They slow the game down to control it, and are rarely caught on the break.
“La maturità europea raggiunta dai londinesi passa da un netto cambio di paradigma: hanno abbassato il ritmo delle verticalizzazioni per massimizzare il controllo, sviluppando una rest-defence (la marcatura preventiva) ai limiti della perfezione.”The Londoners' European maturity comes from a clear change of approach: they have slowed the tempo of their forward passing to maximise control, with near-perfect cover behind the ball. our translation
Arsenal come after the ball the moment the other goalkeeper has it, and they win it back high up the pitch often enough to score from it.
“Arsenal started the game on the front foot with their targeted pressing structure, pouncing on high regain opportunities from Villa goal-kick restarts and in general play.”Against a side that sits compact, Arsenal will have the ball and have to be patient with it.
“Arsenal had to be patient in possession, as Villa deployed a compact 4-4-2 structure that restricted central progression.”Everything Arsenal do starts with not conceding. If you are hoping for goals against them, expect a long wait.
“Mikel Arteta has built his side’s success around defensive stability, keeping 19 clean sheets en route to landing the title in May.”When a team packs everyone behind the ball against them, Arsenal score from corners and free-kicks instead. Do not go and make tea when they win one.
“Set-pieces have become a monumental part of Arteta’s setup as teams continue to deploy low blocks to nullify Arsenal’s attacking threat in open play.”Arteta wants them hunting the ball all game, and once the press is on, every Arsenal player picks up a man.
“He wants pressure. Relentless pressure. Arsenal aim to suffocate teams at all times, using a zonal structure that quickly turns man-to-man.”