Adrian Clarke examines key tactical considerations and influential players ahead of Matchweek 4, focusing on Arsenal.
Declan Rice is set to miss his inaugural Premier League match for Arsenal this Sunday due to a suspension from two yellow cards received against Brighton & Hove Albion, a setback that could not have come at a worse time.
With captain Martin Odegaard sidelined by an ankle injury sustained during international duty and new acquisition Mikel Merino unavailable due to a shoulder fracture, manager Mikel Arteta may face the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur without his primary central midfield options. The impact of these absences on Arsenal's strategy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a pressing concern.
Rice may not be a significant loss
In crucial matches, losing a player of Rice’s quality is always a challenge, particularly given his calming influence and experience. However, the 25-year-old has not yet reached his peak performance levels this season. While he boasts an impressive 97.1% passing accuracy, the highest among players in the top flight with at least 90 minutes played, his overall presence has not been as commanding. His successful passes per 90 minutes are less than half of what he achieved last season.
Comparing Rice’s passing statistics from the 2023/24 season to the current one shows a decline in his effective contributions:
23/24 24/25
Passing accuracy 90.6% 97.1%
Successful passes/90 56.3 26.9
Successful passes in opponent's half/90 32.5 18.8
Chances created 1.3 0.8
Rice's positioning has shifted wider in Arteta’s midfield, resulting in fewer touches during the build-up phase. His limited pre-season has contributed to his gradual return to form.
Defensive contributions have decreased
The England international has worked hard, averaging 10.9 kilometers per match in the first three games, although this is down from 11.51 kilometers last season. In his box-to-box role, Rice's defensive duties have evolved, placing greater emphasis on pressing, an area where he excels, but his overall defensive impact has yet to impress.
Rice's defensive statistics comparison per 90 minutes:
23/24 24/25
Possession won 4.96 4.02
Interceptions 1.23 1.21
Tackles 2.31 0.40
Duels won 4.35 3.62
Against a Spurs team likely to seek control, this match would have required Rice's defensive prowess, a responsibility that will now shift to his teammates.
Time for Jorginho?
Arteta is expected to bring back Jorginho to partner Thomas Partey at the base of the midfield. This combination may be more effective than relying on a single holding player, given their speed limitations. Rice’s ability to cover ground will certainly be missed.
Statistics indicate that while Jorginho logged more distance per 90 minutes last season, his appearances often came as a substitute, which can skew the numbers:
Midfielders' distance/sprints/top speed 23/24
Rice Jorginho Partey
Distance/90 (km) 11.51 11.96 10.85
Sprints/90 11.60 4.70 7.50
Top speed (km/h) 33.25 28.90 31.94
Jorginho's previous performances against Spurs have been solid; he contributed to Arsenal's success last season and has shown his ability to deliver progressive passes that can exploit space.
Finding room for Sterling
If Arsenal opts for a 4-2-3-1 formation, they might need to focus more on transitions, potentially allowing Raheem Sterling to make his debut. This would inject fresh energy into the team, with Trossard able to assume Odegaard’s role behind Havertz.
Arteta could also maintain a 4-3-3 formation, potentially giving teenager Ethan Nwaneri a chance to start. Nwaneri has made history as the youngest Premier League player and possesses strong technical skills, but stepping into Odegaard’s role would be a significant challenge.
The loss of both Odegaard and Rice poses a major challenge, yet Arteta has tactical strategies that could aid in adapting to these absences. While adjustments may be necessary, the quality within the squad remains a source of confidence for securing a third consecutive win against their rivals.