Fulham 0-3 Arsenal: 4 Things We Learned From Premier League Opener

Mikel Arteta Has Created His Own Brand

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1304872451483066369

It’s a telling sign of Arteta’s confidence in his team that in the last three matches they club have played, the same setup has been implemented. Wembley showpieces against far superior opposition in Chelsea and Liverpool were followed up with the same 3-4-3 formation and equally alike tactics against Premier League newbies Fulham.

Wing-backs who are given license to drift into midfield and bulk up the numbers, just as they are permitted to run beyond the last line of defence, have become a mainstay in the Spaniard’s approach.

At times in possession, it even shifted into a back four with Gabriel and Holding flanked by Bellerin and Tierney either side, with Maitland-Niles tucking into central areas to allow Willian the space to roam.

Proven to be a winning strategy, the only noticeable difference in Saturday’s win to the previous encounters was the added aggressiveness off the ball. Sitting deeper and biding their time was drilled into the side for the clashes against superior opposition, yet against Fulham the pressing was done higher up the pitch and in greater numbers.

Incredible, really, how clear it is in every member of the squad how well they’re coached. They know exactly what is wanted of them at all times. Good lord that’s refreshing to see, isn’t it?