Yep - if you throw enough scientists and coaches with degrees at the game it will become more technical. City for example clearly play an almost different sport to our 80s title winning sides.
But because as you say the basic elements are the same it is possible to simplify the game and focus on doing those basic building blocks really really well and have decent success. And that includes working players hard and getting them really fit.
The Brighton away game is your perfect example of that. It’s was a triumph of running really fast at the right moments.