Premier League4 hours ago2 minute read

Arteta Built a Winning Machine and Arsenal Are Bending Rules to Stay on Top

Arsenal face criticism over time wasting and game management, but their tactical edge continues to deliver results on the pitch.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

From eighth place to Premier League champions

Mikel Arteta took over at Arsenal in December 2019 after serving as an assistant under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. His first season ended in eighth place, but Arsenal steadily built momentum. They recorded three consecutive second place finishes before securing their first Premier League title in over two decades in the 2025 to 2026 season.

Now that Arsenal are on top, debates have surfaced over their tactics. They faced criticism for relying on set pieces last season, and now critics point to time wasting, exaggerated fouls, and heavy physical play.

Learning street smarts on the big stage

The focus on competitive edge sharpened after a 1-0 loss away to FC Porto in February during the 2023 to 2024 Champions League. That match had 36 fouls, with the ball in play for only 50 minutes, and Arsenal registered zero shots on target. Arteta admitted afterwards that players must learn to compete by taking advantage of situations.

Arsenal won the return leg against Porto. By September of that year, Manchester City defender John Stones called Arsenal clever or dirty following a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal recently earned a 1-0 win against Liverpool, marking their first victory at Anfield in 14 years. The match featured deliberate stoppages around free kicks and throw-ins, plus a missed VAR review when defender Jurriën Timber pulled back Alexander Isak. During the Champions League final against PSG last season, three Arsenal players deliberately ran down the clock at a throw-in while leading 1-0.

Adapting to new referee rules

Rule changes introduced this summer include countdowns on goal kicks to prevent delays. Arsenal have used this to their advantage by waiting until the referee reaches two or one before releasing the ball.

Goalkeeper David Raya managed late pressure at Anfield while operating under a six second countdown. Their tactics stay inside the rules while maximizing every second to protect leads.

What it means for the next game

Arsenal vs Hull City (Premier League, Sat, 07 Nov): Arsenal win 79%, draw 14%, Hull City win 7%; expected goals 2.67 to 0.70. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.