How Mikel Arteta’s tactical tweak left Tottenham stunned as shock Arsenal star plays false nine role
ARSENAL undid Tottenham thanks to a tactical masterstroke from Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners raced into a 3-0 half-time lead in the North London Derby though twice shot themselves in the foot to hand Spurs a way back into the match.
Their mistakes did not matter in the end as Arsenal closed out a narrow 3-2 win, with Arteta’s side remaining in control for the majority of the clash.
They surrendered possession to their opponents in the first half and managed just nine shots to Tottenham’s 13, but were clinical with their chances.
They got off to a brilliant start too as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal in the 15th minute opened the scoring.
Arsenal were able to take the initiative as they unsettled their opponents with a rarely seen tactic – Martin Odegaard operating as a false nine.
The Gunners captain played further forward than any of his team-mates and acted as a focal point in attack.
He was able to pick passes at will and played in Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard when they made runs from deep.
Odegaard made eight touches in the Tottenham penalty area and was calm and composed in possession – he was dispossessed just once.
The Norwegian mostly operated on the right flank in support of Saka, which created space for Kai Havertz to play more centrally.
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Havertz usually operates in a false nine role for the Gunners but he dropped deeper to limit Rodrigo Bentacur’s influence, and it worked a treat.
Bentancur was hooked at half-time as Spurs struggled to convert their first-half dominance into chances at goal.
That was mainly thanks to Declan Rice and Thomas Partey providing a protective shield for the backline, which allowed Odegaard free reign to roam forward.
He linked play in the attacking final third and produced a brilliant touch and pass to play in Havertz to score – only for the goal to be ruled out because Odegaard strayed offside.