Arteta’s Tactical Twist: Timber and Zubimendi Rotation Could Catch Rivals Cold

We could be in for a major tactical shift involving Jurrien Timber, one that allows Arsenal to exploit the Dutch international’s technical ability even further. Arsenal’s friendly against Athletic Bilbao offered subtle clues about what to expect tactically from Mikel Arteta and his side this season. One trademark of Arteta’s system has been the inverted […] The post Arteta’s Tactical Twist: Timber and Zubimendi Rotation Could Catch Rivals Cold appeared first on Just Arsenal News.

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Arteta’s Tactical Twist: Timber and Zubimendi Rotation Could Catch Rivals Cold

We could be in for a major tactical shift involving Jurrien Timber, one that allows Arsenal to exploit the Dutch international’s technical ability even further.

Arsenal’s friendly against Athletic Bilbao offered subtle clues about what to expect tactically from Mikel Arteta and his side this season. One trademark of Arteta’s system has been the inverted left-back role. Oleksandr Zinchenko pioneered the tactic to great effect, helping Arsenal mount a serious title challenge.

However, as time went on, Zinchenko became a liability in that role and the Gunners began to struggle down the left. That changed last season when Myles Lewis-Skelly breathed new life into the position. The Hale End graduate impressed as Arsenal’s inverted full-back, once again delivering what Arteta demands from the role. Heading into the new campaign, many expected Lewis-Skelly to pick up where he left off.

Zubimendi-Timber positional switch

Against Athletic Club, one intriguing tactical pattern emerged involving new signing Martin Zubimendi and Timber. Few picked up on it, but former Gunner Adrian Clarke highlighted the positional rotation and praised its potential impact.

“I liked him pulling out to right-back,” Clarke said of Zubimendi drifting wide, speaking on the Handbrake Off Podcast.

“Sometimes we saw Timber invert into central midfield, which he doesn’t always do. But whenever he fancied doing that, Zubimendi pulled into right-back and we saw him link well with Saka a couple of times.”

While it is unclear whether this switch will become a regular feature, it could prove a game-changing tactic. The rotation could drag opponents out of shape, create overloads, and allow both players to influence the game more freely, especially given their composure and quality on the ball.

Martin Zubimendi (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

Zubimendi the game-changer

Zubimendi is one of the finest talents now at Arteta’s disposal. In or out of possession, he showed last weekend that he influences the game effortlessly. He elevates those around him, and that could be key to unlocking Arsenal’s next level.

As for Timber, his ability to invert and contribute to progressive play could reveal a new side to this Arsenal team. Whether this tactical shift sidelines the inverted left-back role at times remains to be seen. If so, it could allow the left-back to overlap more frequently, supporting Gabriel Martinelli and helping him rediscover his spark.

Your thoughts appreciated in the comments.

Daniel O

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