Jose Mourinho has subtly accused Arsenal of being ‘defensive’ this season after one decision made by Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have enjoyed one of their best years in quite some time under Arteta, with Arsenal in 2024 becoming the highest-scoring and best defensive side in the Premier League, with Saturday seeing the north London side keep their sixth away clean sheet in a row.
With David Raya set to win the Golden Glove award, Arsenal’s title challenge this season has been built on the solidity of their defence more than anything, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba also taking their game to new levels.
And Mourinho has noted a change to Arsenal’s back-line.
Mourinho notes Arteta decision to play four centre-backs in Arsenal’s defence
Speaking to the Telegraph, Mourinho highlighted how Arteta now often uses four centre-backs in his backline, a tactic Manchester City used last season on their way to beating the Gunners to the Premier League.
Indeed, Arteta has fully transformed Ben White into a right-back whilst Jakub Kiwior has enjoyed success this season as a left-back, and results have shown that this decision has worked out in Arsenal’s favour.
Mourinho said about the evolution of the back-four in the Premier League: “Look to Manchester City, look to Arsenal, just to give two examples. How many central defenders do they have in the team? Sometimes they have six. As a matter of principle.
“Then they play in other positions. They play right-back, left-back, they play midfield. But they play with five or six central defenders on the pitch. Why? If I am a journalist I would ask the manager. They feel the need for defensive stability and a defensive compactness.”
Arsenal’s title run has been built on their defence
Arsenal’s defence has been shaky for what feels like forever, yet this season has seen the north London side’s backline hit new levels of stability and reliableness that hasn’t been seen in some years.
Gabriel and Saliba have been two of the best centre-backs in the Premier League this season with Raya proving himself to be an upgrade on Aaron Ramsdale despite many opposing calls earlier on in the campaign.
And with White and Kiwior thriving out as fullbacks, Arsenal’s title run has been built by their defence, which Arteta deserves credit for building and for making one of the best in all of Europe.
