Arsenal - Atletico Madrid: Arteta’s Ironclad Defense

Arsenal’s most recent triumph (1-0 against Fulham) perfectly illustrates the philosophy Mikel Arteta has diligently developed: controlling the game while being effective.

This was a disciplined and compact Arsenal side that knew how to strike decisively from set pieces. However, behind this victory lies a troubling issue: Arteta’s team is scoring too few goals.

Arteta’s ironclad defense

Since the start of the season, Arsenal have demonstrated nearly flawless defensive performance. They have conceded just 3 goals in 8 Premier League matches and remain unbeaten in terms of conceding in the Champions League. They are also the team allowing opponents the fewest clear chances in the Premier League (only 5). In their last two matches against West Ham and Fulham, Arsenal didn’t concede a single shot on target.

What’s notable is how Arsenal secured their wins. Against Fulham, they didn’t create many chances from open play, yet once again, the goal came from a well-rehearsed corner routine — Arteta’s signature. In the 58th minute, Bukayo Saka delivered a curling free kick, center-back Gabriel executed a tactical flick header, enabling Leandro Trossard to easily score from close range.

That was Arsenal’s 16th goal from corners since the start of the 2023/24 season, double that of any other Premier League team. Since Mikel Arteta began working with set-piece expert Nicolas Jover, the Gunners have turned corners into a formidable weapon. Almost half of their opening goals come from set pieces, and impressively, Arsenal have won all 16 matches where they scored first from a corner.

Arteta openly admits: "We create many set-piece situations, and that’s a weapon that must be exploited. When opponents defend deep and hesitate to press forward, this is our chance to position players exactly where we want."

Arsenal’s personnel arrangement on dead-ball situations reflects careful planning: Gabriel and Saliba attract defenders, while smaller players like Saka and Trossard target space at the far post. With strong pressing and a proactive formation, Arsenal make it nearly impossible for opponents to counterattack after clearing the ball.

Additionally, Arteta’s flexible 4-4-2 system, with Calafiori tucked inside as a "false pivot," helps maintain optimal defensive numbers when possession is lost. Despite Fulham’s pressing, they managed only one shot in the second half and failed to create any threats in front of David Raya’s goal.

In other words, Arsenal now defend as a complete unit, not just through their backline. From the cover between Calafiori and Timber, to Declan Rice’s ball-winning and Saka’s pressing from distance, they form a perfect defensive block — solid and effective.