3 reasons Arsenal should stick with a back four

Their season is starting to drift

It was less than a month ago that Arsenal offered a reminder of how good they can be in their 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. 

The Gunners were incisive and pressed aggressively, making them worthy winners of the North London derby.

But they’ve failed to win their last three league games, leaving them in seventh place.

Arsene Wenger used a back four, his favoured system, for the first time in league action this season in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with West Ham United.

Arsenal were poor at the London Stadium, but that doesn’t mean Wenger should revert to a back three just yet. Here are three reasons why should stick with it, starting against Newcastle United on Saturday.

No Aaron Ramsey

One of the major beneficiaries of the move to a back three was Aaron Ramsey. The Wales international was able to make his trademark attacking runs, safe in the knowledge that there were three defenders behind him.

The Wales international has been ruled out of action for three weeks, which means he’ll miss big games against Liverpool and Chelsea.

Without Ramsey, Jack Wilshere could get a run in the team. Wilshere doesn’t make Ramsey’s runs into the box, which means there’s less reason to have an additional body in defence.

Improve the Football

The move to a back three was supposed to tighten up Arsenal’s defence. But there’s little sign it’s done so this season. The Gunners still look vulnerable at the back. They’ve conceded 20 league goals, the joint-most of any side in the top seven.