Mikel Arteta has continually reshaped Arsenal since taking charge in 2019, steering the club through distinct tactical eras. His managerial journey began with a pragmatic, defensive approach that secured an FA Cup victory in his debut season. Over time, that cautious foundation evolved into a dynamic, free-flowing attacking style and, eventually, a highly controlled unit that proved physically dominant.
That steady progression culminated last season when Arsenal clinched the Premier League title, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City while remarkably avoiding any defeats by more than a single goal. Having finally reached the summit, Arteta has embraced a new tactical philosophy defined by a higher degree of risk. This willingness to gamble with personnel and formations has brought explosive rewards, but it has also left the team more vulnerable to heavy setbacks.
A stark illustration of this risk-taking arrived just before the international break, when Arsenal suffered a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against Brighton. Fabian Hurzeler's side delivered a masterclass in attacking football, refusing to adopt a defensive posture against the reigning champions. Being thoroughly outclassed is a rare occurrence for the Gunners, and the loss generated a wave of uncertainty during the subsequent break. Even so, that single stumble easily overshadows a strong start that saw Arteta's men win every prior fixture this campaign.
The roots of Arsenal's current tactical identity trace back to the closing stages of their title-winning run. Facing a loss of momentum, Arteta introduced youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly into the holding midfield role, a surprise move that ultimately propelled the team across the finish line. The twenty-year-old has retained his manager's trust, anchoring the midfield this season due to his composure under pressure, dribbling capability, and readiness to attempt progressive passes. His stellar domestic form has even caught the attention of England manager Thomas Tuchel, who has begun incorporating similar tactical setups on the international stage.
Tactically, Arsenal now deploy an aggressive 3-1-6 formation when in possession. Declan Rice has transitioned from a box-to-box role into a deeper position on the right side of a back three, playing alongside Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes. This adjustment allows Rice to face forward, utilizing his exceptional passing range and ball-carrying abilities while keeping him away from congested areas with his back to goal.
Ahead of this defensive trio, Lewis-Skelly acts as a lone pivot, orchestrating the transition between the backline and the attack. The structure is further complicated by fluid movements from players like Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Martin Odegaard, who frequently drop deep to create temporary numerical superiorities. These sudden positional shifts frequently catch opponents off guard, enabling Arsenal to bypass the press and build momentum.
As Arsenal prepare to resume their campaign, the primary question centers on whether Arteta will temper his adventurous instincts or double down on innovation. While the Brighton defeat exposed the dangers of their new attacking architecture, standing still in the modern Premier League is rarely an option for reigning champions.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
