#5 Style of play
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2014 -15 Premier League Table: 1. Chelsea (W26, D9, L3) 2. Manchester City (W24, D7, L7)
2015-16 Premier League Table: 1. Leicester (W23, D12, L3) 2. Arsenal (W20, D11, L7)
The last two Premier League title races have been stories of how a defensive, counter-attacking team outlasted an offensive ball playing team. Admittedly, Arsenal were never really involved in the title race; but replace them with Tottenham and the script remains the same.
These are not likely to be one-offs. Over the next few years, we may see this pattern developing further. With every single Premier League team getting stronger due to the inflow of money, it is increasingly important to have a solid defence. The idea is simple – even if you don't win on a bad day, don't lose. It wasn't that Arsenal and Manchester City won too few games – they lost too many.
Step forward, Diego Simeone. His style of play is perfect for the Premier League, especially for the big matches on reputed away grounds like Anfield and Old Trafford. Having managed Radamel Falcao, Diego Costa, Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann, perhaps Simeone can sort out Arsenal's long-standing striker issues as well.
Arsenal have been often accused of passing for passing's sake; of trying to pass the ball into the net; under Simeone, they certainly won't be.
