Arsenal appear to have reverted to a more cautious style after their 3-0 defeat by Brighton, according to Paul Merson, who believes the result may have left Mikel Arteta’s side “scared”.
The former Arsenal midfielder said the team had initially looked more willing to play expansively this season, but had become more controlled in recent matches against Leeds and Lille.
“I don’t know if it was the Brighton result that scared them a little bit, because I thought before that they were a little bit more open,” Merson said on Sky Sports.
“And the last couple of games, the Leeds game and the Lille game, for me they’ve gone back to being a bit of a machine. That’s what’s won us the league.”
Arsenal’s tactics return to title-winning formula
Arsenal won the Premier League last season with an approach that was viewed by some as negative and overly cautious. Their defensive strength and threat from set pieces helped end the club’s 22-year wait for another league title.
Merson had expected Arteta to release the shackles this season, given the attacking players available to him.
“I thought this year the shackles might come off … we’re gonna play, we’ve got the players…” he said.
Arsenal’s current approach has also been viewed in the context of their defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League final, which they lost on penalties. The source material suggests the team may have created more opportunities had they kept possession better and attacked with greater freedom.
While the more disciplined style helped Arsenal secure domestic success, they may need to show greater bravery if they are to retain the title and make a stronger impression in Europe.
