Arsenal is locked in a fierce competition with Man City and Liverpool in the Premier League. To gain an edge in this intense race, Mikel Arteta needs to make groundbreaking tactical adjustments.
Both Arsenal and Man City are among the few teams still unbeaten in the 2024/25 Premier League season, with Arteta’s side currently sitting on 17 points from 5 wins and 2 draws. However, both teams trail Liverpool (18 points) under Arne Slot, making the three-way battle even more thrilling.
Let Saka shine individually
Football is a team sport, and Bukayo Saka is excelling in this regard. As of now, the English winger leads the Premier League with 7 assists and has scored 2 goals in 7 matches. With Saka at his peak, Arteta could exploit his abilities even further. Saka’s skill in one-on-one situations allows him to break down defenses effectively, and isolating him on the right flank could maximize his impact.
Tighten team structure
In recent seasons, Arsenal has focused on recruiting tall, physically imposing players like Declan Rice and William Saliba. This has bolstered their defensive strength, allowing them to concede just 6 goals so far, the second-lowest in the league behind Liverpool. To enhance their defensive solidity, Arteta should tighten the distances between players and drop the defensive line slightly deeper.
Improve ball control
Arteta is detail-oriented, seeking control over every aspect of play. That’s why he utilizes full-backs in midfield roles to help maintain possession. Players like Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori can support ball distribution and provide more attacking options.
However, the main advantage of this approach is that it positions full-backs defensively against counter-attacks. While this tactic carries some risk, Arsenal has effectively thwarted fast breaks due to their proactive defense.
What does Arteta need to change? He should refine this system to operate more smoothly and with less risk. By doing so, Arsenal could emerge as the best team in ball control within the Premier League.