After two very difficult defeats to open the season, we have now won four Premier League matches on the trot, level with Sp*rs on points (albeit goal difference) and in sixth place (even ahead of Manchester United). With the Premier League table now starting to take a bit of shape after six matches, I am quite content with how we've positioned ourselves thus far seeing we're keeping pace for with our realistic aim of a top 4 push. We have four 'favorable' Premier League fixtures ahead of us before we face current league leaders Liverpool, with Watford and Leicester at home, and also short trips to Fulham and Crystal Palace away. Although these are anything but straight forward fixtures, Emery is already proving capable of adapting and overcoming against awkward opposition in an unfamiliar league. We're winning matches, but we're far from our best collectively and stylistically.
We saw plenty of square pegs in round holes during Wenger's tenure (especially the latter years), however not many would have expected to see it to the extent at which they have so far in Emery's early days. Forced with a multitude of attacking conundrums, Emery has opted to push our centre forward out to the left wing, our playmaker in chief out to the right flank, and our box to box central midfielder to an advanced number 10 role, where many would have expected our head coach to prefer excluding for a more collective balance. Here are my thoughts on one of the trio of misfit attackers, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabon man hasn't looked anywhere near his best leading the line so far this season (which in fairness has a lot to do with the other pieces to the puzzle in the front 4) which in consequence we've recently seen him deployed wide left in the last three Premier League matches, courtesy to his teammate and fellow striker Alexander Lacazette. I'll openly admit I'm not the biggest proponent of pushing him out wide. He's not the greatest contributor as far as build up and link play is concerned in deeper areas of the pitch, deploying him wide requires a defensive shift which isn't a strong suit of his, and he often finds himself isolated and further away from where he's most effective (poaching inside the 18). However for what it's worth, I feel like his deployment on the wing much makes more sense than where we are seeing Aaron and Mesut positioned. I won't venture there because those are two separate topics for another day. And although we've been winning and he's bagged a few goals since shifted out wide, I think there are plenty of improvements to be had. Given Lacazette's recent form, I don't see a change in formula anytime soon. So how can we get the best out of Aubameyang on the flank?
'Quasi' Second Striker
We may never see the pair play as out and out strikers, however, when on the pitch at the same time, the two will still need to use their understanding to make the front line click. Lacazette likes to drop in and link the play from centre forward. If Aubameyang wants to be effective from the flank, it will require him to use intelligent movement get closer to Lacazette and take up positions a second striker would, but on a intermittent basis and become that 'quasi' second striker. Since he's positioned primarily on the wing, he won't always be in the advantageous position. He will, however, need to be at his opportunistic best in getting in those spots and playing closer to Lacazette. Case example, Aubameyang's goal against Cardiff. Although he wasn't in the 18 on this occasion, he did successfully link up with Özil and Lacazette scoring a beauty.
Midfield Change of Shape
It should be pretty well known that shapes change throughout matches, roles are tweaked, and players never abide 100% by what you see on the TV screen when the lineups and formations are revealed. As I mentioned above in my first point, Aubameyang will be required to use intelligent movement to bring himself out of wide isolation. In order for this theory to be put into practice, a collective effort is required, as others will need to show just as much opportunistic awareness. Özil especially, will need to tuck in and assist with the change in shape from the right (if deployed there). I think we all know Mesut doesn't particularly like being wide right anyways, so that shouldn't be too much of an issue. If Ramsey is playing in the 10 role, he'll need drop in and create a midfield trio, or even stay advanced with Özil making two players take up advanced central positions.
Trusty Torreira
As if we're not unbalanced enough, playing Aubameyang wide left weighs adds more weight to our top heavy frame. Torreira will be a key part in this on the defensive end, covering spaces and plugging holes when necessary. You can bet that if we're constantly changing our team shape, the game might become open, chaotic, and end to end. I believe the little Uruguayan is a key figure in our side, regardless if we play Aubameyang on the wing. However, the emphasis on his defensive shift will be even more decisive if we continue to see success in shoehorning Pierre on the left.
Verdict
As much as I'd like to believe that accommodating both Aubameyang and Lacazette is as simple as playing with two out and out strikers in a 4-4-2, or changing to a three at the back system with a 3-5-2, it's not realistic at this point. So even though I have not completely bought into the idea of Aubameyang on the left given the drawbacks, I am completely fine with the idea due to the fact that we're winning matches with him deployed there and he's able to find his scoring boots. I'll add that there are certain matches, for instance the ones against the better sides where Emery should take heed to the side of caution and use it as a plan b if necessary. So for the time being, and against the smaller sides, I'll fully embrace the idea.
@TheTexasGooner
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