Do Arsenal Struggle Against Big Teams? A Tactical Analysis
Do Arsenal struggle against big teams? It’s a question that has sparked endless debates among fans and pundits alike. From thrilling victories to heart-wrenching defeats, Arsenal’s performances against the Premier League‘s top sides have been scrutinized for years. Some argue the team falters when the stakes are highest, while others point to moments of brilliance that prove their capability to compete with the best.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into Arsenal’s record against big teams, explore the tactical approaches under different managers, and analyze whether this perception is rooted in fact or fueled by media narratives. Let’s uncover the truth behind this ongoing debate.
Historical Context
Arsenal’s performances against big teams in recent seasons have shown signs of progress under Mikel Arteta, though consistency remains elusive. Their results in high-profile fixtures have ranged from memorable victories to disappointing defeats.
2022/23 Season
Arsenal had a strong campaign, finishing second in the league, and their matches against top teams reflected a mix of resilience and vulnerability. A key moment came in January 2023, when Arsenal defeated Manchester United 3-2 at the Emirates, with Eddie Nketiah scoring a last-minute winner in a thrilling encounter. Earlier in the season, they secured a crucial 3-2 win over Liverpool at home in October, with Bukayo Saka converting a decisive penalty. However, their struggles against Manchester City continued, suffering a 4-1 defeat at the Etihad in April 2023, a loss that dealt a major blow to their title aspirations.
2023/24 Season
Arsenal’s 2023/24 season marked significant progress in their performances against the league’s elite, as they mounted a strong challenge for the Premier League title. A key moment early in the campaign was a 3-1 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates in September, where Arsenal showcased their attacking flair to secure a statement win. Later that month, they were held to a 2-2 draw by Tottenham in a fiercely contested North London Derby, with both teams trading blows in a thrilling encounter.
One of the standout achievements of the season came in October, as Arsenal defeated Manchester City 1-0 at the Emirates, ending a long losing streak against the reigning champions. This gritty display highlighted their growing resilience under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal further demonstrated their title credentials with a commanding 3-1 win over Liverpool at home, cementing their status as genuine contenders. Despite a few setbacks, their ability to secure key results against big teams underpinned their strong campaign.
2024/25 Season (So Far)
Arsenal’s 2024/25 Premier League campaign has been characterized by competitive performances in key fixtures against top teams. In September, they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, displaying defensive resilience and composure in a tense North London Derby. Later that month, they traveled to the Etihad and earned a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, showing determination to come from behind in a challenging away fixture. In October, Arsenal hosted Liverpool at the Emirates, with the match ending in an exciting 2-2 draw, as both teams battled fiercely in a high-stakes encounter.
These results reflect Arsenal’s continued growth under Mikel Arteta, with their ability to take points off big teams underlining their progress, though consistency remains the key to a sustained title challenge.
Arsenal’s Style of Play Against Top Opposition
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s approach against top opposition reflects a blend of tactical innovation and occasional fragility. While the Gunners have made strides in competing with the Premier League’s elite, their style of play exposes both strengths and weaknesses that continue to define their performances in big matches.
Strengths
- High-Pressing Intensity
Arsenal’s high press disrupts opponents’ build-up play, forcing errors in dangerous areas. In their 1-0 win against Manchester City in October 2023, their structured pressing frustrated City’s midfield and limited their ability to dictate the tempo. This high-energy approach often allows Arsenal to seize control early in matches against dominant sides. - Effective Wide Play
Arsenal excel at utilizing width, with wingers like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli stretching defenses and creating opportunities. Against Manchester United in September 2023, overlapping runs and dynamic movement from the flanks broke down United’s defensive setup, leading to a decisive 3-1 victory. - Control Through Midfield
The addition of Declan Rice has strengthened Arsenal’s ability to dominate central areas. In their 2-2 draw with Manchester City in September 2024, Rice’s defensive interventions and ball retention helped Arsenal neutralize City’s midfield and launch counterattacks effectively. - Counterattacking Threat
Arsenal’s pace in transition remains a significant weapon. Against Liverpool in October 2024 (2-2 draw), their quick counterattacks punished Liverpool’s high line, with Gabriel Martinelli and Ødegaard leading the charge. This ability to exploit space has been key to their success against possession-heavy sides.
Weaknesses
- Overreliance on Key Players
Arsenal’s attacking flow often depends heavily on the individual brilliance of players like Saka, Ødegaard, and Jesus. If these players are neutralized, as seen in the 1-1 (3-5)p loss against Manchester United on the 12th of Jan 2025, the team struggles to generate consistent chances. The lack of depth in attacking options remains a concern, especially when injuries occur. - Defensive Lapses
Despite their improved organization, Arsenal continue to suffer from moments of defensive fragility. In their 2-2 draw with Tottenham in September 2023, lapses in concentration allowed Spurs to equalize twice, undermining an otherwise dominant performance. These errors often prove costly in tight matches against top sides. - Inconsistency in Away Games
While Arsenal have shown strength at the Emirates, their performances away from home against big teams have been less convincing. The 2-2 draw at Manchester City in September 2024 was a spirited display, but moments of naivety allowed City to capitalize on defensive gaps, highlighting their challenges in sustaining composure under pressure. - Struggles Against High-Press Teams
When faced with teams that press aggressively, Arsenal’s midfield and defense sometimes falter under pressure. In their 2-2 draw with Liverpool in October 2024, Arsenal struggled to play out from the back, leading to turnovers in dangerous areas that almost cost them the game.
Key Takeaway
Arsenal’s style of play against top opposition showcases a team capable of competing with the best, blending high-energy pressing, wide play, and midfield control. However, their reliance on key players, defensive inconsistencies, and occasional struggles in high-pressure situations underline areas for improvement. While progress under Arteta is evident, achieving greater consistency and squad depth will be critical in turning competitive performances into a sustained advantage against the Premier League’s elite.
Arsenals Stats vs The Big 6 (Pat 3 Seasons)
| Team | Games Played | (Arsenal)Won | Drew | (Arsenal)Lost | (Arsenal)Goals Scored | (Arsenal)Goals Conceded | (Arsenal)Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 2 |
| Manchester United | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 7 | 2 |
| Liverpool | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 11 | 10 | 0 |
| Chelsea | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 4 | 2 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 6 | 2 |
Key Player Influence
Arsenal’s performances against top teams have been significantly shaped by their core players, each bringing unique qualities to high-stakes encounters. Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Magalhães have emerged as pivotal figures, influencing Arsenal’s results with their individual brilliance and leadership.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal’s talisman in crucial games, consistently delivering in high-pressure moments. His ability to drive at defenders, create chances, and score vital goals has often been the difference in tight matches. Saka was instrumental in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Manchester United in September 2023, where his dynamic runs and creativity unlocked the United defense. Similarly, in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool in October 2024, Saka’s quick thinking in transitions caused constant problems for Liverpool’s backline, underlining his impact in matches against elite opposition.
Martin Ødegaard
As captain, Martin Ødegaard embodies Arsenal’s creative heartbeat. His vision, passing range, and ability to dictate tempo have been crucial against high-caliber teams. Ødegaard’s leadership shone in the 1-0 victory over Manchester City in October 2023, where his composure on the ball helped Arsenal neutralize City’s midfield dominance. His knack for scoring key goals, particularly from distance, has also been pivotal in games where space is at a premium, making him a consistent threat in high-stakes fixtures.
Gabriel Magalhães
Gabriel has been a rock in Arsenal’s defence and thrives in big games, where his physicality and aerial dominance come to the fore. His standout performances against Tottenham Hotspur have been particularly noteworthy, earning him Player of the Match honours three times in North London Derby clashes. Gabriel’s commanding presence in the 1-0 win over Spurs in September 2024 was critical in Arsenal’s defensive resilience. His ability to marshal the backline and deliver under pressure makes him one of Arsenal’s most reliable performers in these encounters.
Together, Saka, Ødegaard, and Gabriel represent the backbone of Arsenal’s efforts against top opposition. While Saka and Ødegaard drive Arsenal’s attacking momentum, Gabriel ensures the team remains defensively solid in the face of elite threats. Their influence is a testament to Arsenal’s progress under Arteta, as they continue to challenge the Premier League’s best.
Managerial Approach
Mikel Arteta’s managerial approach against top opposition has been characterized by tactical adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to balancing defensive stability with attacking intent. While his strategies have brought Arsenal closer to competing with the best, occasional missteps highlight areas still needing refinement.
Tactical Adaptability
Arteta often tailors his game plan to the specific strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. Against possession-heavy teams like Manchester City, he adopts a disciplined defensive setup, focusing on cutting off passing lanes and pressing in structured phases. This approach was pivotal in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over City in October 2023, where their defensive organization and efficient transitions nullified Pep Guardiola’s side. Conversely, against high-pressing teams like Liverpool, Arteta emphasizes quick ball progression through midfield to bypass the press, as seen in the 2-2 draw at the Emirates in October 2024.
Control in Midfield
Arteta places significant importance on controlling the midfield battle in high-stakes matches. The addition of Declan Rice has strengthened Arsenal’s ability to win second balls and break up play, complementing Martin Ødegaard’s creative influence. This combination allows Arsenal to dictate tempo and manage periods of pressure effectively, as demonstrated in the 3-1 win over Manchester United in September 2023, where the midfield trio dominated proceedings.
Defensive Solidity
Defensive structure has been a cornerstone of Arteta’s strategy against elite teams. Arsenal’s backline, anchored by Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba, is tasked with maintaining compactness and denying space in critical areas. This was evident in the 1-0 win over Tottenham in September 2024, where Arsenal’s defensive discipline limited Spurs to few clear-cut chances. However, moments of defensive lapses, particularly in away games, continue to undermine their efforts, such as in the 2-2 draw at Manchester City in September 2024, where lapses in concentration allowed City to capitalize.
Attacking Philosophy
Arteta prioritizes fluid, high-tempo attacking football, often utilizing wide players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to stretch defences. Arsenal’s counterattacking threat has been a key feature in big games, with their pace and directness causing problems for opponents. This was highlighted in their 3-1 win over Liverpool in February 2024, where quick transitions exposed Liverpool’s high defensive line.
Room for Improvement
While Arteta’s approach has brought noticeable improvement, some areas require refinement. Arsenal’s occasional struggles to maintain composure in high-pressure moments, particularly away from home, remain a concern. Additionally, their reliance on key players like Saka and Ødegaard for creative output leaves them vulnerable when these players are marked out of the game or unavailable.
Home vs. Away Performance
Arsenal’s performances against top opposition reveal a noticeable contrast between their results at the Emirates Stadium and away from home. Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have turned the Emirates into a fortress, regularly delivering strong displays against elite teams. However, replicating that form on the road remains a challenge, with defensive lapses and tactical adjustments often undermining their away performances.
Home Performance
Arsenal’s home form has been a cornerstone of their resurgence, with the Emirates offering a supportive atmosphere that drives the team forward. Notable examples include the 3-1 victory over Manchester United in September 2023, where Arsenal controlled the game with attacking intent and defensive solidity. Similarly, the 1-0 win against Manchester City in October 2023 marked a significant milestone, breaking a long winless streak against City. At home, Arsenal often dominate possession, create more chances, and maintain defensive compactness, which has been pivotal in securing points against top teams.
Key Features of Home Performances:
- High pressing and aggressive ball recovery.
- Greater attacking fluidity and freedom.
- Crowd support energizing players during crucial moments.
Away Performance
In contrast, Arsenal’s away record against top teams remains inconsistent. While there have been spirited displays, such as the 2-2 draw with Manchester City in September 2024, lapses in defensive focus and difficulties in adapting to hostile environments often prove costly. Matches like the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield in October 2024 showcase Arsenal’s ability to score against strong opposition, but also highlight vulnerabilities in maintaining composure and defensive organization.
Key Challenges in Away Games:
- Struggles to maintain consistent defensive structure.
- Reduced attacking intensity compared to home games.
- Vulnerability to high-pressure situations in hostile stadiums.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s home dominance has been a vital factor in their success under Arteta, with the Emirates serving as a fortress against top opposition. However, to truly compete at the highest level, they must translate this consistency to away fixtures. Improvements in defensive discipline and mental resilience will be key to balancing their home and away performances and closing the gap on the Premier League’s elite.
Fan Perception and Media Narratives
Arsenal’s performances against top opposition have long been a topic of heated debate among fans and a focal point of media scrutiny. While recent improvements under Mikel Arteta have altered some perceptions, lingering doubts about the team’s consistency in big games persist. Fan opinions and media narratives are often shaped by specific results, leading to contrasting views on Arsenal’s status among the Premier League’s elite.
Fan Perception
Arsenal fans have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions when it comes to big games. Victories such as the 1-0 win over Manchester City in October 2023 have instilled belief in Arteta’s ability to compete at the highest level, with many fans applauding the team’s tactical growth and newfound resilience. The 3-1 victory over Manchester United in September 2023 further reinforced optimism about the squad’s capacity to dominate in marquee fixtures.
However, concerns remain, particularly regarding defensive lapses in away matches. Draws like the 2-2 result at Anfield in October 2024 often lead to frustration among fans, who see such games as opportunities missed. Some supporters argue that Arsenal’s overreliance on key players, such as Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, makes the team vulnerable against well-organized defenses.
Media Narratives
The media’s portrayal of Arsenal against top teams often oscillates between praise and skepticism. Wins like the one against Manchester City have been lauded as a testament to Arteta’s tactical acumen, with headlines praising Arsenal’s evolution into genuine contenders. However, defeats or even hard-fought draws are frequently framed as evidence of Arsenal’s lingering inability to consistently deliver in big games.
The media has also highlighted Arsenal’s struggles away from home, with narratives focusing on their lack of composure and defensive fragility in high-pressure situations. Despite clear progress, some pundits continue to question whether Arsenal can sustain their form over a full season and consistently outperform the other members of the “Big Six.”
Recurring Themes
- Progress Under Arteta: Both fans and the media acknowledge the significant improvement in Arsenal’s ability to compete with top teams, citing their tactical discipline and key wins as evidence.
- Home vs. Away Divide: Fans and pundits alike emphasize the stark contrast between Arsenal’s dominance at the Emirates and their inconsistencies on the road.
- Reliance on Key Players: The absence of key contributors like Saka or Ødegaard often fuels criticism, as the team’s depth is seen as insufficient to maintain a high level against elite opposition.
Moving Forward: Breaking the “Big Game” Myth
Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta has brought them closer to competing with the Premier League’s elite, but the perception of struggling in big games persists. To completely break the “big game” myth, Arsenal must address key areas of inconsistency while capitalizing on their strengths.
1. Achieving Consistency in Results
While Arsenal have earned crucial victories, such as the 1-0 win against Manchester City in October 2023, their inability to maintain consistent performances in big matches fuels the narrative. Results like the 2-2 draw against Tottenham in September 2023 and lapses in defensive organization away from home underline this inconsistency. Improving mental resilience and maintaining focus throughout matches, particularly in away fixtures, will be pivotal to transforming occasional triumphs into a consistent pattern of success.
2. Improving Squad Depth
One recurring challenge is the overreliance on key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard. When these players are unavailable or marked out of games, Arsenal’s attacking creativity often diminishes. Strengthening squad depth, particularly in attacking positions and midfield, would allow the team to maintain a high level of performance regardless of individual absences. Targeting versatile, high-quality players in the transfer market could be the difference in tightly contested games.
3. Defensive Consistency
Defensive lapses remain a major obstacle in big games, especially in away fixtures. While Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba have formed a strong partnership, moments of complacency, such as in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in October 2024, show there is room for improvement. Greater emphasis on defensive organization during transitions and dealing with set pieces could help Arsenal grind out results in high-pressure matches.
4. Tactical Flexibility
Arteta’s tactical approach has evolved significantly, but further adjustments are needed to counteract the unique challenges posed by each opponent. For instance, implementing a more compact setup in away games against high-pressing teams like Liverpool or Manchester City could prevent Arsenal from being exposed defensively. Additionally, introducing game-changing substitutes earlier could shift the momentum in tightly balanced matches.
5. Building a Winning Mentality
Breaking the “big game” myth requires Arsenal to embrace the mentality of champions. This involves turning draws into wins, maintaining composure in hostile environments, and delivering consistent performances across an entire season. Cultivating this mindset through leadership on and off the pitch will help Arsenal approach big games with confidence and control.