How can Arsenal win the Premier League title next season?

3. Arteta’s adaptability

Arteta’s Arsenal have evolved drastically since his managerial debut – both tactically and from a personnel perspective.

The introduction of an inverted full-back in Oleksandr Zinchenko allowed the Gunners to control contests in a way previously unseen at the Emirates. The inverted role meant Arsenal ubiquitously set-up in a 3-2-5 possession structure and a 4-4-2 without it. There was an element of predictability about Arsenal’s set-up, although there were times when Arteta instructed his players man-mark without the ball, which did catch teams off guard.

As good as Arsenal were within Arteta’s control-oriented framework, there were points in the season where stagnation crept in as a result of the lack of alterations. The Spaniard was reluctant to rotate – often understandably – but rarely did his tactics alter either. Now, I’m not saying Arteta has to overhaul his blueprint for success as his current structure is what has thrust Arsenal to the position they’re in, but I would like to see him occasionally be a little more pragmatic and adaptable.

Guardiola, for example, caught Arteta out in their crucial April meeting which all but handed City the title. After using John Stones in a hybrid centre-back/pivot role for weeks, he changed tack for the Gunners’ visit and adopted a 4-2-4 possession structure which flummoxed Arsenal’s midfield. Such one-off alterations were rare from Arteta this season, but they might be necessary if they’re to beat City and other competitors.