Mikel Arteta

It has been quite the season in the Premier League. At the summit, a fight to secure UEFA Champions League football in the next campaign broke out, lasting right up until the final day. For the second consecutive year, the three teams promoted last summer were relegated back down to the Championship....

The art of build-up under pressure is a fundamental aspect of modern football, especially for teams facing aggressive, high-pressing opponents. More than just a method to progress the ball, it represents a philosophy of play that transforms defensive risk into attacking opportunity. In this analysis, we’ll explore how top teams create structures, support...

After the game, though the scoreline was negative, Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal team were better in the second leg against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League semi-final by PSG with a 1-3 aggregate score, after PSG won the second leg 2-1 at Parc des Princes. However, Arsenal really did look...

The 2024/2025 Premier League season has become a tactical battleground where vertical progression and transitional threat are redefining success at the top level — this data analysis explains exactly how. In this data analysis report, we focus on how Liverpool, under new coach Arne Slot, have reclaimed their dominance with...

Paris Saint-Germain brought home a victory from their UEFA Champions League trip to North London. They beat Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. As Mikel Arteta pointed out in his press conference, it was a victory down to the small margin and the efficiency of...

The evolution of inverted full-backs stands as one of the most significant tactical innovations of the past decade. Born from the need to manipulate central spaces and enhance control during the possession phase, this role has transformed the approach to deep build-up play and the creation of numerical superiority in...

Since Ashley Cole's international retirement, left-back has been a problem position for the England National Team. Luke Shaw has performed well when called upon. Still, regular injuries have limited his involvement and often forced Gareth Southgate to look to an out-of-position Kieran Trippier in recent tournaments. Yet, as Thomas Tuchel...

Real Madrid faced a considerable challenge in overturning the three-goal deficit against one of Europe’s most disciplined defensive sides. To stage a remontada against Arsenal, Madrid needed creativity and courage to disrupt Arsenal’s defensive structure. Yet, this was far from reality. Arsenal, content to concede possession, managed the game with...

This post is shared with permission from Billy Carpenter's Substack. Please follow and subscribe to his Substack if you enjoyed this piece. The spotlight rightly hovers over players and managers. They’re who we pay to see. But the architects of sustainable footballing projects often operate away from the floodlights, even...

Many Arsenal fans will want to retain a sense of optimism as the 2024/25 Premier League season draws to a close. However, even the most ardent of them will know that the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United has severely dented and likely ended their hopes of lifting the top-flight...

What Is A 4-4-2 Mid-Block? The 4-4-2 mid-block is an out-of-possession strategy that features a flat back four, a midfield four, and two central forwards. The set-up has three clear defensive lines occupying the middle third of the pitch. The primary aim is to condense central areas and prevent teams...

In modern-day football, teams expect to come up against compact defensive blocks designed to crowd the central areas of the pitch. When the opposition prioritises preventing teams from building the play through the middle, attacking from the wide areas is often the most efficient way to goal. Based on teams playing...

Since last season, Arsenal have been consistent in creating goals from crosses. This season (not including the game vs Leicester last weekend), Arsenal have already scored 11 goals from crosses, which means they're just seven goals away from matching last season's total. Their 0.5 assists per game this season are...

The Hale End has produced a fair few exciting talents over the past few years. Some have already made their way to the Premier League, while others are just starting to prove they deserve a place in the top tier. The most prominent example of Arsenal’s successful work at the...

There's nothing new to report; Arsenal are the best team in set-pieces in the Premier League, scoring eight goals from set-pieces from 9.01 xG, with the Gunners being the league's best-ranked side in both categories. Seven of 34 goals for the Nicolas Jover-coached team come from corner kicks, representing nearly 21%...

Edu Gaspar, Arsenal's former sporting director, oversaw a significant transformation in the club's transfer department.  He made some big moves, bringing in new players and letting others go.  From the 2019/20 season to 2024/25, the club focused on developing young talent, acquiring proven experience, and enhancing squad depth.  They also...

Edu Gaspar, Arsenal's former sporting director, led the club through a big change in the transfer department.  He made some big moves, bringing in new players and letting others go.  From the 2019/20 season to 2024/25, the club focused on young talent, proven experience, and squad depth.  They also aimed...

Many discovered Riccardo Calafiori's talent during UEFA Euro 2024. He shone with the Azzurri thanks to his excellent defensive and playmaking performances despite Italy’s overall bad tournament and unconvincing collective performances. Despite Italy’s poor run of form, Calafiori successfully attracted the attention of most of those who watched Italy’s group-stage...

Set pieces are becoming increasingly important, attracting the attention of coaches, analysts, and even fans worldwide. Now, fans are familiar with the names and faces of set-piece coaches, as they frequently direct players during set pieces on the line.  Coaches have also become more confident in acknowledging the role of set-piece...

Many discovered Riccardo Calafiori's talent during UEFA Euro 2024 when he shone with the Azzurri thanks to his excellent defensive and playmaking performances despite Italy’s overall bad tournament and unconvincing collective performances. Despite Italy’s poor run of form, Calafiori succeeded in attracting the attention of most of those who watched...