Introduction: Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal – Navigating Tactical Change
Since taking charge at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has ushered in a period of significant tactical restructuring. While optimism followed his appointment and an FA Cup triumph, consistent league success has proven elusive. Despite initial improvements and the acquisition of key players like Gabriel and Thomas Partey, Arsenal faced a mixed start to the season—hovering mid-table and struggling with both defensive issues and a lack of goal-scoring form. This analysis delves into the tactical principles shaping Arteta’s Arsenal, highlighting what has worked, what still needs refinement, and where challenges persist.
The Preferred Formation: Arsenal’s 3-4-3 Structure
While Arteta is known for tactical flexibility, he has regularly set Arsenal up in a 3-4-3 formation during the early part of the season. This setup makes use of Kieran Tierney as a left-sided center back, diverging from his usual left-back role, and establishes Bernd Leno as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. In central defense, Gabriel’s presence has solidified the backline, often joined by a rotating cast including Rob Holding and David Luiz. On the flanks, Hector Bellerin embraces the right wing-back role, complemented by the versatility of Bukayo Saka or Ainsley Maitland-Niles on the left.
In midfield, Thomas Partey is anticipated as a regular starter upon recovery from injury, with Granit Xhaka, Dani Ceballos, and Mohamed Elneny competing for the remaining spots. The attacking trio typically features Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, and Willian, offering a blend of pace, creativity, and finishing ability.
Building from the Back: Arsenal’s Possession-Based Approach
Arteta’s strategy emphasizes constructing play from deep, echoing philosophies seen under Pep Guardiola, his former mentor. The introduction of Gabriel has been pivotal; his composure under pressure and accurate short passing facilitate controlled progression from defense. Mohamed Elneny, reinstated after a loan spell, has proved invaluable, boasting a league-leading 94% pass completion and strong interception statistics.
Key elements of this approach include:
– Formation of passing triangles on both flanks, maximizing central midfield involvement.
– Positioning of full-backs high and wide to maintain width and stretch opposition lines.
– Utilization of central overloads, enabling Arsenal to switch play effectively and escape high pressing traps.
This system gives Arsenal multiple avenues to advance the ball, but its effectiveness often depends on quick, synchronized movement and adaptability to pressing schemes.
Overcoming the Press: Patterns and Obstacles
Arsenal’s shape supports ball circulation even against teams employing aggressive pressing. When faced with high pressure, the Gunners shift midfielders into pockets between lines, supporting defenders and creating numerical advantages on the wings. Players like Lacazette drop deeper to facilitate build-up, providing extra passing options and drawing opponents out of position.
However, Arsenal have at times struggled when confronted with mid-block defenses. For example, in matches against Leicester and Aston Villa, compact and disciplined opposition limited Arsenal’s ability to penetrate through the center or exploit wide overloads. Here, Arsenal’s methodical circulation often ended with few tangible chances, exposing a need for quicker ball progression and more incisive movement.
Creativity Shortfall: The Root of Arsenal’s Scoring Woes
Perhaps the most glaring concern for Arteta’s team has been a lack of goals. Despite an impressive opening three-goal victory at Fulham, Arsenal managed just six goals in their subsequent seven Premier League matches. In contrast, European fixtures saw more fluid attacking displays, suggesting the problem lies in domestic tactical execution.
Several factors contribute to this attacking stagnation:
– Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the team’s primary goal threat, has often been deployed on the left flank rather than centrally, reducing his presence in key scoring areas.
– The absence of a natural central playmaker (with Mesut Ozil excluded from the squad) means Arsenal rely heavily on wide progressions for chance creation. While Willian and Ceballos offer technical quality, neither consistently delivers the penetrative passing required from a classic number 10.
– Slow build-up and risk-averse passing restrict opportunities for driving runs and dynamic transitions. Statistically, Arsenal ranked only 16th in the league for both shots and dribbles per game, as well as 14th for chances created.
Without clear, repeatable patterns to generate high-quality opportunities, Arsenal often appear disjointed in attack, lacking a cohesive identity in the final third.
Defensive Pressing: High Lines and Their Limitations
Out of possession, Arteta’s Arsenal deploy a high-pressing system that morphs from a 3-4-3 into defensive shapes—frequently a 5-4-1 or 5-2-3 when defending deep. The forwards engage the opponent’s backline, while wing-backs and midfielders coordinate to trap the ball in wide areas.
Despite this structure, Arsenal are not among the league’s most aggressive pressing teams. Their tackle numbers are among the lowest, likely a result of prioritizing positional play and ball recovery through interceptions rather than outright duels. Central midfield coverage, especially behind the pressing line, remains a vulnerability—especially against opponents capable of breaking the press with quick movement.
To bolster the press, the combination of Elneny and Partey in central midfield offers mobility and recovery speed, although optimal balance has yet to be consistently achieved.
Assessment and Outlook: Next Steps for Arsenal’s Tactical Evolution
After eight matches, Arsenal’s record of four wins and four losses points to a team still searching for consistency and a clear attacking identity. While Arteta’s tactical ideas have encouraged improved structure and defensive organization, their current personnel sometimes struggle to realize the complex demands of his system. The exclusion of players such as Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi—who might have added technical flair or dynamism—has further narrowed the side’s creative options.
For Arsenal to realize their ambitions and keep progressing under Arteta, the following adjustments are key:
– Develop faster transitions and more direct goal-scoring routines.
– Maximize the influence of key players like Aubameyang in advanced, central roles.
– Incorporate creative talents or adjust tactical principles to better suit the available squad.
– Continue refining defensive pressing to improve ball recovery in high areas.
While challenges remain, Arsenal’s tactical journey under Mikel Arteta offers a fascinating case study in the balance between managerial philosophy, player strengths, and the demands of top-level football. With adaptation and time, the Gunners could yet convert potential into consistent success.
