IMO the 'cut and thrust' era in the EPL ended with the mega TV money, as we see a lot of players who were being looked at by the big clubs (as bench options?), have been joining other EPL clubs as starting players - end result being the overall talent and quality has improved.
I also think we only have the 1 way to play (as do MC and as did Barca), and the style is tactically good enough to accumulate points over the season, but is also fallable when confronted by teams with the same or better quality as seen by MC's struggles to win the UCL, and as Pep also struggled to do at Bayern.
As for being #ArtetaOut I want to see that he has learned the lessons re squad management from least season, particularly when it comes to playing UEFA games midweek, and my issue was always more to do with the timing and cost (in terms of potential fees 'lost'), than it was about the style or potential quality as manager.
That said I'm somewhat curious/puzzled as to why he didn't convert the midfield shape prior to this calendar year after already having been at the club for 2 years with the same players. The only reason I can think of is in regards to wanting to have inverted FBs next to the #6, however IMO that should not have prevented the change in midfield.