Concern raised about Arsenal midfield tactics

Former Manchester City star, Micah Richards has expressed concern over Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta’s midfield tactics and midfielder, Thomas Partey after their recent 2-1 vs Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Richards in his statement advised Arteta to work on finding the right tactics for his midfield and Partey, who played as a right-back against Nottingham Forest.

He feels Partey was placed in the right-back owing to the arrival of Declan Rice.

During his statement concerning Arteta’s midfield tactics, Richards said on BBC’s Match of the Day: “For me, I am not sure it worked out today.

“Obviously, Partey started out in that right-back role and I could see the intent from the start of the game.

“What they wanted to do is Partey to go inside to leave all the space for Saka, so Saka can come to the ball in a one-versus-one situation, or he can go over the top.

“But the lack of pace and fluidity in Arsenal’s play… Arsenal are moving the ball left to right too slow. If you are going to play like this you need to move the ball from right to left, left to right as soon as possible to get them in these key areas where they are going to hurt them.

“It was a great result for them to get off with a win but I just think everything was a little bit too slow.”