{"id":12843,"date":"2026-05-27T13:19:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T13:19:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=12843"},"modified":"2026-05-27T13:19:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T13:19:49","slug":"arsenal-analysed-how-we-won-the-premier-league-analysis-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=12843","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal Analysed: How we won the Premier League | Analysis | News"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The 2025\/26 Premier League season has been one to remember as we won our first title in 22 years.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We picked up 85 points throughout the campaign, which culminated in Martin Odegaard hoisting the famous trophy aloft in our final match at Selhurst Park.<\/p>\n

But how did the class of 26 reach the top? Adrian Clarke has been looking at our matches all season and has given his tactical insight into how this squad etched it’s name into our history!<\/p>\n

FABULOUS FRONT RUNNERS <\/h2>\n

Over the course of the past four seasons we have grown accustomed to setting the pace in a title race, but this year we handled the lead with more confidence than ever before. <\/p>\n

Spending 238 nights sitting on top of the table \u2013 including 200 consecutive days between October and April \u2013 Mikel Arteta\u2019s side dealt with the pressure of being front runners quite superbly. <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Days spent at the top of the Premier League<\/caption>\n
Team<\/strong><\/th>\nDays top of table <\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Arsenal <\/td>\n238 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Liverpool <\/td>\n34 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Manchester City <\/td>\n9 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chelsea <\/td>\n2 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Our game management was also excellent in matches where we opened the scoring. <\/p>\n

Adjusting our tactics to the game state, often with a focus on not conceding from positions of strength, we were by far the strongest outfit after taking the lead. <\/p>\n

Winning 24 of 27 games where we scored first, losing just once, nobody came close to matching our comfort when sat in front. <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Record when scoring first<\/caption>\n
Team<\/th>\nMatches <\/th>\nWins <\/th>\nAverage Points <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Arsenal <\/td>\n27 <\/td>\n24 <\/td>\n2.74 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nottingham Forest <\/td>\n11 <\/td>\n8 <\/td>\n2.45 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aston Villa <\/td>\n16 <\/td>\n12 <\/td>\n2.44 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Manchester United <\/td>\n24 <\/td>\n17 <\/td>\n2.42 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Liverpool <\/td>\n22 <\/td>\n16 <\/td>\n2.41 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

ADAPTABLE TACTICS<\/h2>\n

The depth of Mikel Arteta\u2019s squad, coupled with a willingness to adjust our strategy on a game-by-game basis, were notable differences across 2025\/26. <\/p>\n

In 2022\/23 and 2023\/24 the manager started all 38 Premier League matches in his favoured 4-3-3, with the system and style steadfastly remaining the same. <\/p>\n

Last term, with major injury headaches forcing change, we occasionally experimented with 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 – but this time around the manager was happy to frequently switch between shapes. <\/p>\n

So much so that just under 37% of our matches saw us line up in a 4-2-3-1. <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Tactics used by Mikel Arteta<\/caption>\n
Tactic<\/strong><\/th>\n25\/26<\/strong><\/th>\n24\/25 <\/strong><\/th>\n23\/24<\/strong><\/th>\n22\/23<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
4-3-3 <\/td>\n24 <\/td>\n30 <\/td>\n38 <\/td>\n38 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4-2-3-1 <\/td>\n14 <\/td>\n2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4-4-2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n6 <\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Keen to use Declan Rice in a slightly deeper role, he lined up in a double pivot pairing alongside Martin Zubimendi on many occasions. They dovetailed nicely, as did Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly in recent weeks too. <\/p>\n

The introduction of Eberechi Eze, a natural No.10 who wants to play higher than Martin Odegaard, also made 4-2-3-1 a more attractive set-up for Arteta than in the past. <\/p>\n

Using two formations provided a little more tactical unpredictability, allowing us to adopt a horses-for-courses approach depending on the opponent, and player availability. <\/p>\n

THE GREATEST DEFENCE<\/h2>\n

Arsenal\u2019s defensive spine of David Raya, Gabriel Maghalaes, William Saliba and Declan Rice is the envy of world football. <\/p>\n

All four are brilliant players, but our success at nullifying the opposition is also very much a collective effort. <\/p>\n

Pressing, for example, is a big part of our game, with Brighton & Hove Albion the only side to have regained possession inside the final third more often than us in 2025\/26. <\/p>\n

Playing with aggression, but also measured discipline, all the outfield players protected goalkeeper Raya superbly. <\/p>\n

While the Spaniard delivered a string of sensational saves, he was also by some distance the least busy custodian in the division. <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Goals conceded v Expected goal conceded<\/caption>\n
Team<\/strong><\/th>\nGoals conceded<\/strong><\/th>\nExpected Goals Conceded <\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Arsenal<\/td>\n27<\/td>\n28.30 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Manchester City<\/td>\n35<\/td>\n44.21 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

These stats (above) highlight how much better we were than everybody else in the Premier League at preventing opponents from having opportunities to score. <\/p>\n

A record-equalling six opponents failed to have a shot on target against us, and Raya\u2019s 19 clean sheets were his personal best in a campaign. <\/p>\n

Without the ball, we are outstanding. <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Defensive stats in 2025\/26<\/caption>\n
Shots on Target Faced <\/strong><\/th>\n <\/th>\nOpponent Touches in Box <\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Arsenal – 90 <\/td>\n <\/td>\nArsenal – 618 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Manchester City – \u00a0127 <\/td>\n <\/td>\nManchester City – 713 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Manchester United – 141 <\/td>\n <\/td>\nLiverpool – 853 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

STATS LEADERS <\/h2>\n

From an attacking perspective, new signing Viktor Gyokeres led the way with some impressive numbers.<\/p>\n

Scoring 14 league goals, twice as many as the closest teammate, the Swede\u2019s conversion rate proved to be among the very best in the division.<\/p>\n

Of all the players to reach double figures for goals, only Brentford\u2019s Igor Thiago was more ruthless than Gyokeres\u2019 25.45% success rate with shots. <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Conversion rates 25\/26 (min 2 goals)<\/caption>\n
Player<\/strong><\/th>\nConversion rate<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Viktor Gyokeres <\/td>\n25.45% <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Martin Zubimendi <\/td>\n18.52% <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mikel Merino <\/td>\n18.18% <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gabriel Jesus <\/td>\n15.79% <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
God bless you <\/td>\n12.28% <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Declan Rice\u2019s all-round value to the side is enormous, and that is reflected in how he topped our rankings for both chances created and possession won. <\/p>\n

While 27 of his 63 key passes were from set pieces, Rice finished the campaign joint-second with Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard for chances created in open play. <\/p>\n

And when it comes to ball recoveries, he was very much our main man\u2026 <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Premier League stats: 2025\/26<\/caption>\n
Player<\/strong><\/th>\nChances Created <\/strong><\/th>\nPlayer<\/strong><\/th>\nPossession Won <\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Rice<\/td>\n63<\/td>\nRice<\/td>\n180 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Of<\/td>\n61 <\/td>\nOf<\/td>\n117 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Odegaard<\/td>\n39 <\/td>\nZubimendi<\/td>\n116 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trossard<\/td>\n36 <\/td>\nA cross<\/td>\n113 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Maghalaes are also worth mentioning. <\/p>\n

Saka won possession inside the final third 27 times, the most in the division, while here at Arsenal he led the way for open play key passes (49) and dribbles completed (50). <\/p>\n

Gabriel is not only the \u2018King of Brazil\u2019 but also our undisputed king of blocks. <\/p>\n

Throwing himself in the way of goal bound efforts, he repelled 34 attempts in total. <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Defensive blocks in 2025\/26<\/caption>\n
Player<\/th>\nTotal blocks<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Gabriel<\/td>\n34<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rice<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hincapie<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

MASTERS OF THE SET PIECE <\/h2>\n

We made history in 2025\/26 by scoring 19 goals from corners, the most in Premier League history. <\/p>\n

Frightening opponents with our accurate deliveries and determined movement inside the box, they represented a 35% share of all our goals. <\/p>\n

That is the highest percentage of any title winner since the competition began in 1992. <\/p>\n

We have a very tall side, and aerial strength inside both boxes was an undoubted factor in our success. <\/p>\n

No one scored more headed goals than us (16) over the course of the season, and when it came to defending set plays, we were also terrific. <\/p>\n

Showing big improvement in this department, Arteta\u2019s men conceded just seven times from dead ball situations \u2013 the joint lowest in the division. <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Set piece stats<\/caption>\n
Club<\/th>\n Goals Conceded – Set Pieces <\/th>\nClub<\/th>\nXG Against – Set Pieces <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Arsenal<\/td>\n7<\/td>\nArsenal<\/td>\n6.49<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brighton<\/td>\n7<\/td>\nBrentford<\/td>\n9.94<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brentford<\/td>\n8<\/td>\nManchester City<\/td>\n10.46<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fulham<\/td>\n9<\/td>\nNewcastle United<\/td>\n11.19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tottenahm<\/td>\n10<\/td>\nBrighton<\/td>\n11.7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

TOP CLASS DISCIPLINE<\/h2>\n

We are the first team in Premier League history not to concede a penalty or receive a red card in a single campaign. <\/p>\n

That shows how sound the players\u2019 decision making was throughout the season. <\/p>\n

No other team conceded less than two spot kicks, and we also racked up the fewest yellow cards in the league too. <\/p>\n

For a side who like to dominate possession, we also ensured that we were not reckless in our positioning. <\/p>\n

Keeping our shape well, the Gunners conceded just one goal from a fast break all season long, another joint-best in 2025\/26. <\/p>\n

DEPTH GOT US OVER THE LINE <\/h2>\n

Our recruitment strategy last summer was based around strengthening the depth of the squad, and that policy paid off handsomely. <\/p>\n

Able to rest and rotate players more freely, safe in the knowledge it was not unduly weakening his starting XI, the manager simply had a lot more options up his sleeve in 2025\/26. <\/p>\n

Results prove his decision-making was also very good, while the number of his substitutes who impacted games, reflect well on his in-game choices. <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Contributions by substitutes<\/caption>\n
Team<\/th>\nGoals and assists <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Arsenal <\/td>\n23<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brighton<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aston Villa<\/td>\n16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bournemouth<\/td>\n16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Eleven goals came via subs, and when you factor in another 12 assists from replacements, we equalled our joint record of 23 direct goal involvements from substitutes in a Premier League campaign, dating back to 2009\/10. <\/p>\n

The quality of our bench allowed us to put our foot down after half-time on numerous occasions. <\/p>\n

Scoring more and conceding less than anyone else, our second half goal difference was more than twice as good as the nearest rivals. <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Second half stats<\/caption>\n
Team <\/th>\nSecond Half Goals Scored <\/th>\nTeam<\/th>\nSecond Half Goals Conceded <\/th>\nTeam<\/th>\nSecond Half Goal Difference <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Arsenal<\/td>\n41<\/td>\nArsenal <\/td>\n17<\/td>\nArsenal<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Manchester United <\/td>\n40<\/td>\nBrighton <\/td>\n21<\/td>\nManchester City<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Liverpool<\/td>\n39<\/td>\nManchester City<\/td>\n25<\/td>\nBrighton<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

The depth of our squad, their collective spirit and resilience, and the tremendous focus the players and staff consistently produced ensured this was a season to remember.<\/p>\n

A genuine team effort, we absolutely deserved to be Premier League champions by seven clear points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Copyright 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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