After an underwhelming few years, Arsenal took a big step in the right direction in the 2022/23 season. Although their silverware drought continued, they jumped up to second in the league and gave Manchester City a real run for their money, quite clearly looking like the second-best side in the country behind the treble-winners. The
Better, sure. But, he was still the member of the midfield 3 with the fewest defensive responsibilities. Often when Arsenal was defending he was up front with the striker in a 4-4-2, harassing the opposing defenders / GKs while Xhaka lined up next to Partey.
What happens next season, does Odegaard line up next to Partey / Rice while Havertz lines up next to the striker? If so, that’s a lot of new responsibility on Odegaard. Or is it Havertz who lines up deeper, defending as a CM for one of the first times in his professional career?
Better, sure. But, he was still the member of the midfield 3 with the fewest defensive responsibilities. Often when Arsenal was defending he was up front with the striker in a 4-4-2, harassing the opposing defenders / GKs while Xhaka lined up next to Partey.
What happens next season, does Odegaard line up next to Partey / Rice while Havertz lines up next to the striker? If so, that’s a lot of new responsibility on Odegaard. Or is it Havertz who lines up deeper, defending as a CM for one of the first times in his professional career?