When both teams choose to initiate their attacks from their goalkeepers, my personal approach would be to press them aggressively high up the pitch, aiming to disrupt their rhythm and established passing patterns.
This strategy carries an inherent risk, given that both squads feature defenders comfortable operating under pressure, who can occasionally bypass even the most effective press.
However, despite being high-risk, it also offers significant rewards. Over the last five seasons, there has been an unprecedented increase in goals conceded from turnovers in a team’s own half.
City is still expected to control possession, even against a high press, and will spend considerable time in Arsenal’s attacking third. So, with the Gunners forced back, the question becomes: how can they launch counter-attacks with sufficient potency to harm City?
When in possession, City pushes many players forward, leaving just two central defenders to cover their entire backline.
Rodri will sweep in front of Abdukodir Khusanov and Guehi, but spaces will open up either out wide or behind those two centre-backs – and these are the areas Arsenal must exploit in open play.
To execute this effectively, Arsenal, upon regaining possession in deeper areas, needs to deliver passes and orchestrate runs beyond City’s defensive line, utilizing an ‘up, back, and through’ sequence.
While it sounds straightforward, City will aggressively seek to regain possession quickly, and both of their central defenders possess significant pace, even if Arsenal can engineer a foot race.
Nonetheless, Mikel’s squad is fully capable of performing this effectively. We know they possess the quality to play under intense pressure, which will be essential for their success on Sunday.
Beyond all these tactical considerations, set-pieces will once again be crucial for them, and equally so for City. As ever, the precision of corners, free-kicks, and throw-ins must be complemented by the hunger to win both the first and second ball – a requirement for whoever is attacking and defending.