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Emery defends use of diamond formation at Arsenal

Cape Town - Arsenal manager Unai Emery has defended his continued use of a diamond formation but hinted at a change of tactics for Sunday's clash with north London rivals Tottenham.

The Spaniard has been criticised for using the tactic after his team were picked apart by Liverpool last weekend.

Despite their setback, Arsenal remained third in the table, with two points separating them and their great rivals Spurs.

Spurs head to the Emirates Stadium on the back of a shock 1-0 home defeat to Newcastle United, and Emery's men will fancy their chances of grabbing all three points, which punters can back using their free bet.

Emery's side claimed a thrilling 4-2 victory over Tottenham the last time the two teams met at the Emirates in the league, and the former Paris Saint-Germain coach believes his formation will cause Spurs problems.

He told Sky Sports: "I understand (criticism). We won with the diamond last year; we lost with the diamond last year. We can play, win and lose with the diamond. I do not really think that the consequence of our result on Sunday was because of the diamond.

"Really, we are ready to play with different tactical decisions. Last year we worked and used different [formations] with good performances because the players had the habit to play with different systems. We are more rich tactically with each moment. For Sunday we will decide the best possible system for us to adapt against Tottenham."

Emery confirmed Mesut Ozil is ready to return to the first-team squad after he missed the first three games of the season.

Defensive pair Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney are set to resume full training in September as they recover from long-term injuries.

- TeamTalk Media

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