4-5-1 its back with a bang!

Posted by Gooner Get Ya Monday, 10 November 2008 09:16

I remember the days of this dreaded formation last season. It made me think i wanted to stick things in my eyes as the only thing worse than a striker wasting chances is a striker wasting chances on his own. Admittedly we were only playing a 4-5 becase Bendtner didn't show up.

I don't think 4-5-1 is the best formation for us because a lot of our play relies on forward runs diverting defenders (Nasri's second goal). With only one upfront then it is going to be difficult to draw defenders out of the game unless midfielder make the runs. If we are to play the formation then I think it will work best with Eduardo playing as the striker because without a doubt he is the most clinical and it would appear that he reads the game well.

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Comments (2)

I agree that 4-5-1 is a tricky formation, especially with Arsenal. However it can be successful and has been in the past for us but it requires the key element of a hard working, intelligent and clinical finisher. The fact that our midfielders and wing backs attack so much makes up for the loss of another striker up front. We had much success with the formation in the 2006 Champions League where we made it to the finals. Henry was still in his prime and played lone striker most of that European campaign. However Bendtner is no Henry and though he works hard, is slow and lacks the finesse and touch necessary to be the lone striker. Adebayor seems to only play good when we are winning and seems to be sluggish when we are losing. He has the potential to lead the line by himself with pace and skill. His finishing is good but can develop more but his attitude is rather schizophrenic and at times questionable. As you said Eduardo is the most capable mainly because he has played the role many times for Zagreb and Croatia. The little we've seen of him suggests he can be the one to flourish in this formation but I will reserve my judgment until I've seen a whole season of him.

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