Mikel Arteta’s tactical masterclass against Tottenham showcased Arsenal’s newfound stability and attacking flair.
Three weeks into the 2023/24 Premier League season, Arsenal’s campaign seemed in crisis. Three consecutive defeats, zero goals scored, and a leaky defense had critics questioning Mikel Arteta‘s future. Fast forward to today, and the narrative has flipped dramatically. The Gunners’ dominant 3-1 victory over Tottenham wasn’t just a derby win—it was proof that Arteta has finally cracked the code to his best starting XI.
The Turning Point: Stability Breeds Success
Arteta‘s early-season struggles stemmed from constant lineup tinkering—he made a league-high 14 changes across the first four matches. But as key players returned from injury and COVID protocols, consistency emerged. Since their breakthrough win against Burnley, Arsenal have made just three starting changes, showcasing a settled core:
- Aaron Ramsdale: The £30m goalkeeper has silenced doubters with commanding performances, establishing himself as Arsenal’s undisputed No. 1.
- Defensive Solidarity: Takehiro Tomiyasu (242 Premier League minutes played) looks like a veteran, while Ben White has rebounded from his Brentford nightmare.
- Midfield Balance: Thomas Partey’s presence as the anchor allows Granit Xhaka freedom to create, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard providing relentless attacking width.
“This was one of the nicest feelings I’ve had at the Emirates,” Arteta admitted post-match. The stats back his euphoria—Arsenal created 2.4 xG (expected goals) while limiting Spurs to just 0.7.
Tactical Evolution: What Changed?
- Press-Resistant Build-Up: Arsenal’s improved ball progression through Partey and White bypassed Tottenham’s press, leading to Saka’s opener.
- Overloads on the Right: Tomiyasu’s underlapping runs created 2-v-1 situations against Sergio Reguilón.
- Aubameyang’s Renaissance: The captain’s movement between center-backs (5 shots, 1 goal) suggests he’s rediscovering his 2019/20 form.
Historical Context: Why This Matters
Since Arsène Wenger’s departure, Arsenal have lacked a discernible playing identity. Arteta’s current setup mirrors Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in its positional play principles—a system he helped implement as assistant coach. The numbers reveal progress:
| Metric | First 3 Games | Last 2 Games |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 0 | 5 |
| Goals Conceded | 9 | 1 |
| Avg. Possession | 48% | 58% |
| Shots/Game | 8.3 | 15.5 |
Mcw Verdict: Sustainable or Short-Lived?
While optimism is justified, caution remains. Arsenal faced similar false dawns under Arteta before (FA Cup 2020, late 2020/21 run). The true test comes in October with matches against Brighton, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa—teams that exploit transitional weaknesses.
“Arteta has finally found his orchestra,” says Mcw football analyst James Cooper. “But maintaining this rhythm against deep-block teams will define their top-four chances.”
For now, the Emirates faithful can revel in a derby victory that suggests their Spanish conductor might just have the right sheet music after all. Share your thoughts—is this Arsenal’s true awakening or another fleeting moment of brilliance? Comment below and follow Mcw for more tactical breakdowns.
