Need tips on how to make a counter attack tactic for my Arsenal Team (2nd season)

[Francisco Pires]

Hey there,

I need a tactic to use as secondary for those really hard games like Barcelona at Camp Nau. I want it to be counter attack based with a very strong defence (meaning I don't want to suffer goals) with 1 or 2 goals per game (for away goal advantage rule ). Something like brickwall defense with 1 or 2 loose forwards. My main tactic is 4-4-2 with Wingers instead of MD/ME.

Here are my main players for each position:

DC: Per Metsacker, Thomas Vermelen, Laurent Coscieliny (sub)
DD/DE: Sagna, Darijo Srna, Christian Ansaldi (sub), Andre Santos (want to sell but didn't managed to do it yet). All of them are adapted to both sides.

MC: Alex Song, Mikel Artela, Thomas Ramsey

MAD: Gervinho, Walcott, Salvio (sub)
MAE: Arshavin, Gervinho

PL: RVP, Seydou Doumbia, Walcott, Chamakh (want to sell but didn't managed to do it yet).


My main questions are:
1) Formation? One or 2 forwards?
2) Team Instructions and Player instructions? Which work better.

I've played FM for years, more or less successful, but always with more attacking tactics, never managed to make a decent defensive tactic, so if anyone can help me I appreciate it

 

[TheBetterHalf]

I would probably play a deep 4231, using a balanced possession approach, keeping the ball within the deep d-line. As for roles, I would use a player staying in the hole( amc) and 2 Dmcs on support, the rest for be up the the players at hand

 

[Djocker]

Well, the key of counter-attack tactics is a quick tempo and short passing. Also, a deep d-line, with normal to narrow width and low creative freedom. I'd go with a rigid 4-2-3-1 and only give roaming options to my AMC. Good luck!

 

[TheBetterHalf]

Well, the key of counter-attack tactics is a quick tempo and short passing. Also, a deep d-line, with normal to narrow width and low creative freedom. I'd go with a rigid 4-2-3-1 and only give roaming options to my AMC. Good luck!

Here I disagree. The trick about using a really stable counter version is not to play quick, but instead rather slow. Quick attacks will still be launched everytime you actually counter the opponant. If playing quick, you will only loose out in possession when these attacks are not on

 

[Francisco Pires]

Thank you for your quick responses who should I use as AML, AMC and AMR, given the options I mentioned earlier (I may adapt some of them if possible).

 

[TheBetterHalf]

Thank you for your quick responses who should I use as AML, AMC and AMR, given the options I mentioned earlier (I may adapt some of them if possible).

In a particular match ( against Barca or real etc); I would look at the players with high stats in work rate, determination and most of all, the players with high morale, players that likes big games...and...those in form

 

[Bozzy08]

Hi,
I have a secondary tactic i have started using for tough away games. 4 defd 3 DMs and 3 ST's

FB support
CD -
CD -
FB support
DLP -support
DM - defend or achorman
DLP -support

STCL - Poacher - attack
STC - CF - attack
STCR - Poacher -attack

I play very deep, stand off opponents and hit on counter attack with direct passing.

Full backs supply early crosses and Deep lying playmakers both have long range passing and through balls set to often.

Works a treat scored 7 goals away against AC milan with my Boston Utd squad... season 13 btw

i usually play 4 2 2 2 wb support DM and DLP support 2x wingers (AML) and a poacher and CF. and this can be risky against superior opponents so having a counter attck tactic is a must imo

 

[Francisco Pires]

Hey there, made the tactic and tested it in a away game vs. MU:

- Formation is like Barcelona, 4 Defenders, 1 DMC (Very defensive), 2 MCs (One defensive, the other is more Playmaker), 2 AMD/E (Attacking, through balls) and 1 PL (Poacher, Max offensive, Max pressure).
- Philosofy: Rigid.
- Strategy: Counter attack.
- Passing: Short.
- Creative Freedom: More disciplined.
- Closing Down: Stand-Off
- Tackling: More Aggressive (still not sure about this one).
- Marking: Zone Marking.
- Roaming: Keep position.
- Very deep defensive line, a bit narrow, high tempo.
- Passing: Down both flanks.
- Play offside: Yes

It worked well (still not at 100% fluid) except for the fact that Doumbia missed a lot of 1-on-1 against the GK. The game could have ended 5-1 but it ended 2-1 (no goals from Doumbia, although he got a LOT of opportunities and 1-on1). But yeah I think the tactic is good

Any tips on helping Doumbia score more (especially on 1-on-1 vs GK)? I have individual training on Composure because it's what I think it's missing but any other tips? What about favorite moves?

His stats:
Finishing 17
Dribbling 16
First touch 14
Technique 16

Anticipation 13
Bravery 15
Composure 14
Decisions 14
Determination 16
Flair 13

Acceleration 16
Agility 14
Balance 16
Strength 16
Pace 17