Tag: Arsenal

Lewis-Skelly and Tzolis star in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Coventry

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Premier League, Team Analysis

Earlier this week in my Arsenal preview, I declared the Gunners as favourites for the Premier League title again in 2026-27. They’re just so complete. So well drilled. So organized. No missing components to the puzzle. It’s a really efficient side that Mikel Arteta has built, and one that can hurt opposing teams from such a vast variety of angles. To no surprise, they rolled Frank Lampard’s Coventry City over in the opening fixture of the 2026-27 season - claiming an impressive 3-0 win. All eleven players in an Arsenal shirt stood out. Tactically, two of the players deserve the most post-game commentary.

How Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal could look in 2026-27

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Team Analysis

Arteta's made subtle adjustments in the transfer window to keep his squad the same, adding only a few pieces to the puzzle. The only loss is Leandro Trossard, and it's safe to say that United, Liverpool and City have endured greater losses. Meanwhile, Bruno Guimarães adds another versatile dimension in midfield, and Greek international Christos Tzolis has looked bright in the pre-season to make up for that Trossard loss. Here is everything you need to know about Arteta's Arsenal in 2026-27, and why they may just win the title again.

Picking the 2025-26 Premier League Team of the Season

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League

Every time you open social media and listen to the noise of the 2025-26 Premier League season, you will often hear cries of "worst season ever." Even Arne Slot called the league "boring". I beg to differ. This feels like a season that will come down to the final day, and still have plenty to play for in the remaining fixtures. But before the final run-in, I wanted to cast my Premier League Team of the season for 2025-26.

United’s attacking depth the difference against Arsenal

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Premier League, Team Analysis

Manchester United may have been second-best for long stretches against Arsenal, but the match ultimately exposed a growing truth about Carrick's team: they can score from anywhere, at any moment, through anyone. While Arsenal controlled the possession, United’s depth in attack - spread across the squad rather than one star, proved decisive. In a season defined by inconsistency, this ability to flip a match on its head in seconds might be their most valuable weapon in the race for Champions League football.

Manchester City’s dominance is being challenged — and this time it feels different

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Team Analysis

Manchester City have won eight of the past twelve Premier League titles. They've been the dominating force in the league, and the drivers behind many modern tactical innovations. But they are no longer an unstoppable force. With some questionable decisions in the transfer market, this golden era at City has essentially evaporated. They now find themselves seven points adrift, with looming question marks over what's next for many of their once invincible stars. Here is why Manchester City's dominance in the Premier League might finally be over, once and for all.

Why big clubs keep getting transfers wrong

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

To football clubs, £100 million might no longer seem like an insane amount of money. They seem to have money to spare. But it never works. And herein lies the reason why clubs like Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth will always have better transfer strategies. Think of how many proven Premier League players you could sign for that total sum of £100-125 million. Think of how many young players you could convince to join for that total fee. This is the problem with the spending of big clubs, and why most big transfers fail.

Arsenal’s superiority comes from strength in depth

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Masterclasses, Premier League, Team Analysis

Arsenal have something the other top sides in the Premier League continue to lack: strength in depth. This is what will ultimately carry them to the Premier League title this season.

Game of Numbers #30 – Defending the world’s best striker – Gabriel Magalhães

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Striker

We all know just how good Erling Haaland is at football. He only needs one chance, and more often than not, he'll score. But what makes him such a powerhouse is the combination of traits (pace, power, strength, hold-up, playmaking, etc.) that intertwine to make him the most frightening striker in the world. In order to defend against the world's best in Erling Haaland, you have to fully believe and embody the role of someone who can go toe-to-toe with the City man. Perhaps most importantly, you have to throw Haaland off his game, without stepping over a certain line of aggression. It might have gone under the radar as Arsenal claimed their first win over the Citizens in the Arteta era, but that is exactly what Gabriel accomplished on Sunday. Here is Game of Numbers #30.