There are many reasons to suggest that Arsenal’s recent resurgence is far more than a temporary purple patch.
Mikel Arteta’s introduction of a 3-4-3 system has seen fundamental changes to the way that the Gunners play from both an attacking and defensive point of view.
The use of three central defenders was perhaps a bold move by Arteta when you consider the defensive fragility that has persisted at the Emirates Stadium for a number of years. But the instructions placed upon the midfield pair brings added importance to how two central midfielders carry out their respective tasks.
In Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos, the Gunners have a pair that may not be playing together as regularly for much longer. Recent success shown by their combination could be cut short by the deadline day arrival of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid.
However, that may lead to question marks over whether or not the 27-year-old Ghana international would suit Areta’s newly-found tactical shape.
Those question marks are perhaps justified when Partey is often labelled as a purely defensive midfielder that was perfect for Diego Simeone’s mainly negative approach to shutting teams down at the first chance.
Nevertheless, Partey has much more to offer than just protecting the back four and could show more of his skill set in a 3-4-3 formation under Arteta.
Partey tends to receive possession in central areas (Image: Twenty3)
According to data provider Twenty3, Partey ranked as the ninth-most active player in LaLiga for attempted passes to the final third with 9.87 per 90 minutes. That high level of frequency in terms of progressive passing would be well placed in a 3-4-3 system that requires the midfield pair to move the ball forwards on a consistent basis.
However, one area in which Partey would have to change is where he tends to receive the ball from. As shown below, he primarily functions as a sole holding midfielder and therefore receives possession in central areas which wouldn’t be possible alongside Xhaka, for example.
While the left-sided midfielder, often Saul Niguez, tends to receive the ball slightly wider and further forward, that type of imbalance would be unlikely in a 3-4-3 system with added defensive responsibilities.
As a result, his arrival at Arsenal would present a slight change in role for Partey if the Gunners continue to use a 3-4-3 system. It could perhaps be one that illustrates his technical skills more frequently compared to Simeone’s system and therefore provide Arteta with an interesting chance for developing the midfielder.
Partey's use at Atletico has helped Simeone and his side secure some notable victories, including their Champions League success over Liverpool last season, but even Jurgen Klopp questioned the use of players such as Partey by Simeone after their round-of-16 tie.
“I don’t understand with the quality they have the football they play," Klopp said. "They could play proper football but they stand deep and have counter-attacks.
“I realise I am a really bad loser, especially when the boys put such an effort in against world-class players on the other side who defend with two rows of four. It doesn’t feel right tonight, to be honest.”
That type of opportunity to work with a more expansive boss trying to build an attractive brand of football could be something that truly gets the best out of Partey.
Indeed, he has enjoyed multiple years of Champions League football with Atletico Madrid. But his £45million move to Arsenal could finally give him the chance to show his quality in different areas.
