Arsene Wenger’s 3-4-3 switch a false dawn ahead of Manchester City clash

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Change. Change is what makes football the phenomenon it is. Ever evolving. Ever adapting. Whether it be advances in technology, changes in personnel or alteration to tournament formats, the beautiful game always keeps us guessing.

One man who seems to remain a constant is Arsene Wenger (some may argue constantly average in recent seasons).

Wenger remains the Bastian of long-term management in a sport where three months in charge is seen as a lengthy stint. His eloquent post match deductions have been a mainstay for what feels like time immemorial.

His attraction to possession football is an age-old love affair and where physical power is widely coveted in the modern game, he will still stick with the diminutive, creative midfield player (Santi Cazorla, Arsenal greatly miss you).

People can still surprise, however. Simply look at Arsene Wenger’s team against Middlesbrough. Seeing a 3-4-3 formation was like seeing a shooting star for the first time. You know it was there and yet somehow it still seems utterly unbelievable.

It was a break in tradition unlike anything we’ve seen from Wenger in recent seasons. Yet, it was entirely in keeping with a 2016/17 Premier League tradition which has seen many a manager try their hand at playing three centre backs (Conte seems to be the clear victor in implementing this system).

Without Mustafi, the inexperienced Holding and the volatile Gabriel flanked Koscielny. At wing-back, the predictable choice of Nacho Monreal and arguably the most anomalous decision of the night, Oxlade Chamberlain at right-wing-back.

As a matter of fact, The ‘Ox’ was Man of the Match. He was disciplined in defensive encounters and explosive going forward.

His left-sided counterpart, on the other hand, was tormented throughout the night and a 1-2 victory for the Gunners was certainly as nervy as it looks on paper.

In one of his aforementioned post-match press conferences, Wenger discussed his tactical switch up with BBC Sport:

“Yes, it is the first time in 20 years. That shows that that even at my age, you can change.”

The last time Arsene utilised this formation was in 1997, when he played Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Martin Keown. Most will agree this was a preferable back three to the one used at the Riverside.

The Frenchman went on to add:

“I felt it added a bit more stability on the long balls. We faced a direct game and we have been punished a bit on that.”

This latter remark seems a little troubling. After numerous games in recent weeks, it has been clear that Arsenal lack the capabilities to react to a direct game. Why, only now, has Wenger decided to adapt in an attempt to cope?

Sam Allardyce described the simplicity of his game plan, how to bombard and subsequently overwhelm the flimsy Arsenal set-up. Why was this experienced manager not prepared to deal with a man notorious for adopting this type of play?

Furthermore, it is hardly the sternest of tests for a team competing for Champions League football. Middlesbrough have only scored 13 goals at home this season (including the one against Arsenal) and are the only team in English league football yet to win this year.

Changing to a 3-4-3 against a team all but doomed to life in the Championship is hardly the revelation that many made it out to be.

It seems Wenger is poised to sign a two-year extension at the North London club. His use of an unorthodox formation seems a transparent way of showing board, players and fans that he is willing to seek alternative solutions to ensure Arsenal do not wallow in Europa League obscurity.

However, we must not be fooled. Arsene has remained stubborn throughout the season and only now, when his challenge in the Premier League is futile, he decides to throw out his tactical staple.

He will almost undoubtedly refer to type when it comes to the crucial battle against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final. Arguably the most eminently beatable opposition, it would be astounding if Wenger could summon up enough courage in his team to overcome Pep’s City.

Arsenal fans, Wenger has not turned over a new leaf. This is a painfully obvious rouse to lull fans into a false sense of hope and optimism.

You will be top of the league in October 2017 and be fourth, fifth or sixth come early April 2018. The footballing version of Groundhog Day will continue indefinitely.

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