Issues are rising round Mikel Arteta’s tactical sample at Arsenal, as a number of attacking gamers seem like underperforming this season.
Softfootball gathered that Arsenal’s strategy has leaned closely towards defensive construction and set items, with much less attacking depth and fluid ahead play. This shift is believed to have negatively affected key attacking gamers.
Eberechi Eze, signed for £67.5 million after his spectacular spell at Crystal Palace, was anticipated to deliver creativity and direct attacking risk.
Nonetheless, within the 2025/26 season, Eze has been inconsistent and has not totally met expectations. His strengths lie in high-intensity attacking soccer, fast transitions and expressive motion — areas the place Arsenal have appeared restrained.
Viktor Gyökeres, identified for dominating the field and thriving on fixed service, has struggled attributable to restricted help and decreased attacking provide. With out sustained strain and inventive deliveries, his affect in video games has diminished.
Bukayo Saka, who not too long ago signed a brand new contract, has additionally failed to achieve his typical degree. In the meantime, Leandro Trossard has been common, and Gabriel Martinelli is enduring a troublesome marketing campaign.
Curiously, the midfield trio Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino have maintained strong performances. Their self-discipline and construction match effectively inside Arteta’s present tactical setup.
Nonetheless, the ahead line seems to be essentially the most affected by the sample of play. Critics argue that the dearth of aggressive attacking combos, fast ball development and sustained offensive strain has restricted the effectiveness of Arsenal’s attackers.
Because the season progresses, consideration will stay on whether or not Arteta adjusts his strategy to unlock the total potential of his frontline or whether or not the tactical steadiness will proceed to favour construction over attacking freedom.
