Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has singled out Arsenal’s defensive organisation as the defining factor separating them from their Premier League rivals this season. The Gunners ended their 22-year wait for the league title last campaign, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City while conceding just 27 goals and keeping 19 clean sheets.
What makes Mikel Arteta’s side so difficult to break down? According to Pulis, it’s their rapid transition from to defence. “The biggest difference between Arsenal and the other teams at the top at the moment is that they look very, very solid behind the ball,” Pulis explained. “When they lose the ball, they get back as quick as anybody else and regain their shape.”
The veteran manager particularly praised Arteta’s coaching ods. Arsenal can with pace, but their ability to immediately drop behind the ball sets them apart from Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Manchester City faces its own transition period. On September 8th, 2026, the club began their Champions League campaign under new manager Enzo Maresca, marking the first time in over a decade they’ve entered European competition without Pep Guardiola. Both clubs now navigate fresh chapters in their respective journeys.
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