Arteta's Dilemma: Should Arsenal refine their style or stay the course?
Following their Champions League final heartbreak, Mikel Arteta faces questions over whether to evolve Arsenal's tactical approach.
Following a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat against PSG in the Champions League final, Arsenal finds itself at a crossroads. While the club celebrated its first Premier League title in 22 years, the season was marked by criticism regarding their pragmatic style, particularly in high-stakes matches.
During the final, the Gunners managed less than 25% possession. Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson noted that after Kai Havertz's early goal, the team instinctively dropped into a defensive shell—a recurring theme in the latter half of the season.
"What they are able to do with the ball, with individual actions, I haven't seen it. It's not the plan to play in certain areas when you don't have the ball, but they force you to do that." Mikel Arteta
Upson highlights that Arteta shifted toward a more reliable, defensive approach from January onwards. While this secured the league title, he suggests that ending their wait for Champions League glory may require more bravery and ball retention against elite European opposition.
Looking ahead, the club is set to evaluate its forward options. Arteta has admitted that the team must improve and explore new margins to achieve their goals, hinting that squad adjustments or a tactical tweak could be on the horizon to balance domestic stability with European ambition.