Cyril, Block 18
Dear Mr Wenger
I am a Season Ticket holder and lifelong fan for 40 years. I hope you read this and it won't take up too much of your time.
I would politely like to do something constructive instead of moaning and request a consideration on a change of tactics.
I have been studying formations and am an admirer of Cruyff and his tactics, and the Dutchman was in turn a big admirer of Marcelo Bielsa and his tactics. I have studied him and I believe the way we play and the ideology of you is suited to his fabled 3-3-3-1 formation.
As you will know Cruyff would prefer to only play three central defenders if he had the personnel to give him an extra man in other areas. I think this can work for us, with Kos, Mustafi and one other in the first phase of 3 with crucially Bellerin next to Xhaka in the next 3 with Elneny. This allows Bellerin to be involved in build up play but also allows for six defenders when we do not have the ball.
You can pick any number of players in the attacking 3 and can accommodate Jack if you bring him back. Ozil is pivotal behind Sanchez as the 1 but can play the false nine and has licence to roam.
For me, Xhaka is the vital component here in the no 4 position. He is the axis like Guardiola or Mr Vieira. In fact the purchase of Granit is why I think this can work. He is an excellent buy.
If Santi was available he would be a dream as is 2 footed and perfect for switch play. Xhaka has good vision to play ball between the lines.
This system must incorporate a high press and so players must be instilled with the desire to get the ball back very quickly. Bielsa's tactic is to have a lead man to press immediately and then have players near to play triangles. So, Sanchez can press and you must ask for more effort from the 3 behind. This frustrates the opposition and makes them go long.
It gives you your dynamic football that you desire. If executed correctly, you will have an extra man in every area of the pitch. I think this can work with also such an excellent mature keeper in Cech too.
This tactic will involve major effort as the team will play closely together and move together as an organism. We have young fit and very fast players so the time is now for this tactic in my humble opinion.
Mr Wenger, one other thing about this is that we will need to have better retention of the ball and so will need to train the players on the first touch as if the system breaks down we could be caught late on in a high tempo game.
I wish you a happy Christmas and good health. I would really like a personal response from you as I have thought long and hard about this and want only the best for us all in the Arsenal family.
Yours sincerely,
Cyril, Block 18, East Stand
