Arsenal Football Club's 5 Key Strategies for Dominating the Premier League This Season

As I sit here watching Arsenal dismantle another Premier League opponent, I can't help but reflect on what makes this season's squad so different from previous iterations. Having followed this club for over two decades, I've seen promising teams crumble and unexpected squads rise to the occasion. But what Mikel Arteta has built feels genuinely special - and I believe there are five key strategies driving their current dominance in England's top flight.

The first strategy that stands out to me is their revolutionary approach to possession. Arsenal aren't just keeping the ball for possession's sake anymore - they're using it as a weapon. The numbers speak for themselves: they've increased their average possession in the final third by nearly 18% compared to last season. What really impresses me is how they've mastered what I like to call "progressive possession" - every touch seems designed to destabilize the opposition's defensive structure. Watching Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard combine in midfield reminds me of watching a perfectly choreographed dance, each movement calculated to create openings that didn't exist moments before.

Their defensive transformation deserves equal praise. Last season, Arsenal conceded 43 goals across the campaign. This year, they're on pace to concede fewer than 30. The secret isn't just better defenders - it's a collective defensive mentality that starts with their forwards. I've never seen a team where the striker tracks back as consistently as Gabriel Jesus does, and it sets the tone for everyone else. William Saliba's emergence as arguably the Premier League's best center-back isn't accidental either - it's the product of a system that maximizes his incredible recovery speed and reading of the game.

When we talk about squad depth, Arsenal have reached a new level. Remember when their bench used to be filled with promising but unproven youngsters? Now they have genuine game-changers like Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe who can come on and completely alter matches. I counted at least seven players in their squad who could start for any other top-six side, which creates the kind of selection headaches managers dream about. This depth allows them to maintain intensity throughout the season while adapting to different opponents and situations.

The fourth strategy involves their set-piece mastery. Under set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, Arsenal have become absolute monsters on dead balls. They've scored 18 set-piece goals already this season - that's nearly 35% of their total output. What fascinates me isn't just the clever routines they deploy, but how they've turned set-pieces into a genuine attacking threat rather than just an occasional bonus. I've noticed they practice these situations with an intensity I've rarely seen at other clubs, and it shows in their execution during crucial moments.

Perhaps the most underrated aspect of their success is what I'd call tactical flexibility. Earlier in Arteta's tenure, Arsenal seemed married to a specific system regardless of the opponent. Now they fluidly shift between formations and approaches within matches. I've seen them start in a 4-3-3, morph into a 3-2-5 in possession, then defend in a compact 4-4-2. This adaptability makes them incredibly difficult to prepare for, as opponents never quite know what version of Arsenal they'll face.

Thinking back to that quote about never being close to cleaning the division and new challengers always emerging - it perfectly captures the Premier League landscape. Just when you think you've figured things out, new threats appear. Manchester City aren't going anywhere, Liverpool are rebuilding impressively, and Aston Villa have emerged as genuine contenders under Unai Emery. What separates Arsenal this season is their recognition that dominance requires constant evolution. They're not resting on last season's near-miss - they've identified specific areas for improvement and addressed them with precision.

The beauty of Arsenal's current approach is how they've balanced data-driven decision making with the intangible elements of football. They recruit players who fit specific statistical profiles while ensuring they possess the character and mentality to thrive under pressure. Watching Bukayo Saka develop into one of the league's most decisive players hasn't just been about his technical growth - it's been about how the system puts him in positions where his qualities shine brightest.

As we approach the business end of the season, I'm genuinely excited to see if Arsenal can maintain this level. The Premier League has a way of humbling even the most dominant teams, but there's something about this Arsenal side that feels different. They play with a maturity beyond their years and a tactical sophistication that suggests they're built for sustained success rather than a fleeting challenge. While other tough athletes and teams will undoubtedly emerge as the quote suggests, Arsenal have positioned themselves as the standard others must match. The real test will be how they respond when the next wave of challengers rises to meet them - but based on what I've seen this season, they're more prepared than ever.