New tactics see Arsenal down Manchester City and silence critics

A change of tactics reaped rewards as a new, more subdued but more solid Arsenal arrived at Manchester City on Sunday, saw less of the ball than usual, yet still masterfully outplayed the champions.

Arsenal registered just 35 per cent possession – their lowest total since these statistics were first compiled 11 years ago – yet produced perhaps their finest performance in recent seasons to end their away-day woes against the Premier League elite with a 2-0 win.

At the same Etihad venue last season, Arsenal commanded 48 per cent of the ball but in attempting to go toe-to-toe with City were thumped 6-3.

They were similarly humbled 6-0 and 5-1 at Chelsea and Liverpool respectively, with continued criticism of manager Arsene Wenger suggesting he was stubbornly refusing to learn lessons or demonstrate tactical progression.

Against City, though, after Arsenal had taken only seven points out of the last possible 48 against Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, it seemed the penny had finally dropped.

Wenger’s masterclass was reminiscent of his old foe Jose Mourinho’s recent raids with Chelsea on fortress Etihad where resolute, disciplined defence is routinely combined with ruthless, swift counter-attacking.

“It is important to get that away win out of the way, to show we can win away in the Premier League, and that will make us stronger,” Wenger told the BBC.