Wigan v Arsenal Tips: Arouna Kone

There has been much speculation about the influence Steve Bould’s had on the Arsenal side this season, but against Reading on Monday there was one tactic that had his fingerprints all over it – the offside trap.

Arsenal’s back four played very high up the pitch, looking to catch Reading’s strikers offside at every opportunity. Even the ‘hands in the air’ appeal to the linesman was classic 90s Arsenal.

This change in tactic, we can only assume Steve Bould has instigated, has become apparent since the Norwich game.

Number of Offsides v Arsenal

Up to and including the defeat at Carrow Road, Arsenal were catching the opposition offside on average 1.9 times per game. However, in the last nine matches that average has shot up to 4.9, a clear change in tactics.

Unfortunately, you cannot bet on offsides per game, but this information is still a useful betting tool. Arsenal’s new found strength could be their biggest weakness against Wigan. Arouna Kone has four goals this term and he can spring the offside trap with his pace.

So far this season Kone has been caught offside on average 1.1 times per game, more then any other Wigan player. His timing of his runs might not be great, but at least he makes them.

Arsenal’s high defensive line will play into his hands and if Wigan are to get anything out of this game, a counter-attacking goal from Arouna Kone looks the most likely source. Therefore, at 11/4 (Blue Square) the value is on the Ivorian to score at anytime.