Chelsea's upcoming Premier League fixture presents a tactical challenge, with Mikel Arteta’s side expected to line up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation. Their squad has been hit with injuries to multiple players from their attacking unit. Despite these absences, Arsenal remain a formidable side, particularly due to their defensive strength, high pressing, and set-piece effectiveness.
Defensively, Arsenal have been among the best in the league this season, conceding the fewest goals and allowing the fewest shots on target. Their defensive solidity is underpinned by a well-organized high press that disrupts opposition build-up play, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. They rank first in tackles in the attacking third and allow the fewest opponent passes per game, making it difficult for teams to retain possession and build attacks through midfield.
Arsenal’s pressing approach is matched by their dominance in possession. They prefer to control the game by holding long spells of the ball in the attacking half, patiently probing for openings. Their playstyle relies heavily on wide attacks, particularly down the right flank, where Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka (when fit) combine effectively. With Saka out, Arsenal have struggled in the final third, with a noticeable drop in expected goals and shot accuracy. Their reliance on positional rotations and quick passing triangles remains key to unlocking defenses, and their inverted wingers create space for overlapping full-backs to deliver crosses into the box.
In possession, Arsenal progress the ball efficiently through midfield using a numerical advantage. Their left-back often inverts into midfield, while the central midfielders drop deep to provide passing lanes. Additionally, their striker frequently operates as a false nine, linking play and allowing wingers to run in behind. This fluid movement ensures Arsenal can sustain attacks and maintain territorial control.
Set-pieces are another significant strength, with Arsenal leading the league in goals from corners. Their deliveries are well-structured, with a mix of in-swinging and whipped crosses, often targeting specific runs inside the six-yard box. Their ability to block defenders and create space for key aerial threats makes them a major danger from dead-ball situations.
Off the ball, Arsenal adopt an aggressive counter-pressing approach, aiming to win possession immediately after losing it. When teams manage to bypass their press, they fall into a compact 4-4-2 low-block, limiting central progression and forcing opponents wide. Their defensive structure ensures that they concede very few high-quality chances, further highlighting their resilience.
This tactical setup makes Arsenal a well-rounded side that thrives on structured possession, pressing intensity, and set-piece execution.