Here's an attempt at a thorough breakdown on a real basic level. The fundamental problem is called a "cross-face", and pure wrestlers use it a ton. The idea is to 1) make life miserable, and 2) force you to "look away" so you can't turn into them. It is generally not the best thing to do on top against an experienced grappler, however; learn to handle it in various ways, and bate him into doing it.
Rather than just learn counters, you have to understand why, at the simplest level, this presents openings. From there, the options are endless. Problem #1: His arm is "open", as Brazilians like to say. In other words, elbow out, arm extended, and arm power is not connected to core strength. When your elbows are in tight, it's near impossible to just separate an elbow. But here, you can take his arm and manipulate or attack it.
Example of How to Take Advantage of Problem #1: Americana on the arm that is attacking your neck. Use to submit, sweep, or recover full guard.
Problem #2: His arm is crossing his body. If you have learned a basic arm-drag, you have seen how this presents an angle to attack the flank, and thus take the back. His arm is across AND extended, so passing it by your torso should be easy with the right attacks.
Example of How to Take Advantage of Problem #2: Right hand on wrist, left hand behind elbow (both on the problem arm) or left hand under-hooking. Arm-drag across your chest, reach around to grip far armpit, hip out, and take the back. Or any other version of a basic arm-drag.
Problem #3: With his leg locked in any half guard, that arm is a big part of the guy on top stopping a sweep right over that side (to clarify, the over the side of the trapped leg). He is taking away his ability to post, so sweeps in the direction will be available. At worst, he will have to remove the arm to base, which at least removes it from your throat.
Examples of How to Take Advantage of Problem #3: Any sweep in the near direction (such as the Plan B).
PS: Please let me know if this is interesting/helpful, or just a ton to read.
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