"They can adapt to what opponents they are playing" - Micah Richards heaps praise on one key aspect of Arsenal's tactics
Micah Richards is impressed with Arsenal's press, which has helped the Gunners make an unbeaten start to the season. Mikel Arteta's men came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at the Emirates on Saturday (October 5).
The hosts fell behind when Cameron Archer struck in the 55th minute. They showed resilience and responded through Kai Havertz in the 58th minute who just beat the offside trap.
Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli in the 68th minute, and Bukayo Saka sealed all three points 20 minutes later. Arteta's side sit third heading into the international break, a point behind leaders Liverpool.
The Gunners controlled proceedings at the Emirates and were relentless in their press when the Saints had possession. Richards highlighted this particular part of Arteta's tactical setup on BBC MOTD:
”What’s so great about Arsenal is the way they press, and the way they can adapt to what opponents they are playing. They set traps here, they sort of play 4-4-2 at times when they press, and Jorginho and (Declan) Rice were really aggressive in going high."
The north Londoners are one of the most energetic teams in the English top flight. They work hard off the ball, with Declan Rice and Jorginho looking to regain control of possession in the middle of the park.
Gabriel Martinelli hailed 'unbelievable' Bukayo Saka after Arsenal's win
Martinelli was full of praise for Saka, who has made a red-hot start to the season. The English attacker has bagged three goals and seven assists in 10 games across competitions, including a goal and assist this weekend.
Saka is linking up well with Havertz and Martinelli, and Arsenal are purring on all fronts. The Brazilian winger spoke to club media about the assist for his goal:
"We know when someone opens the ball up, we know the areas that we need to go. It was an unbelievable ball from B (Saka), and I was there – a really good moment for me and a nice goal. I just tried to put it down, and I’m really happy with the goal."
Martinelli also acknowledged Saka, the Gunners' vice-captain, as one of the best players in the world:
"He’s a really nice guy as well so we’re really happy to have him here as one of the captains. He’s unbelievable, one of the best players in the world right now."
Saka has picked up where he left off last season with phenomenal performances that have helped Arteta's men. He is set to appear for England during the international break in Nations League action.