Arsenal cannot play three-man defense against Manchester City in FA Cup semifinal

Arsene Wenger made a bold change to Arsenal’s lineup by fielding a 3-4-3 formation against Middlesbrough. Could the Frenchman now do the same against Manchester City in the FA Cup?

Arsene Wenger is often accused of being stubborn and stuck in his ways. So with the Arsenal fans now calling for a change of manager, Wenger saw the perfect opportunity to do something different and prove otherwise.

Wenger decided to play a 3-4-2-1 formation in a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough. The win was crucial for the Gunners, but the performance itself wasn’t overly impressive. The job was done, though, and that was the most important thing for Wenger and Arsenal given the position the club are in.

Now it’s on to Wembley Stadium and an FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City on Sunday. Will Wenger stick with this new formation? The Frenchman said after the Boro game that he was not looking long-term when he made the change in system.

So that leaves things up in the air for the City clash. However, this is a game Wenger should avoid playing the three-man backline. Firstly, the Arsenal players are not exactly well-practised in the system. They’re still learning the ropes.

Secondly, the way City play with so much width, it would be a bad idea for the Gunners to play with wing backs. Arsenal are not good defensively at the best of times, so a system which is vulnerable to quick wide players isn’t the best gameplan.

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Wenger also has to consider the mindset and confidence levels of his team right now. One win over an odds-on-favorite for relegation hasn’t suddenly put everything right in the world. Arsenal are still fragile.

Wenger needs to play this game against City very cautiously. Make sure the game is tight for at least the first 30 minutes. If City come out confident and score early because Arsenal are trying something new, heads could easily drop and the scoreline could snowball from there.

It’s a game Arsenal need to manage carefully, and playing 3-4-2-1 won’t allow them to do that. In that system, they will lose the midfield and possession battle for sure. City will dominate the game and, eventually, work the ball into the wide areas for the likes of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling or Kevin De Bruyne to do damage.

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A 4-3-3 formation, with hard-working wide players, would be a better way to go. Even a 4-2-3-1. Wenger showed he is finally willing to change against Boro. Now he needs to show that not only can he change and adjust, but that he also knows when to stick and when to twist.

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