Arsenal has really taken things up a level this season. It is quite clear with the results in the League, that has helped them maintain the top spot. However, the entire fanbase was not always in support of Arteta. There was a section of the fanbase that liked to call themselves the Arteta Outers.
Though this section of the fans is now a bare minimum, there are just some fans out there. A section of fans that can’t take an L. Or just want to be cool. The best example is showcased below in a recent AFTV video.
Anyways, moving on to the topic in hand. Arteta has changed a lot of things at Arsenal. From the work culture, to the discipline and the mentality and much more. However, the focus should be on numbers and roles.
3 Major Differences In Arsenal Under Mikel Arteta!!
Recycling The Play And Possession Football
While observing Premier League and other top European League matches (top 5 leagues), the average number of THROW-INs generally is 40. This is true for any competitive game, where the result matters to both teams or is a crucial tie of a knockout fixture. Arsenal too used to be around this mark under the lines of Unai Emery, post the exit of Arsene Wenger.
However, these numbers are on the lower side under Mikel Arteta, especially this season. Though, the defence took time to build and then get his set of players in, Arteta finally got there. And now that he has these players, they are doing things his way. Whether it is playing out from the back or keeping the possession.
Playing a ball back into the field, rather than out for a throw-in has multiple benefits. Firstly, it does not disturb the flow of Arsenal’s game. Secondly, it minimizes the pressure of recurring attacks. Next, it gives the team the chance to counter. This one small thing (as many may feel) has impacted in multiple areas of the pitch.
This is one of the key reasons that Arsenal has more than 50% possession in almost every game. Arteta has made the Gunners, Pep-esque, with Manchester City and Manchester United (to an extent) also being similar.
Distribution Of Goal-Scorers And Assists Within The Whole Team (Including Super-Subs)
Don’t think anyone can forget the 90+7 Reiss Nelson special moment EVER!! Such has been the impact of the players like Nelson, Nketiah (winner against Manchester United) and co. Not in the first team but performing like they were playing weekly. Absolutely, brilliant!!
Below is the list of top scorers and assist-getters for the Gunners this season!!
The table above shows that there have been a variety of goal-scorers this term. This is exactly what a top team needs. Previously, Arsenal always would face issues of not having enough goal-scorers. And in recent times, the team was mostly dependent on the likes of Aubameyang and Lacazette.
However, this team is quite different. Also, a lot of different players have taken up the creative mantle as well. And this doesn’t just include the forward players. The defensive players are also chipping in from time to time. Gabriel, Saliba and Zinchenko’s contribution to this tally is also irreplaceable. The numbers speak for themselves. It is exactly why the team is doing so well.
Change In Leadership And Mentality To Win Close Matches At Arsenal
Unai Emery had tried to use the 5-captain system at the Emirates. That did not work out well for him, as Granit Xhaka had the worst time of his Arsenal career during that time-period. Further, it was time for change and Mikel Arteta did just that. During Arteta’s initial days, all hell was loose and the discipline was lost!!
However, this did not disrupt Arteta’s ambitions and the goals he had set for himself and the team. He not only convinced Xhaka to stay at the club. But also, got in a new lieutenant. The name?? Martin Odegaard!! The Norwegian skipper was a child prodigy, who had lost his way along the journey. However, the Spanish boss revived his career at the Emirates.
A player that every manager in the world wanted at one point of time was now at Arsenal. Further, Xhaka was quietly re-inculcated into the mix rather quietly. And was given the armband from time to time.
To add to that, the likes of Zinchenko, Tierney and others, also added some much needed leadership to this young side. It was not just a team of five captains. But this side, now seemed like a squad of share-holders. Players that had something at stake and each player was getting a “PROFIT”, so as to say, with each win.
The things Gooners love to see at Arsenal. Yes, this isn’t a dream and Mikel Arteta gets all the credit that he gets and more!! #COYG
