How Mikel Arteta has Redefined Arsenal Football Club

• Tweet
• Pin It

Mikel Arteta is in his sixth year managing the North London club, and a mix of triumph and struggle has marked his tenure. During his tenure at the club, he has transformed it entirely, taking them from underachievers to reliable competitors in the Premier League. In their storied history, Arsenal have had numerous iconic managers who have instilled an everlasting impact on the club. Despite not achieving the same amount of glory as other managers, many Arsenal fans believe Arteta’s impact is unparalleled. The current Arsenal team is elite, providing entertainment to fans each week. From the electricity of Saka and Martinelli to the formidable defensive duo of Gabriel and Saliba, Arteta’s Arsenal is small steps away from glory. This article will cover the transformation stage and the steps Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have taken to reach their current position. With each fixture under Arteta’s management generating significant anticipation, many Arsenal fans partake in Boyle Lotto betting before and after matches and also use the platform to view the betting markets for the club.

Pre Artera Era 

Arsène Wenger managed Arsenal from 1996 to 2018, and he led the club to some of its greatest achievements. Although Wenger brought glory to the North London club, the last few years under his management showed that it was time to move on. After a period of constant decline and an aging tactic that needed refreshing, Arsenal and Wenger decided to part ways, marking the beginning of a new era. 

The post-Wenger era began with the club appointing Unai Emery. Arsenal appointed Emery after his impressive time with Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League glory with Sevilla. His opening two games with the Gunners sent the fan base into a state of disarray after two opening defeats. In the first year after Arsene Wenger’s departure, Arsenal finished 5th, missing out on UEFA Champions League places to arch rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal had a chance to win their first European trophy in the first year under Emery; however, they got beaten by Chelsea 4-1. In his second year at the club, Emery was backed by the board and had an impressive transfer window, including a record-breaking signing of Nicolas Pépé. The Premier League season arrived, and Arsenal lacked a clear playing style, which contributed to poor form in the league; Emery eventually got sacked.

Former player Freddie Ljungberg took charge as the interim manager of Arsenal while the club searched for a permanent manager. Arterta was hired in December 2019. 

The Early Years of Arteta and Arsenal  

Once the news of Arsenal hiring Mikel Arteta arose, the Gunners faithful were dubious. He came in with no real management experience and had only previously held assistant manager roles. With that being said, the ex-Arsenal midfielder was full of knowledge, learning from the best in Manchester, Pep Guardiola. He brought ideas he had learnt at Manchester City to North London, creating an identity for the club early. Arteta took over the club late in December, when the club was already sitting in the bottom half of the table. With the league being out of the window, Arteta and Arsenal placed their main focus on the cup competitions. Just 8 months into the job, Arteta led Arsenal to FA Cup glory, beating London rivals Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley. Arteta stabilized a rocking ship, creating a respectable defence in his early years, built on structure and discipline. Arsenal finished the season in 8th place in the Premier League, and in the same season, also faced an early exit in the UEFA Europa League. 

Arteta’s Philosophy 

The Spanish manager’s philosophy has changed over his time at Arsenal, adapting with the players at his disposal. As mentioned earlier, he had learnt his trade under one of the greatest tacticians of all time, Pep Guardiola, and has drawn inspiration from him for his tactics. Arteta has a strong emphasis on structured spacing, with players occupying zones to stretch opponents and create overloads in wide areas. Making the pitch wider and stretching the opponents allows space in the midfield areas and the half spaces for technical, creative players such as Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka.

Nearly all Arsenal attacks begin at the back, with goalkeeper David Ray playing short passes with the defenders to draw the opponents in. All defenders are comfortable ball players and have a wide passing range, allowing them to turn open opponents if needed. With a playing style that involves building from the back, it’s essential for the midfield to be comfortable under pressure and able to take the ball on a half-turn, which they all can do.

Arsenal have a primary focus on wing play, isolating players such as Saka, Martinelli, Trossard, Eze, and others in one-on-one duels.  These isolated one-on-one duels with opposing full-backs create a statistical advantage for Arsenal, with the tricky wingers commonly getting the better of their markers. With Gyokeres and Merino in the box, the wing play-focused style allows the wingers to beat their defenders and deliver passes to one of Arteta’s clinical strikers.

Key Transfers 

Martin Ødegaard 

Current club captain Ødegaard joined the Gunners from Real Madrid on a permanent deal following a successful loan deal in 2021.

David Raya 

Similar to Ødegaard, Raya was initially signed on a loan and became a permanent player the next season. Arsenal faced numerous defensive problems until they found their solution in the Spanish goalkeeper.

Gabriel 

Gabriel was one of Arteta’s first signings in his time at Arsenal, and has proved to be one of the best over time. Arsenal signed the left-footed CB in the January transfer window following Arteta’s arrival, and has since gone on to be one of the best defenders at the club.

• Tweet
• Pin It