A Tactical Guide to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal

After three years of mediocre finishes, Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to a title challenge and Champions League qualification. Here's how.
0:00 Introduction
1:51 Playing out from the back
4:08 Aaron Ramsdale in possession
4:58 William Saliba in possession
5:11 Gabriel Magalhães in possession
5:33 Ben White in possession
6:14 Thomas Partey in possession
6:30 Oleksandr Zinchenko tucking into midfield
7:30 Granit Xhaka pushing forward into attack
8:16 Martin Odegaard dropping back and pulling wide
9:05 Arsenal maintain possession but struggle to break down opponents
9:25 Bukayo Saka
10:14 Gabriel Martinelli
10:49 Arsenal's narrow attack
11:35 Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka moving wide and overlapping full-backs
12:46 Arsenal switch play
13:39 Gabriel Jesus
14:49 Long shots
15:18 Arsenal set up to counterpress and win second balls
15:40 Pressing
17:50 Arsenal drop off to defend
18:25 Gabriel Magalhaes defending
19:22 William Saliba defending
19:50 Ben White defending
20:25 Oleksandr Zinchenko defending
20:59 Aaron Ramsdale goalkeeping
22:40 Arsenal squad depth
23:02 Eddie Nketiah
23:34 Leandro Trossard
23:56 Jorginho in possession
24:08 Thomas Partey defending
24:23 Jorginho defending
24:34 Rob Holding
24:59 Jakub Kiwior
25:15 Arsenal give the ball away
25:56 Conclusion
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[@AyaGumede]

I've watched a lot of Arsenal Tactical videos recently, but this is by far one of the best yet

[@spyksyde]

I agree..

[@traductionscultureen-arver2307]

Agree, high quality video. This is a documentary..

[@omarnyang8668]

❤

[@harryking4486]

I have to disagree, I think this video is by far the best yet.

[@TawananyashaChiveso]

This is the best arsenal analysis of the 2022/23 season that I have ever seen, please keep up the good work, an in depth analysis of Declan Rices 2022/23 season would be awesome once he joins arsenal. It would get a lot of views i think.

[@kudzainyamande9594]

thats very analysis, especially on Zinchenko advantages and disadvantages

[@Goonerpoo]

A rare youtube video with proper subtitles 🎉

[@craigflixchill]

I thought that Kiwior actually was a much better option that Holding at the end of the season. He was much more assured at the back and you can see how much Arteta values him already in pre-season.

[@hansgruber9093]

This is a brilliant video mate. Please do more like this for other teams, maybe for specific games too? I'd be very interested in seeing a tactical breakdown of one of the big games from last season, like the City vs Real game.

[@HoldingMidfield]

I'm planning on doing more individual games on the Patreon this coming season but I can't post them on KZbin - they just get caught in the copyright system.

[@hansgruber9093]

​@@HoldingMidfield Understood. If they're as good as this one I'll definitely sign up.

[@pattyx9050]

@@HoldingMidfieldyou’re one of the best analysts I’ve ever seen… kudos

[@louisdapan3648]

Finally!! A video that isn't just based on random curated stats but actual knowledge and evidence. This was truly awesome

[@alexsmith6322]

I’m dead, I literally watch every second of every game and I NEVER noticed this about how ramsdale kicks the ball 🤣 he really almost took his own head off

[@thomasberhe6351]

The best video, with all ingredients of an excellent video. I bursted out with laughter ‘Ramsdale finds rough target for his attackers’🤣

[@jonathanward1585]

Arteta has really changed Arsenal style of play. And with the recent transfer I am really excited for this coming season. Been a Gooner since 2011 this is the best Arsenal I have ever witnessed.

[@yaaaab335]

Really 2011, I am tricked into supporting Arsenal by Wenger and Henry. In fact I took a break from watching any football in 2012 because I had frustrated enough. Now is the time to be an Arsenal time I wonder what was going on in 2011 lol.

[@jonathanward1585]

I wish I was a fan during the invinciblies but I didn’t get into EPL until 2011 during that time I watch whichever to whatever game on the television but. Soon shortly after I found myself drawn to the club and decided this is my club. The passion, the love of the club, and the style/ quality of play. Now I could have been a glory hunter fan and support mancity But I feel like there are more than just money and trophies. I love Arsenal and wish them all kinds of success but there’s more to it than silverware.

[@themikelee]

This is the best and most thorough analysis of last year's squad and tactics on the internet. Fantastic insight and attention to detail.

[@roshdado4333]

This is a great video, highlighting both the pros and cons of how Arsenal play, as well as the players themselves. Excited to see how the new signings will change the way the team plays for next season.

[@DonswatchingtheTube]

Well explained. One of the strengths last season was the players' ability to play in several positions. They moved back and forth as a coherent unit, especially for the first 20-25 games.

[@HALL59791]

Dude this is unmatched mate!!!! Your work is exceptional. I wish you could do this for every Arsenal game, though this looks like a lot of work behind the scenes if my wish was granted.

[@norvmec]

The comments about Rambo almost kneeing himself in the head had me dying

[@JBright1]

Great tactical analysis

[@nikelover911]

Sorry but this is the best tactical breakdown ive ever seen. Easy for a beginner to understand

[@hitendram]

The best analysis seen for arsenal.

[@ShilohOkonwor]

Best ever. I had goosebumps watch this. Thanks 😢

[@ifeanyiforchu4403]

This is the best football analysis video I have watched in a long while.

[@mok8974]

This is the most comprehensive breakdown I've arsenal I have come across. Thank you so much!

[@ashleythomasbarrett]

Analysis of Zinchenko’s defending is spot on. Would love to keep Tierney and have timber do the inserting on the other side

[@wasswaderrick115]

keep it up lad, it was a great observation and and tactical analysis

[@arinsrivastava6607]

Nice watch. Good Work!

[@GAbe-oy5wn]

Great video. Production and analysis on point. No fluff. Well done. 🙌🏼

[@lesegomakube1933]

I've wanted such analysis in depth with video for so long, and in this exact format! Just brilliant!

[@Goonsqquad87]

This was great. Learned a lot. Thank you.

[@Growlizing]

Fantastic video mate. The footage of Martinelli failing to do a scan is incredible. It explains so much why he tends to end up in a dead end. If anything you are perhaps being a little critical of some parts of their gameplay, but I really loved this. Subscribed.

[@laca-yj2bp]

The best video of Arsenal tactics so far

[@tswelopeleseleka9641]

This is the best in-depth breakdown ive seen THANKS.

[@snehilkaushik100]

Brilliantly done !! Keep up the good work

[@ZahidulIslam-is-a-gunner]

Amazing work. Respect.

[@BrianTheUnique]

This is the most comprehensive video on Arsenal ever... I’m certain an opposition manager will watch this once or twice

[@dod608]

Best analysis watched, very accurate on each player

[@ifactmachine]

Brilliant video mate 👍 Thoroughly enjoyed it

[@okekecourage7039]

This is such an amazing video all together. Great job done👏🏽

[@jonathanward7110]

Well made. Thanks For the video. Great insight 👍

[@patrickdawson6281]

Amazing video, subbed

[@ning385]

I got to admit I learned a lot from this video.

[@WillzeeWoo]

Great video. Very informative. 🤘🏻❤️🤍

[@gboyegaahove6961]

This is a brilliant video. Subscribed!

[@blackmagic6]

That was thoroughly entertaining and informative. Thanks.

[@WMTVLDN]

Incredible video mate, keep up the great work!

[@weirdNwacky1995]

Dude add background sound and dynamic flows. Good content thank you ❤

[@gwen6453]

I prefer no background music. Great analysis.

[@giftitima7931]

I love your work. The best ever.

[@conradhailey9866]

This was awsome thank you sir

[@omanipadmehum39]

best soccer analysis video

[@schmalan]

Superb analysis

[@gavinellis2819]

This is absolutely excellent. Great work fella.

[@daithaipeju3181]

Great video 🔥

[@Tumipoetmc]

amazing insights man.

[@tetaball9210]

Amazing video, keep up the good work

[@gregbeales7945]

Brilliant video

[@boxingfinestajwarrior80]

I loved that ..how detailed .very easy to understand ..liked and subscribed !!

[@DoweyMITM]

Best video mate. Awesome. Earned a subscribe.,

[@piland0]

Best tactical analysis video I've ever seen. With impeccable video editing as well. You are a legend

[@piland0]

Liverpool fans don't deserve you⭐

[@gooner72]

Very good analysis young man, well done, you've got yourself a new subscriber!!!

[@hagaginting6175]

this is great. I hope your account grows significantly.

[@FullOfDistress]

Fantastic video

[@officialnateptc]

Thank you. This was brilliant. I see Ramsdale as an insane keeper for his age and I think he'll get better but I always used to wonder. On so many of his dives I'd also be like I swear bro was mad delayed in his diving and I could never figure out why he was looking so delayed. He'd still pull off some insane saves but sometimes he'd be quite far from reaching the ball which isn't even directly in the corner of the goal. But you explained it brilliantly thank you. It makes sense now. I think he needs to be told to close his legs a bit😂

[@tomlinanya5680]

Get this man 1M+ subs. This is the best fricking tactical analysis video of any team I’ve ever watched. Keep up the good work (waiting for Poch Chelsea 👀).

[@Cal-Capone]

Best Arsenal analysis on KZbin!!

[@EpicGeopolitics]

Really good video dude.

[@clocks8791]

Great content

[@Kitofthearts]

That was a great piece of footage of Pep, Mikel & Xabi Alonso smiling when talking on the training ground. What’s not to like about an educational system, that encourages gangs like this? ❤

[@theobvu]

dude massively underrates Saliba. he carried that backline. Gabriel is error prone

[@kazielbonn]

[Freeze Frame] "It certainly looks weird". Thanks, now I can't unsee it. On a serious note, I used to do this when taking set-pieces and shots in general as for some reason this technique causes the body shape to generate just the right amount of lift, curve and accuracy. So lean back, hunch over and look away all at almost the same time. I think I got that from watching Del Piero, Giggs and a few others back in the late 90's.

[@HoldingMidfield]

You were completely right to do it at attacking set-pieces as you want the ball to stay relatively low. It's just for long goal kicks where you're ideally getting lots of height on the ball so it carries above the first lines, you should really be leaning back as it allows your leg to swing higher. Like I said though, Ramsdale seems to be able to get that height even when he's hunched over so it doesn't really matter - just looks funny as an observer.

[@user-xz5ss5ko3j]

Brilliant breakdown! Would be great to get one for Villa or Brighton!. Would love to see more breakdowns of other modern day teams..

[@digbickenergyy]

great video, do more of these with other teams

[@bridgetincubi1141]

This is by far the best Arsenal tactical Videon I have watched. Well detailed and no if or maybes. Nice one man. It would be more fun to follow you on twitter.

[@eniyewasmare243]

well done

[@kelvinmutura9470]

This is brilliant, just got another subscriber

[@tswelopeleseleka9641]

Would love to see more breakdowns of other modern day teams.

[@carat1589]

great vid really given me some ideas on how to improve my positional awareness and movement

[@gracek137]

Very good video :)

[@radolix666]

Wow. What a analyst...

[@garysmith1589]

Respect

[@michaelheslop]

Top quality content! Loved your video of Valencia and Rafa Benitez too, something on Eddie Howe's Newcastle United and their similarities with early Klopp/Liverpool would be fascinating 👏

[@jibrelmengistu2068]

Wow! keep it up.

[@joeklin2712]

You got a subscriber ❤

[@markmoynihan9492]

Really enjoyed this. Would love to see what you think of the new signings.

[@pattyx9050]

I don’t know who you are, but you sure are bigger than doing KZbin analysis, you should be part of a big football team. Look how you broke Arsenal down like elementary maths… God bless you bro

[@darthplagueis8886]

You really should do more content like this.

[@TheProductionsOfAC]

overall pretty good vid, a little harsh on kiwior imo but everyone has their own opinions

[@chiefnkosi7705]

Was beyond harsh. Was the total opposite. This dude probably saw Twitter after the Sporting away game.

[@danielo7985]

Agreed, saying he was worse than holding made no sense to me

[@stringerbell547]

You've just done all the work for every manger we will face next season, that God Mikel has a plan.🤣😂😂 Oh! Great Video!

[@andysoon3938]

You said it!! Holdini wasnt that bad!! Though alot of people will disagree.

[@donghwi_han]

after watching the whole video of this, I really need you to breakdown how Havertz, Timber and Rice would fit in to this Arsenal squad. ur analysis is brilliant, all spot on! u even saw something other ppl don't, like the blame on holding or kiwior ability. I'm curious on how u would break down Arsenal's new additions for next season! thanks & please!

[@jacobalexander4167]

I really want that too

[@Stunt101Bitch]

Kiwior is million times the player holding ever was I mean how long has holding been at arsenal at least kiwior can improve

[@donghwi_han]

@@Stunt101Bitch watch every matches he played with Arsenal in 2017 when he was still at 20 y/o!!! Holding became a starter for Arsenal in the end of 16/17 season, played 6 won 6. he was also important parts of England u-21. played two important matches at FA Cup & silenced prime Diego Costa. he was THAT good, unfortunately for him on 5 December 2018, he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a 2-2 draw against Manchester United. he was out for 9 months. this is the point where he then struggled to find his form again.

[@Stunt101Bitch]

@@donghwi_han i won’t ever watch the arsenal of them years the pain was too much but I agree he was decent back then but maybe he looked decent because arsenal were so bad in them days now that we see players proper players at arsenal he looks painful to watch it breaks my heart seeing him on the bench let alone on the starting line up the sooner he goes the better idc if it’s for free

[@theonebeforek]

Brilliant breakdown! Would be great to get one for Villa or Brighton!

[@HoldingMidfield]

Both are on the list!

[@finding_aether]

Arteta rebuilding the club with the MW made famous by legendary Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman is kind of poetic.

[@sweetdream9627]

How a good team we have

[@demandwars]

Phenomenal analysis. Subscribed. Do you plan to do an updated one? The team has evolved a fair amount, in the past 7 months - with the - departure of Xhaka, - the absence of Partey, and - the insertion of Rice + Havertz. Great work!

[@HoldingMidfield]

Maybe sometime in the future but probably not as I have a list of other teams I'd like to get through first

[@srykextraodinairecreation9962]

The new tactic by Arteta actually making our no10 do all the work, pressing, create chances, drop deep to receive the ball. Luckily Odegaard more than willing to do all these

[@tesonvinjack]

fantastic video can you do a trossard break down in arsenal side

[@homoerectus3355]

Great analysis although I felt you were pretty harsh on Kiwior definitely don’t think he was worse than Holding

[@HoldingMidfield]

I think he should be a better player but was worse in how he fit in with Arsenal's style of defending. He's only had 7 games and this is only his second season at a high level though so it's hardly surprising. Holding's basically at his peak and a big downgrade on the starters, whereas Kiwior's also a big downgrade currently but has plenty of room to develop.

[@garysmith1589]

Can you make a video of the impact the arsenal’s signings will make to improve Arsenal from last season pls🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@azalikmar2]

I don't understand why they don't just let Tierney overlap and let White sit in. I guess now with timber that won't be a problem, but I felt that was the obvious move when ZInchenko got injured last season

[@jonathanward1585]

I really like Trossard G. Jesus and Trossard together brings two false nines on the field

[@nepsdaz236]

I am the 1000th like on this video 😂

[@emmanuelellis8309]

In summary, Gabriel #6 is the most important player for Arsenal.

[@hansgruber9093]

By the way, where do you find all the footage of individual players?

[@HoldingMidfield]

Wyscout.