Arseblog Arsecast, The Arsenal Podcast Arsecast Extra Episode 687 - 23.03.2026
12 snips
Mar 23, 2026 They unpack the 2-0 defeat at Wembley, focusing on team selection shaped by injuries and late changes. There is a heated debate over starting Kepa instead of Raya and how that affected build-up play. Tactical analysis covers City's pressing block, Hincapie's yellow and defensive breakdowns for both goals. They also discuss midfield fatigue, Saka's form, substitution choices and how fans cope after a painful loss.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
City's 4-2 Block Cut Arsenal's Passing Lanes
- Manchester City's tactical setup used a staggered 4-2 block to invite Arsenal's centre-backs to have the ball but cut passing lanes forward.
- That forced Arsenal into wide or long options and exposed a lack of midfield creativity without Odegaard and Eze.
Make Proactive Substitutions Against Targeted Pressure
- Change tactics earlier when a booked full-back is being targeted and the opponent gains dominance in one flank.
- Andrew suggests bringing on Leandro Trossard replacement Ricardo Calafiori sooner to exploit pockets behind City's press.
Pass Accuracy Reveals Technical Drop-Off
- Arsenal showed poor pass accuracy in key players which compounded their inability to break City's press.
- James lists percentages: Kepa 62%, Zubimendi 69%, Havertz 55%, Trossard 61%, Jökull 43%, highlighting a technical drop-off in the side.