Once a source of dread and embarrassment, Arsenal‘s matches against their top six rivals have become a showcase of their newfound tactical maturity under Mikel Arteta.

Gone are the days of humiliating losses and “banter era” results, replaced by a string of impressive victories and a dominant record against the Premier League’s elite.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (L) comforts Arsenal's Belgian midfielder #19 Leandro Trossard at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 31, 2024. Manchester City and Arsenal equalised 0 - 0. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (L) comforts Arsenal’s Belgian midfielder #19 Leandro Trossard at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 31, 2024. Manchester City and Arsenal equalised 0 – 0. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

For years, Arsenal’s matches against top Premier League rivals were often fraught with fear and disappointment, marked by heavy defeats and a perceived lack of backbone. However, under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, the Gunners have undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding their “big game” struggles and emerging as a force to be reckoned with.

Early in Arteta’s tenure, Arsenal’s record against the ‘Big Six’ was underwhelming, with a points-per-game (PPG) average of 1.17 in 2019/20 and 1.3 in 2020/21. The Gunners frequently suffered humiliating losses, including a 6-0 thrashing by Chelsea, a 5-1 defeat to Liverpool, and a 5-0 drubbing by Manchester City.

However, the tide began to turn in the 2022/23 season, as Arsenal’s PPG against the ‘Big Six’ jumped to 1.9. This upward trajectory continued into the current season, with the Gunners boasting an impressive 2.11 PPG against their top rivals. This remarkable improvement has seen Arsenal secure wins at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford for the first time in years, as well as taking a point at the Etihad Stadium.

Notably, Arsenal currently lead the ‘Big Six’ table when considering only matches between these top teams, having amassed 38 points with a 2.0 PPG average. This is a significant achievement, surpassing Manchester City’s 1.74 PPG and highlighting Arsenal’s newfound dominance in these crucial encounters.

Arsenal’s struggles at Old Trafford

While Arsenal’s overall performance against the ‘Big Six’ has improved significantly, their record at Old Trafford remains a challenge. Before Sunday, the Gunners had only won once at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ in the last 15 years, a 1-0 victory in 2020/21.

However, their 1-0 win at Old Trafford this weekend, secured through a Leandro Trossard goal, marks a significant step forward. This victory, achieved despite Arsenal’s historical struggles at the venue, underscores their newfound resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

Arteta’s record against ‘Big Six’ by season (Premier League games only):

  • 2019/20: 1.17 PPG
  • 2020/21: 1.3 PPG
  • 2021/22: 0.9 PPG
  • 2022/23: 1.9 PPG

Since the start of the 22/23 season, no team has taken more points from the Big Six than Arsenal, who have collected 38 to City’s 33. Liverpool are third with 27, followed by United on 23, Tottenham and Chelsea on 17.