do the same as City and Arsenal but are not as well organised defensively, despite having the best defensive numbers. Liverpool prioritises more directness and less ball control than the other two. Spurs are improving, but they don’t have the variety to their game yet to challenge the top 3. Spurs are thus closer to Brighton in style at this moment.

[@iRunHaselburyRoad]

Teams aren’t bothering to low block spurs like that. Only pool city and arsenal get constant low blocks.

[@rhemamusic6502]

Martinelli has to consistently come on from the bench for now.