When Arsenal does something, it's extraordinary.

23/10/2025 15:43:00 TrophyTracker

All the finest aspects of football were magnificently showcased by Arsenal in their 4-0 win against Atletico Madrid in the third qualifying round of the Champions League last night.

The Gunners are tough to beat unless they lose to themselves. Coach Mikel Arteta is often criticized for being overly cautious and conservative, but this squad is efficient in defense, ruthless in attack, and ambitious to claim the European crown this season.

Efficiency in attack

"Our approach to preparing for matches is always to make things as difficult as possible for our opponents, as often as possible," the Spanish coach stated after demolishing Atletico 4-0 in a game that was agonizing for the rivals.

Arteta’s team can score from attacks, counterattacks, set pieces, or open play. Above all, they defend resolutely and crush all of Atletico’s football ideas.

The Madrid representatives scored 5 goals against Eintracht Frankfurt in this tournament and another 5 against Real Madrid at home in La Liga. They are truly a threat to world champion Julian Alvarez. The Rojiblancos performed well at their level, but Arsenal has the ability to break down any defense.

During a thrilling 13 minutes in the second half, the Emirates side left their opponents bewildered, unsure of what had happened and how to survive such dominance. They scored 4 goals in this stretch, with only 8 shots in total during the 90 minutes (6 on target). Two of these goals came from set pieces.

Efficiency is reflected not only in the 75% of shots aimed at Oblak’s goal but also in the possession stats—52% for Arsenal versus 48% for Atletico (a close margin)—yet the London team practically swept their rival off the pitch at both ends.

Previously, efficiency was a hallmark of Simeone’s side, and Arsenal can now truly compare or even surpass the Argentine coach in this aspect, boasting superior playing quality over most opponents. Mikel Arteta is turning Arsenal into a "premium" version, reaching the level of a genuine Champions League winner.

Not only is Arsenal excellent in attack, but they are also exceptional in defense.

Pragmatism in defense

A team aiming to win the Champions League must excel not only in attack but also be masters of defense. Arsenal currently leads in this regard. Four of the five players who covered the most distance in this match were Arsenal runners, with Declan Rice covering the most ground at the Emirates. This means the Gunners gave their utmost to keep a clean sheet.

Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Arteta’s squad has conceded the fewest goals among teams in Europe’s top five leagues. Their formidable defense has grown even stronger this season, allowing only 3 goals in 11 matches across all competitions. In the last three games, opponents have managed just one shot on target.

Arsenal’s defense has become their most potent weapon, built on familiarity, superb fitness, and stability in recruitment. The London club’s defensive success is driven by the team’s collective understanding of the system and the tactical demands of their Spanish coach.

Arteta is currently the 10th longest-serving manager in Premier League history, and over the past six years, the 43-year-old has consistently delivered the same messages to his players. Particularly, defenders like Saliba and Gabriel have been so rigorously trained that many of their movements have become automatic.

Arsenal always press Atletico as a unified block in the opponent’s half, almost always using a 4-4-2 formation, then form a solid steel wall that minimizes spaces for the Rojiblancos to counterattack. Crucially, the center backs are capable of defending in every situation.

If Arsenal need to hold their ground inside their penalty area and clear dozens of crosses, Saliba and Gabriel can manage that. If they push forward, leaving large gaps behind, they can also cope effectively.

This strength extends to the midfield, where Declan Rice makes tireless runs and strong tackles, positively influencing the full-backs as well. Arsenal has physical strength, which also builds determination.

They want to play attacking football but are equally passionate about defending. "But if you want to be champions, you need to be a complete team. Defense is the main focus right now. If you keep a clean sheet, your chances of winning are very high," Mikel Merino confirmed.

Nhat Minh

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