The Sky Blues' 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets over the weekend saw them surpass Brisbane Roar’s record tally of 65 points in an A-League season with Sydney achieving the feat playing three less games.

Sydney FC’s history making 2016-17 campaign also saw the Sky Blues break the A-League regular season record for most wins, highest goal difference, least goals conceded, most clean sheets, and biggest winning margin.

While Sydney’s 19-game unbeaten run saw them smash Adelaide United’s previous best by eight games.

And Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque said Arnold’s tactical nous has been the impetus behind the club’s success this season. 

“The areas that he’s tweaked is our aggression defensively but not just in defence,” he said speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo.

“It’s from the front defending and the amount of pressure we put on opposition teams began right from the start.

“Earlier in the season teams were keen to use their goalkeeper as almost like an outfield player and once we started to capitalise on mistakes they were making changes to the way they played against us.

“That came down to the amount of work we do tactically. Everyone in the squad knows their roles and when we win the ball back it gives us a lot of freedom going forward.”

While Brosque focused on Arnold’s playing instructions, Vukovic hailed his coaching ability off the field as well.

“Arnie is the complete package,” he said speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo.

“Tactically he’s the best coach I’ve ever played under but also the best man manager as well.

“It’s because he cares. He cares about his players. It’s not just about football for him. It’s about family.

“We’re a family oriented club. He’s constantly asking everyone how they are. He’ll pull someone aside and talk to them one on one. You can really see and feel that he cares.

“When you have a coach that is doing that it’s a good feeling. It’s certainly one way to get the best out of your players - to show them that you care about them and their family life as well.”

Last season Sydney failed to make the A-League finals and Sky Blues defender Alex Wilkinson praised Arnold’s determination in pre-season to make things right in this campaign.

“Arnie has obviously been around the A-League a while now and before last season the worst position he ever finished was second,” he said exlusively to FourFourTwo.

“So, he’s a hugely successful coach in the A-League. I know him pretty well and when we came in this year I knew that he was disappointed with how Sydney went in the A-League last year.

“He recruited a number of players and made a number of changes and for me he’s been fantastic - the amount of video and tactic work he does is frightening.

“When you’ve got a coach like Arnie - the structure and the belief in the boys is so good, you go out on the pitch you really enjoy your football.

“And when you’re winning everything is enjoyable for sure.”