Watching the Everton game back once more made me realize that against deep blocks, specifically the 4-5-1 and 4-4-2 that the likes of Everton and Newcastle employ, it is absolutely necessary for arteta to change our shape. What the aforementioned formations seek to accomplish is limiting creative flow through central areas and forcing hopeful crosses from lower % areas. The solution COULD be to deploy a 5-3-2 lining up with a back 5 of Saka, Gab, Willy, BW4, and Odegaard at RWB (hear me out), a midfield three of Zin, #5, and Xhaka with Martinelli and Nketiah up top. The methodology behind Ø at RWB is simple; he is a tireless runner with elite final ball capability likewise with saka at LWB. These two would ultimately force the opposition into a conundrum as Saka possesses elite 1v1 capability and on his left foot has the ability to provide perfect service from every area on the left flank. Ø on the right would be able to provide the inverted cross/shot ball almost uncontested as using width is the downside of the way Everton and Newcastle play. A midfield of zin, #5, and Xhaka would provide exactly what you’d expect and would still be able to pivot out of the double teams when needed with Gabi or Nketiah dropping deep. I do believe this system would fit Nketiah to a T as he thrives on finding space and dynamic off the ball runs through the box. Ultimately something must be done as we have collected 1/6 points vs the truly organized deep blocks we have faced thus far. COYG