Arsenal's Vertical Idea Emanates from Singapore Tour

The final result is usually not important in preseason matches. However, this does not apply to Arsenal in their exhibition duel against Newcastle United. The team, managed by Mikel Arteta, is aiming for a strong performance as well as a victory to demonstrate the effectiveness of their new playing style approach.

"I don't think it's a friendly match. They are a test for us. We are using this opportunity to raise our competitive level and to work on what we are trying to achieve next (in terms of tactics)," said Arteta after Arsenal's 3-2 victory over Newcastle at the National Stadium in Singapore, Sunday (27/7/2025) WIB.

Arteta not only used the match to improve the players' fitness. He also aimed to find solutions to the attacking problems Arsenal faced last season. Coincidentally, their opponent was Newcastle, who has almost always been a "kryptonite" for Arsenal lately. New ideas were executed.

Arsenal is known for their slow, possession-based style of play. They prefer to build attacks from the back with short passes. However, a different scene unfolded at the National Stadium. Just two minutes into the match, defender William Saliba immediately delivered a long pass to winger Bukayo Saka.

The game "Si Meriam," which has often been characterized by its convoluted play, has become more straightforward. Long passes are repeatedly sent directly forward, whether from the goalkeeper or defenders. Meanwhile, two to three forwards are always waiting for passes at the opponent's defensive line. They are ready to execute a quick transition.

Match statistics confirm Arsenal's transformation. They made 42 long passes, nearly double the amount compared to the previous preseason match against Milan (24). Newcastle, recognized as one of the best teams in transition in the Premier League, also recorded a lower number (36).

For context, according to FBref, Arsenal attempted the fewest long passes in the 2024-25 Premier League season, with just 2,022 attempts, or around 10.4 percent of all passes. Long passes are categorized as passes longer than 27.4 meters (30 yards).

The structure of Arsenal's midfield also changed when building attacks. They started the match with three midfielders: Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Ethan Nwaneri. Interestingly, Zubimendi was often left alone in the midfield. Merino and Nwaneri advanced to seek space behind the opponent's second line of defense.

As a result, Arsenal's attacks can directly penetrate the opponent's final third if Zubimendi successfully delivers a vertical pass to Merino or Nwaneri. They no longer need to perform many passing combinations in the midfield. Typically, the other two midfielders more frequently assist in dropping back to support the pivot.

Arteta stated that Zubimendi's presence this summer has successfully provided tactical flexibility. The Spanish national team midfielder can control the rhythm alone in the midfield as a single pivot. Unlike before, Thomas Partey needed assistance from Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard to build the attack.

"The challenge posed by Newcastle to you, especially with their style of play and profile in the midfield, I think he (Zubimendi) can handle that intensity. He is very intelligent, always one step ahead, able to read situations, and accelerate the pace of the game," said Arteta.

With the role of Zubimendi and a more vertical style of play, Arsenal can complement Newcastle's strong midfield forces in physical duels, such as Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. The attention of Newcastle players is no longer solely focused on the center of the field due to the threat of direct attacks.

Arsenal's more straightforward character is likely to be carried into the new season. In addition to being effective against teams with a medium defensive block that piles up many players in the midfield, this new idea could also resolve Arsenal's overall issues in creating opportunities.

As a result of being too slow, Odegaard and his teammates often neglect the open spaces in the opponent's defense. They complicate their own efforts by attacking when the opposing players have already returned to their original positions. This issue is reflected in the relatively low number of opportunities compared to rival teams, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Arsenal only managed an average of 14.3 shots per game in league play. That figure is even lower than the mediocre Bournemouth (15.2). They also only recorded 61.5 chances (xG), or expected goals, compared to Liverpool (83.6 xG).

It is understandable that Arsenal's productivity has drastically decreased from 91 goals (2023-24 season) to 69 goals (last season). In addition to the issue of a storm of injuries in the forward line, their highly structured and organized attack has begun to be deciphered by opposing teams. Arteta has no choice but to attempt a new approach.

The new plan is reflected in the transfer activities during the summer transfer window. Arsenal has brought in striker Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, who are indeed reliable in transition situations. They are also working to acquire attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, who is skilled in counterattacks.

Odegaard is confident that the addition of players this time will certainly strengthen Arsenal for the upcoming season. "I feel that we are getting better and stronger. The new players come in and bring something new to this group. We still have a little time to prepare ourselves and become better," said Odegaard, the team captain. (AP/AFP)