Arsenal’s success this season has been built on solid defence, and manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping Sir Alex Ferguson’s theories and former Manchester United player can lead Arsenal to the title.
Sir Alex Ferguson famously said, “Attack wins games and defense wins titles.” If that were true, Arsenal would have been champions in each of the last two seasons.
Mikel Arteta has built a formidable defense, conceding the fewest goals in both 2023/24 and 2024/25 with 29 and 34 goals, but finishing second in both seasons. The difference this time around, at least what Arteta hopes is, is Arsenal’s determination to take defending to a whole new level and turn it into an art form.
Arsenal won the title under manager George Graham thanks to their famous back four. The same defender was the cornerstone of Arsene Wenger’s first double-winning team in 1998. Lee Dixon, a member of those teams, says the “parallels” between then and now are clear.
After 11 games, Arsenal have conceded just five goals (two of which came in the 2-2 draw with Sunderland), and that is certainly reason for Arteta to believe they can win the title this season.
It is no coincidence that Arteta has added Gabriel Heinze to his backroom staff. The former Manchester United defender, who has known Arteta since his time at Paris Saint-Germain, added an intense new dimension to the coaching sessions.
read more: Mikel Arteta reveals Gabriel Jesus plans as Arsenal manager, details Eberechi Eze beliefsread more: Mikel Arteta says he will sanction the transfer exit of Arsenal star who ‘looks like Lionel Messi’
Heinze is passionate and ambitious and is a former left-sided defender himself, so it’s interesting to note that the more experienced and natural defender Riccardo Calafioli won this season ahead of Miles Lewis-Skelly as the left-back.
That’s one important difference. The other thing is the structure of the team. Martin Zvimendi was outstanding. His presence in midfield provides protection while also emphasizing that defense is not just a back-four issue.
Now comes another test. It is clear that Arsenal’s first choice is a back four. Julian Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Calafioli. Lewis-Skelly is a still-developing teenager playing in a strange Champions League game. Cristian Mosquera was great.
However, with Gabriel facing injury lay-off, this could be an opportunity for new signing Piero Hincapie. But Arteta’s vision should mean that whoever comes in, whether it’s Hincapie or Mosquera, they understand the system. That’s because it’s very well carved.
Arsenal legend Dixon, who won four titles during his glittering 14 years at the club, said via OLBG that the team reminded him of his days alongside Steve Bould, Tony Adams and Nigel Winterburn. And let’s not forget Martin Keown.
Dixon said: “Yeah, there’s definitely similarities. The drive and the willingness to do the hard yards and have fun with it, because for so many years defense has been kind of seen as the dark arts, the ugly side of football, and you know, it’s hard work.”
“I’m not saying it’s not difficult to play in midfield or up front. That’s not the case. You’re constantly changing positions. You have to enjoy it. You have to enjoy the process of being in a team within a team. And that’s the back four.”
“This is our team, so we always look at it and when we get it and give it to you, that’s your job now. Righty, go and score a goal for us. Dennis, go and do some magic.”
“It’s a team effort. You protect from the front, the last line is kind of a last resort. But this team, this back four, loves the process. And I think it’s very similar to how we do it.”
“Personally, I think they’re more athletic than us based on the modern game. In the modern game, they’re healthier, they play on better pitches, and the game is faster.”
Arsenal spent huge amounts of money in the summer on attacking players such as Eberechi Eze, Victor Gokeres and Noni Madueke. But they also further strengthened one of the Premier League’s meanest defenses by introducing the likes of Hincapie and Mosquera.
Arteta is a coach who values control. One football celebrity has described Arsenal as the best managed team in the Premier League.
This year, Arsenal will believe that by conceding as few goals as possible, they can finally get the forward talent and much-needed balance between attack and defense that can prove Fergie right.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
