Arsenal Vs Leeds United [5-0] Premier League 2025/2026: Mikel Arteta’s Tactical Evolution – Tactical Analysis

Arsenal are presenting a serious candidacy to finally lift the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

Mikel Arteta’s boys have got off to a convincing start by winning at Old Trafford against Manchester United and, in a totally different context, thrashing Daniel Farke’s Leeds United at home.

Maintaining their tendency to defend in a mid-block and favour transition contexts, Arsenal had to present a different game plan than the one used in Manchester.

Leeds, who had also beaten Everton on the opening matchday, seemed likely to sit deep in a low block and prevent quick offensive play, presenting a challenge for the Gunners in possession.

Far from shying away from the challenge, there are signs that Mikel Artetas style of play have added a new twist to his game mode.

For many stretches last season, it felt insufficient and incomplete, falling short in terms of creativity and management against low blocks.

Even if still lacking that differential touch in a sense (I’m looking at you, Eberechi Eze), Arsenal showed that they remain ultra-competitive, with some of the identity traits they have retained, especially since the 2023/2024 season, when Arteta rethought his team.

In this tactical analysis of Mikel Artetas tactics, we analyse some of Arsenals tendencies and behaviours, as well as Mikel Artetas structures with the ball.

Arsenal Attacking Tactics

Another of the mechanisms that have been consolidated at the start of this season and is already a trademark of Arteta’s team is the 3-2 structure with which Arsenal organise their build-up play.

The movement is twofold: on the one hand, Jurriën Timber tucks inside from right-back to form a back three alongside the centre-backs; on the other, Ricardo Calafiori abandons width and positions himself alongside Declan Rice to create a double pivot at the base.

The result is a box in midfield that gives the team numerical superiority in the interior lanes, more passing angles, and the possibility to progress patiently or break lines with vertical passes.