The Arsene Wenger era at Arsenal was all about the style of play, often at the expense of tactical flexibility. Unai Emery has been the exact opposite.

3. Lemons out of lemonade

Instead, Emery chose to take a long look in the mirror.

The squad available to him on Saturday was never going to give anyone a 5-0 thrashing via an attacking masterclass. So he did what would make Arsene weep: he fielded a back 5 with 2 defensive midfielders in Torreira and Guendouzi against the bottom-placed team in the table.

It was by no means pretty, but it got the job done.

The more defensive shape was able to cover for Mustafi, putting him in a better position to succeed with two defensive midfielders in front of him. Mustafi put in six clearances and an astounding five interceptions, more than any other player.

Having three central defenders also allowed Kolasinac to stay forward more and prevented Ainsley Maitland-Niles (who is not really a defender at all) from being isolated against Jason Puncheon on the right.

That help undoubtedly made Maitland-Niles more confident to go and win a tackle, as he did six times. That was the highest of any player in what was a Man of the Match performance.

He also chipped in with two clearances, two interceptions, and an assist going forward.
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Arsenal FC at John Smith's Stadium on February 9, 2019 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Arsenal FC at John Smith’s Stadium on February 9, 2019 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)