Arsenal title favourites talk is back in full swing after a battling 2-1 win over Chelsea and 2-0 over Sunderland that showcased Mikel Arteta’s evolving tactical setup. Kai Havertz equalised in the 25th minute before Martin Ødegaard fired Arsenal ahead early in the second half, sealing another statement win for the Gunners followed by goals from Bruno Guimarães and Saka against Sunderland made it Arsenal title favourites
Despite loosing several key players in the summer transfer window, Arsenal have looked composed and organised, with players coming off the bench stepping up when called upon. Arteta’s side have been the most consistent team in the title race since the 2022/23 season — and their start to 2026/27 suggests they could go all the way again.
Last season, Arteta’s Arsenal won through tactical flexibility, defensive control and set-piece dominance. This season, the Gunners are adding a more aggressive attacking structure to that defensive foundation, making them even harder to predict and arguably stronger title contenders.
Lets keep it simple and analytical. The biggest story is that Arteta has moved from a more predictable 4-3-3 toward greater tactical flexibility, while this season Arsenal are becoming even more aggressive in possession.
Arsenal Title Favourites: What Changed From Last Season (2025/26)
1. Arteta used both 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1
2. Rice & Zubimendi was the double pivot which made Arsenal better defensively and allowed Declane Rice to contribute both defensively and forward
3. Arsenal were extremely good at protecting leads through possession, structure and defensive organisation. Control based system
4. Set pieces & Corners became a huge advantage, with Arsenal scoring a league record 24 goals from Set pieces
New-look Arsenal – 2026/27 Arteta’s Proven blueprint
So far it looks Arteta appears to push the system higher and wider
1. Full backs playing more high up the pitch or playing centrally. This allows more players to move to the final third
2. Both Lewis-Skelly & Calafiori, has started to operate wider and more advanced roles
3. Defensively Arsenal still have the Compactness and a strong defence structure
4. With this new look tactics, Arsenal attack with more players in the final third
Arsenal vs Sunderland – Tactical Points
Again a very composed display by Arsenal against Sunderland as they continue to win four out of four Premier League games making it a 100% start so far. However Sunderland didn’t make it easy
1. Goal Keeper David Raya made a crucial penalty save against Enzo Le Fée’s preventing Arsenal going behind right at the start of the Second Half.
2. Bruno Guimarães, came off the bench to score just after a crucial save from David Raya. This shows Arsenal’s quality from the bench that can turn the game around.
3. Sunderland created chances which made Arsenal under pressure but the Gunners defensive organization kept them in the game.
4. A penalty kick was awarded, Saka sealed the game in style and made it 2-0
5. This clearly shows the Gunners ability both with the ball and without the ball, staying composed, absorbing pressure rather than dominating the entire game.
This kind of composed, gritty win is exactly the type of result that fuels Arsenal title favourites talk – grinding out victories even when the performance isn’t at its fluent best.
Why Arsenal Are the Title Favourites This Season
Beyond the results, the numbers back up the growing belief that Arsenal are genuine and Arsenal are title favourites heading into 2026/27. Arteta’s squad depth has improved significantly, allowing rotation without a major drop in quality — a key factor in sustaining a title challenge across a demanding 38-game season.
The addition of tactical variety, switching between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 depending on the opponent, has made Arsenal harder to prepare for. Combined with their proven set-piece threat and defensive discipline from last season, this Arsenal side looks more complete than any Arteta squad before it.