The most disciplined Arsenal in recent times

A result that is backed by performance, Arsenal scored a goal in each half to secure the victory. But the timing of the first goal, just before the half ends was crucial. Arsenal didn't create many chances in the first half mainly due to Wolves' defensive set-up which was different from Arsenal's set up off the ball. Let's take a look at how Wolves set up when Arsenal had the ball in 3 different positions.

Wolves - Off the Ball

In Arsenal's build-up play, the front two Wolves players didn't press any of the three Arsenal defenders. Instead, Raul Jiminez and Adama Troare were keen to block all passing lanes to Arsenal's midfield and forward players. As soon as the ball was released forward by Arsenal, Jiminez and Troare along with the Wolves midfield trio would start to collectively press Arsenal in the midfield area effectively. Arsenal, as a result, were not creative enough until the first goal. Here in the picture above, we can see Raul Jiminez started to press Dani Ceballos as soon as David Luiz released the pass. You can also see how Wolves crowded midfield narrow.

Wolves' collective pressing was impressive through-out the game and this also seems to the reason for their success this season. The midfield looks well trained in off the ball pressing, such that they are always anticipating instead of reacting. Arsenal had to go wide to get the ball forward using the full-backs, partly because Eddie Nketiah isn't as good as Lacazatte receiving the ball with back against the defender. Every time the ball traveled wide, instead of Wolves' wing-back pressing their Arsenal counterpart, one of the Wolves midfielder did the pressing on the wings, forming a rectangle (see pictures) with the defender, wing-back and other nearest midfielder. Wolves were successful in maintaining pressure on the ball carrier while blocking all forward and lateral passing options. Saka and Aubameyang, who were playing on the left inside channel and right inside channel respectively, faced difficulties receiving ball between the lines. You can see Saka and Aubameyang finding themselves surrounded by players all the time, while Wolves always maintained a good defensive line.

Arsenal - transition during the Wolves' counter-attack

A team like Wolves that thrives on counter-attacking football, Arsenal's transition tactics could be a game-changer. And I think that is where Arsenal won the game in my opinion. Except for 2-3 instances where Wolves were able to counter-attack, Arsenal was pretty solid in the transition after losing the ball. As soon as the ball was lost, Arsenal players would get back in position forming two lines of defense. Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka's work ethic and discipline during the game were amazing and always ensured they formed the first line of defense during transitions. This gave the 3 Arsenal defenders time to mark Wolves' forward players or block passing lanes. Kieran Tierney and Cedric Soares had a decent game ensuring they got back in defensive positions in time, running a lot during the game. This might also be a reason why they were substituted in the game where they had to make many high-intensity sprints. Below you can see Saka putting pressure on the ball carrier when Wolves were just about to start their counter-attack. Arsenal had the right shape to ensure that this counter-attack has no end result for Wolves.

Individual quality was the difference between the two teams but Arsenal players and coaches can be proud of their disciplined performance against a team that has defeated best teams in the Premier League. Hope Arsenal can maintain the momentum in upcoming games that could potentially decide the fate of Arsenal's position in the table this season.