Debunking the Myth: Arteta’s Arsenal Isn’t Defensive – Here’s Why

A certain narrative has taken hold in some corners of the football discourse: that Mikel Arteta has deliberately transformed Arsenal into a slow, negative team. According to this theory, Arsenal’s more controlled style of play this season is a direct reflection of Arteta’s philosophical shift—one that prioritizes defensive solidity at the expense of attacking dynamism.

This is a misinterpretation of Arsenal’s tactical evolution. The reality is far more nuanced. Arsenal’s adjustments this season are not about abandoning attacking intent but rather adapting to the tactical and physical demands of modern football, addressing squad limitations, and avoiding the burnout that derailed their title challenge last season. This article will dissect Arsenal’s style of play, using data, tactical analysis, and historical context to refute the claim that Arteta is simply choosing to play “negative” football.

Tactical Evolution: Responding to the Modern Game

Football has undergone a subtle tactical shift in recent years. The rigid positional play that defined the past decade is giving way to a more fluid, adaptive style. Teams are prioritizing principles over fixed structures, reacting in real-time to opposition movements rather than adhering strictly to pre-set formations. This shift is driven by several factors, including increased match intensity, aggressive man-oriented pressing, and the growing need for squad rotation.

A clear example of this tactical transformation was analyzed in a Football Meta video, which highlighted how positional play is evolving. Historically, structured formations such as 3-2-5 dominated elite football, ensuring specific passing lanes and overloads. However, teams are now adapting to aggressive pressing and high defensive lines, making rigid formations harder to execute effectively.

Arsenal’s tactical evolution mirrors this trend. Arteta’s team has transitioned from a strict positional approach to a more adaptable, principles-based system. Instead of forcing a rigid structure, Arsenal’s players are now more fluid in occupying spaces based on the opposition’s defensive shape. This shift can be seen in:

• Defensive Adaptability: Arsenal’s high press is now more player-oriented rather than space-oriented, mirroring trends seen at clubs like Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
• Build-up Play Adjustments: The team often shifts between single and double pivots in midfield, depending on opposition pressing schemes, similar to approaches used by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
• Attacking Rotations: Instead of predictable attacking patterns, Arsenal now relies on dynamic player interchanges—Ødegaard drifting wide, Rice pushing forward situationally, and wingers cutting inside when space allows.

However, it’s important to note that while Arsenal has attempted to evolve their attacking patterns, this shift was largely instigated by fixture congestion and the demands of an international summer, rather than a purely tactical preference. Early in the season, Arsenal’s approach was controlled but ultra-solid, ensuring stability in the squad before injuries and suspensions forced additional adaptation.

A key area of change has been cutbacks and final third execution. Traditionally, cutbacks have been one of the highest percentage plays in football when executed correctly. However, Arsenal currently lacks the attacking personnel to fully capitalize on these situations. With their top four attackers missing or struggling for form, the team has been forced to search for alternative ways to create chances, often leading to slower, more measured possession play rather than incisive final-third entries.

The shift in football tactics also emphasizes greater squad rotation and positional flexibility to cope with fixture congestion. Arsenal’s squad now embodies this philosophy, with players like Declan Rice, Ben White, and Leandro Trossard offering versatility across multiple roles. Arteta’s approach ensures that the team can maintain competitive intensity over an entire season rather than burning out in key moments, as was the case in past campaigns.

Thus, the changes in Arsenal’s tactical approach are not signs of regression but rather an adaptation to modern football’s evolving landscape. The team remains proactive in games, but instead of relying on rigid structure, they focus on exploiting space dynamically based on how the opposition defends.

The Impact of Squad Constraints on Playing Style

One major omission from Arsenal’s attacking setup this season has been Bukayo Saka. For the past three years, Arsenal’s most potent attacking outlet has been the telepathic connection between Saka, Ben White, and Martin Ødegaard on the right flank. However, that dynamic has been disrupted for much of this season due to injuries and inconsistent availability. Even before Saka’s own injury, he was missing the level of cohesion he had previously enjoyed with White and Ødegaard, affecting Arsenal’s ability to generate attacking fluidity on the right-hand side.

One of the primary reasons behind Arsenal’s adjusted style is personnel constraints. The squad’s current composition does not lend itself to the same aggressive attacking play seen in previous seasons. Consider the following key factors:

• Lack of a True No. 9: Gabriel Jesus is out for the season with an ACL injury, and Kai Havertz has also suffered a long-term hamstring injury. With a player like Nketiah is no longer at the club, Arsenal are without a natural center-forward who can consistently execute Arteta’s tactical demands.
• Absence of a Dynamic Left Winger: Gabriel Martinelli’s form has been inconsistent, and Arsenal has lacked a consistent threat on the left flank to stretch defenses and create overloads.
• Injury and Rotation Management: With injuries to Jesus, Havertz, and other key players, Arteta has had to make tactical adjustments to ensure the team remains competitive across all competitions.

These limitations have forced Arteta to emphasize control and structured buildup play rather than a high-intensity, transition-heavy game. The notion that Arsenal is playing slowly “by choice” ignores these fundamental squad realities.

Defensive Strength as a Tactical Advantage, Not a Negative Shift

One of Arsenal’s biggest improvements this season has been their defensive structure. They currently boast one of the best defensive records in the league, a testament to Arteta’s ability to build a cohesive, disciplined backline. However, this defensive solidity has been misinterpreted by some as an abandonment of attacking football.

The 5-1 dismantling of Manchester City this season serves as a case study. Arsenal’s aggressive man-oriented pressing completely nullified City’s positional structure, preventing them from playing through midfield. Save for when situationally beneficial to let City have it and run up against a wall for a while, This was not a defensive, low-block performance—it was an example of a well-drilled team executing a modern pressing system to suffocate an elite opponent.

Additionally, Arsenal’s ability to maintain control in games is now a strength rather than a liability. They are no longer a team that concedes multiple chances in transition, as they did in previous seasons. Their dominance in possession is a byproduct of tactical discipline rather than a deliberate effort to play “negative” football.

Gone are the days when defenders couldn’t defend in a 1v1 and lacked basic positional understanding—even in a high line. The evolution of Arsenal’s defensive unit under Arteta has ensured that every defender is capable of handling individual battles while maintaining collective structure.

Furthermore, Arsenal’s defense in the 2024/25 season is continuing the trend of being the best in the league, having already established itself as the best defensive unit in the 2023/24 season. Their ability to neutralize opposition attacks while maintaining control of possession is a testament to the tactical discipline instilled by Arteta.

Conclusion: A Smarter, More Balanced Arsenal

Looking ahead, Arsenal’s transfer strategy this summer could play a pivotal role in shifting the balance back toward a more flamboyant attacking style. With a fully fit squad and no World Cup disrupting the calendar, reinforcements in key attacking areas may allow Arteta to restore some of the attacking fluidity seen in previous seasons, while maintaining the control and defensive stability that have defined this campaign.

The claim that Arsenal has become a slow, negative team under Arteta does not hold up under scrutiny. The tactical shifts we have seen this season are not about abandoning attacking football but rather about adapting to modern football’s demands, addressing squad limitations, and ensuring the team can compete across an entire campaign.

Arsenal’s defensive improvements, controlled buildup play, and effort to maintain attacking efficiency despite personnel challenges are all signs of evolution rather than regression. This is a team that is learning from past mistakes and building towards sustainable success. Instead of clinging to outdated narratives, it’s time to acknowledge the reality: Arsenal under Arteta is smarter, more balanced, and more prepared for the long-term challenges of elite football.