NAPNapoliClub page
ARSArsenalClub page
Squad value€439.58m
Squad value€1.37bn
Key playerRasmus Højlund
Key playerDeclan Rice
Head coachMassimiliano Allegri
Head coachMikel Arteta
Nothing about how these two play marks this one out.
Almost everything they do with the ball goes down the touchlines. They rarely find a pass through the middle, so expect crosses rather than balls threaded between defenders.
“In questo senso, i dati sulla distribuzione delle azioni sono eloquenti: gli azzurri hanno concentrato le loro giocate offensive sulle due corsie laterali per il 71%.”On that point, the data on where the play went is telling: Napoli concentrated 71% of their attacking play in the two wide channels. our translation
Allegri is happy to hand the ball over and sit deep, and this early in his time at Napoli that has meant long spells where they simply defend and wait.
“Gli azzurri si sono consegnati alla squadra di Fabregas, difendendo bassi e male, e hanno provato a reagire solo dopo il primo schiaffo.”Napoli handed themselves over to Fabregas's side, defending deep and badly, and only tried to react after the first slap in the face. our translation
Out of possession Napoli make two banks in front of their own goal and stay there. Their right winger no longer drops in as an extra defender, so it is one man up front until a midfielder sprints up to join him.
“Pure in fase di non possesso: a differenza di quanto avveniva con Conte, Politano non si aggiungeva alla linea difensiva, restava davanti a Di Lorenzo per disegnare un 4-5-1 che diventava un 4-4-2 quando una delle due mezzali, soprattutto McTominay, andava ad alzarsi in pressione accanto a Hojlund.”Out of possession too: unlike under Conte, Politano did not drop into the back line, he stayed in front of Di Lorenzo to make a 4-5-1 that became a 4-4-2 when one of the two central midfielders, McTominay above all, pushed up to press alongside Hojlund. our translation
Arsenal come after the ball the moment the other goalkeeper has it, and they win it back high up the pitch often enough to score from it.
“Arsenal started the game on the front foot with their targeted pressing structure, pouncing on high regain opportunities from Villa goal-kick restarts and in general play.”Everything Arsenal do starts with not conceding. If you are hoping for goals against them, expect a long wait.
“Mikel Arteta has built his side’s success around defensive stability, keeping 19 clean sheets en route to landing the title in May.”When a team packs its own box against them, Arsenal get their goals from corners and free-kicks instead. Do not go and make tea when they win one.
“Set-pieces have become a monumental part of Arteta’s setup as teams continue to deploy low blocks to nullify Arsenal’s attacking threat in open play.”