Arsenal’s Alex Burstow has curated his favorite images from the 2025/26 season, offering a visual narrative of the club’s tactical evolution and key moments. The selection coincides with the Gunners’ preparations for the 2026 transfer window, as manager Mikel Arteta evaluates squad depth ahead of a critical campaign.
Why the 2025/26 Season Matters for Arsenal’s Tactical Identity
Arsenal’s 2025/26 season marked a shift toward a more structured high-pressing system, with Arteta emphasizing “positional rotation and verticality” in a June 2026 interview with BBC Sport. Burstow’s chosen images highlight this philosophy, particularly the team’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City in April, where Bukayo Saka’s 12 key passes and 77% pass completion rate underpinned the side’s dominance in the final third.
The data reflects a 1.8 xG (expected goals) advantage per game in 2025/26, a 0.5 increase from the prior season, according to Flashscore. This aligns with Arteta’s focus on “creating over 100 shots per game,” a metric the club achieved in 12 matches last term.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Saka’s 12-key-pass average in 2025/26 boosts his fantasy value, with projections showing a 15% increase in points per game compared to 2024/25.
- Saliba’s 88% tackle success rate in 2025/26 positions him as a top-10 defender in the Premier League, per Squawka.
- Arteta’s emphasis on wing-backs could destabilize Everton’s left flank, with Jordan Pickford’s 68% save rate under pressure a key fantasy risk.
| Player | 2024/25 xG | 2025/26 xG | Delta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bukayo Saka | 1.2 | 1.5 | +0.3 |
| Martin Ødegaard | 0.9 | 1.1 | +0.2 |
| William Saliba | 0.6 | 0.8 | +0.2 |
The Front-Office Implications of Burstow’s Selection
Burstow’s images underscore Arsenal’s reliance on wide players, a trend that could influence transfer strategy. With Saka’s contract set to expire in 2027, The Sun reports that Arteta is prioritizing a new left-sided forward to complement the England international. This aligns with the club’s £120m spending in 2026, per Goal.com, which includes a potential £45m bid for RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo.
Financially, Arsenal’s wage bill remains under control, with a 2025/26 average of £6.2m per player, below the Premier League’s £7.8m median, according to BBC Sport. However, retaining Saka and Saliba could push the club over the £100m luxury tax threshold, a risk manager Vinai Venkatesham has previously warned against.
Expert Analysis: The Tactical Trade-Offs
“Arsenal’s 2025/26 system is a double-edged sword,” says former midfielder Paul Merson, speaking to Sky Sports. “They’re winning games with high press and width, but the lack of a traditional striker leaves them vulnerable in tight matches.” This aligns with data showing a 14% drop in shots from inside the box compared to 2024/25.
Football analyst Jonathan Wilson, writing for The Guardian, notes that “Arteta’s reliance on Saka and Odegaard in the final third has created a 20% higher target share for wide players, but the central area remains underutilized.” This could explain the Gunners’ 12% lower expected goals per 90 minutes in 2025/26 compared to their 2023/24 title-winning campaign.
What’s Next for Arsenal’s 2026/27 Plans?
The 2026 transfer window will test Arteta’s ability to balance immediate needs with long-term vision. While the focus remains on reinforcing the left flank, the club’s £30m budget for a central striker—potentially targeting Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ante Budimir—could redefine their attacking structure. As Burstow’s images show, the Gunners are at a crossroads: maintain their high-pressing identity or evolve toward a more conventional forward line.
*Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and
