Arsenal have been handed a potential Declan Rice blueprint that could benefit them against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners' hopes of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006 were dealt a major blow on Tuesday night after losing 1-0 to PSG at home in their semi-final first-leg clash. Mikel Arteta's men must now go to Paris and secure victory by at least two clear goals, or win 1-0 and emerge victorious on penalties after extra-time if they are to progress into the Munich showpiece.
And Arteta might well be trialling a new tactic during Saturday evening's clash at home to Bournemouth, which could be used against Luis Enrique's team on Wednesday night.
The Gunners' boss opted to play Rice further up the pitch to offer another goal threat. That move paid dividends after he netted the opener on Saturday evening against Andoni Iraola's men in north London.
It is a change that was spotted by former England goalkeeper, Rob Green, while commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday evening's game at the Emirates Stadium.
"It has felt this match that [Leandro] Trossard has dropped in a bit more and joined in the midfield or come wide, and that's created space for Declan Rice to run into," Green said.
"It's allowed him to be released at a little bit higher and I'm just wondering whether that is something - having a false 9 or a Trossard - [because] an out-and-out No.9 that they don't have. He's recognising that and saying; 'Well, maybe I can fill that role'."
Arteta's squad have lacked a focal point up front all season - with the Gunners recently relying on midfielder Mikel Merino to play as a make-shift striker. The tweak has had mixed results so far, but the Spaniard was notably moved back into midfield in the first leg against PSG, with Leandro Trossard used up-front instead.
But having the option of Rice as a goal-scoring threat, whether that's from midfield or up top, could give Arsenal's attack an added dimension - and just in time for PSG.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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