Arsenal news: Arsene Wenger must change his formation from 3-4-3, says Marcotti
That is the view of ESPN’s European Football expert Gabriele Marcotti.
Wenger switched to playing three-at-the-back for Arsenal’s away Premier League trip to Middlesbrough in April.
The formation provided immediate success for the Gunners and helped them overcome Manchester City and Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final and final respectively.
However, Marcotti says it was only working well because Wenger had players in his squad who could play in the positions.
Wenger resorted to playing midfielder Francis Coquelin in the middle of a back three in the 3-1 loss to Manchester City on Sunday due to injuries and illness to other key defenders.
I feel like I’ve stuck up for Arsene Wenger enough times, now it’s time to put the boot in
Gabriele Marcotti on Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Marcotti says the defensive setup is a more important issue than leaving star striker Alexandre Lacazette out of the starting line-up at the Etihad.
“I feel like I’ve stuck up for Arsene Wenger enough times, now it’s time to put the boot in,” Marcotti said.
“I don’t want to see this back three anymore.
“Instead of worrying about (Alexandre) Lacazette or whatever, well obviously yes Lacazette should start.
“Hey, try the novel idea of actually playing your better players.
Arsenal fan RAGES at Arsene Wenger’s decisions
ESPN
Arsenal news: Arsene Wenger must also start playing his best players, says Marcotti
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Play Lacazette, with (Alexis) Sanchez, with (Mesut) Ozil, and if you want to stick (Alex) Iwobi or (Aaron) Ramsey in a line of three, go ahead and do that.
“But what is it with the back three? (Antonio) Conte does it last year and all of a sudden ‘oh, I’ll go ahead and do it as well’.
“I know it yielded some results in the early going, but that was when you were playing centre-backs who are actual central defenders.
“Francis Coquelin in the back three! Enough!”
Arsenal's next Premier League game is against north London rivals Tottenham on Saturday November 18 (12.30pm) at the Emirates.
