Quick verdict: Since taking charge in December 2019, Mikel Arteta has turned Arsenal into one of Europe's most organised teams. The foundations are a settled defensive spine, a rest defence that stops counter-attacks early, hybrid full-backs who can defend like centre-backs, and set pieces treated as a weapon in their own right.
Arteta inherited a side that had drifted out of the Champions League. He won the FA Cup in his first months, then rebuilt the squad around younger players and a clear structure. Arsenal finished second in the Premier League three seasons running, from 2022/23 to 2024/25, and reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2024/25.
1. A Defensive Spine First
The rebuild began at the back. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães formed one of the league's strongest centre-back partnerships, David Raya arrived in goal in 2023, and Declan Rice joined the same summer to protect the defence and drive the team forward.
2. Rest Defence and the Hybrid Full-Back
In 2022/23 Arteta used Oleksandr Zinchenko as an inverted full-back who moved into midfield. Later, he preferred full-backs who can defend like centre-backs, such as Ben White, Jurriën Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, so that Arsenal always keep a solid line behind the attack.
The result is a structure that allows Arsenal to press high without leaving gaps for counter-attacks.
3. Set Pieces as a Weapon
Arsenal's set-piece routines, developed with specialist coach Nicolas Jover after his arrival in 2021, became one of their trademarks: blocks and screens to free attackers at corners, and a disciplined system for defending them.
4. The Next Step
The squad kept evolving. Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Cristhian Mosquera arrived in 2025, and Ezri Konsa has since joined. Each addition was chosen to fit the structure as well as to add quality.
Arteta's challenge has always been turning structure into trophies. The organisation is in place; the margins at the very top are about converting dominance into goals in the biggest games.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mikel Arteta become Arsenal manager?
Mikel Arteta was appointed Arsenal head coach in December 2019 and won the FA Cup in his first season.
What formation does Arteta use at Arsenal?
Arsenal usually line up in a 4-3-3 and move into a 3-2-5 or similar shape in possession, using a full-back or midfielder to form the back three.
Why are Arsenal so good at set pieces?
Arsenal treat set pieces as a specialist area, with dedicated coaching and rehearsed routines using screens and blocks to free their tallest players.