Arsenal’s rise to the top of the Premier League table has been remarkable, driven by manager Mikel Arteta’s meticulous approach. Since taking charge in December 2019, Arteta transformed a struggling squad into champions, securing the club’s first league title in over two decades during the 2025-26 season. However, this success has come with renewed scrutiny over their methods, prompting debate over whether the Gunners are now too reliant on what is often termed the dark arts of football.
The criticism centers on Arsenal’s apparent cynicism in the 2026-27 season. Recent matches, including a 1-0 victory at Liverpool, have highlighted tactics such as lengthy stoppages, time-wasting at throw-ins, and exaggerated reactions to fouls. This shift has led some to compare their current style to the ruthless execution of a champion, while others view it as a departure from the spirit of the game. John Stones, a Manchester City defender, previously summarized this duality by noting that such tactics can be called either clever or dirty.
ESPN reporters James Olley, Mark Ogden, and Sam Tighe, along with former defender Nedum Onuoha, analyzed these tactics. They noted that Arsenal’s evolution is part of a longer journey. After struggling with a softer image in earlier seasons, Arteta has hardened the squad both physically and mentally. The team’s willingness to bend rules, such as managing time precisely during goal kicks, reflects a deep understanding of how to gain material advantages without breaking the law of the game.
Onuoha argued that the team is not overly cynical, describing it as a pragmatic approach to winning. He highlighted that the squad possesses the talent to score more but chooses to control the game’s tempo when necessary. This collective willingness to adapt whether speeding up or slowing down the play is seen as a strength rather than a flaw. The players exhibit a unified sense of the game, ensuring that their tactical adjustments are seamless and effective.
Mark Ogden acknowledged that Arsenal pushed boundaries significantly in the final weeks of their title-winning campaign. He cited the Champions League final against PSG as an example where the team deliberately ran down the clock. While such tactics can test the patience of opponents and officials, Ogden accepted that pushing limits is inherent to elite sport. He suggested that Arsenal are simply better at these methods than their rivals, making them more noticeable.
The role of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in curbing these tactics was also debated. Onuoha and Tighe agreed that VAR has not eliminated gamesmanship, as players have simply adapted their behavior. Top players rarely commit obvious errors that trigger reviews, and teams have found new ways to exploit rule ambiguities. For instance, Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya is known for taking the full allowable time on goal kicks, a tactic that has become a focal point of frustration for opponents.
Olley pointed out that while feigning injury and time-wasting can be unpalatable, they are not strictly punishable due to their subjective nature. He noted that these small advantages accumulate to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm. Liverpool’s recent loss at Anfield exemplified how Arsenal’s ability to manage the game’s energy can be a decisive factor, even when the quality of play is high. The team’s set-piece effectiveness has dipped this season due to tighter rules and better opposition analysis, but their overall tactical discipline remains intact.
As champions, Arsenal now faces different expectations. Olley suggested that dynasties are typically built on expansive styles of play, and while Arsenal’s resilience is impressive, there is a desire to see them pursue more attacking options. However, the team’s current approach, characterized by a Band of Brothers mentality, stems from Arteta’s influence. This culture, rooted in togetherness and scrapping, allows the team to adapt to whatever the game demands, ensuring they remain competitive in high-stakes matches.
