Declan Rice and Martin Zvimendi compete for the ball. (Image: Getty)
Arsenal may have just found the blueprint for Champions League glory. It was born of Mikel Arteta’s rare moment of flexibility. During a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, the Gunners manager did something that few expected. I changed my approach.
Arteta, known for his loyalty to the system, instead implemented a bold tactical adjustment that could prove decisive against either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final. Who are the main characters? Declan Rice and Martin Zvimendi. Rather than anchoring the midfield in his usual role, Rice dropped deep, almost acting as a third centre-back alongside William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.
With David Raya also involved, Arsenal suddenly had a 4-2 advantage in the first phase of the build-up against Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann.
The outcome was completely controlled. Atlético’s structure was easily circumvented, both physically and technically, and Arsenal were able to dominate the tempo and position from the start, while silencing the home crowd.
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At the same time, Zvimendi has been pushed higher up the pitch, taking on a role reminiscent of Granit Xhaka’s role at Arsenal. Although he saw less of the ball, he continued to have a decisive influence in the most important situations.
The impact was clearly visible at crucial moments in the first half. With Álvarez stripped, Zvimendi quickly linked up with Martin Ødegaard on the edge of the area and released Victor Gökeres, who was brought down by David Hanko.
Despite doubts about his consistency, Gökeres showed no hesitation and fired a penalty past Jan Oblak to settle the first leg.
It was a move that might not have happened if Zvimendi had been deployed deeper.
Martin Zvimendi helped award Arsenal a penalty. (Image: Getty)
Atletico equalized with a controversial penalty. But up until that point, Arsenal were in control. And even though he feels he should be in the lead, he is still the favorite to make the final and will be confident of making it.
They may have felt that the second penalty was not awarded when the decision was returned after a lengthy VAR check after Eberechi Eze went to the floor and referee Danny McCarey pointed to the spot.
But Arteta built a season based on belief, often remaining rigidly adhering to his principles. Sometimes that stubbornness paid off. Arsenal, on the other hand, have become more predictable and find it easier to contain elite opponents in pressure situations.
In Madrid, he revealed a different side. He adapted to his opponent. He trusted the new plan.
It remains to be seen whether he continues with these tweaks in a potential finals game. But one thing is clear now: Arsenal don’t necessarily need to be better than Europe’s elite.
With a manager willing to evolve and a squad capable of implementing multiple tactical ideas, they may already have the edge they need to go all the way and ultimately conquer European football’s biggest stage.
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