Mikel Arteta is now one of many longest-serving managers within the fashionable historical past of Arsenal F.C., and comparisons with earlier eras are inevitable.
Some of the painful moments in Arsenal’s latest previous got here in 2014, when Chelsea defeated Arsenal 6–0 in Arsène Wenger’s 1,000th Premier League match in cost because it stays Chelsea’s biggest-ever win over Arsenal.
That day additionally noticed Kieran Gibbs mistakenly despatched off for a handball dedicated by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, whereas Mohamed Salah scored his first Premier League objective for Chelsea.
When evaluating Arsenal’s fashion beneath Wenger to their strategy beneath Arteta, one main distinction stands out: defensive solidity. Arsenal at present are way more structured, compact and troublesome to interrupt down than they had been in sure phases of the Wenger period.
Nevertheless, as Softfootball has beforehand highlighted, this defensive emphasis has include attacking struggles. The present sample of play usually prioritises form and management over attacking freedom, which has at instances restricted creativity.
That stated, gamers like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze are able to delivering on their day. When in type, they supply high quality and match-winning moments.
Arteta should even be given credit score. Arsenal’s defensive numbers this season are among the many strongest within the league. One purpose followers imagine this 2025/26 season may very well be their second is that:
- Arsenal possess the most effective defensive models within the Premier League.
- Manchester Metropolis F.C. usually are not as dominant as in earlier campaigns.
Traditionally, groups with elite defensive data usually find yourself lifting trophies. It will be stunning if a facet with this degree of defensive stability completed the season empty-handed.
The true query now could be whether or not Arsenal can strike the precise stability, sustaining their defensive energy whereas unlocking constant attacking output. If they will mix each components, this might lastly be the season that rewards their long-term challenge beneath Arteta.
