In football, a team's trajectory often depends on its manager's expertise. For Arsenal Football Club, the arrival of Mikel Arteta in December 2019 marked the beginning of a significant transformation. From revitalizing the team's playing style to nurturing a cohesive unit, Arteta's tenure has brought about a notable evolution in Arsenal's performance on the pitch. In this blog post, we delve into how Arsenal has improved under Arteta's stewardship.

Arteta's tactical awareness has been pivotal in reshaping Arsenal's approach to the game. Emphasizing a possession-based style with quick transitions, he has instilled a cohesive structure that emphasizes both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Under his guidance, Arsenal has exhibited greater fluidity in their movements, with players displaying a deeper understanding of their roles on the pitch. The implementation of a high-pressing game coupled with intelligent positional play has enabled Arsenal to control proceedings against formidable opponents, displaying a newfound resilience and adaptability.

Arsenal prefer controlling the game through possession. Mikel Arteta advocates the positional play approach where the team in possession take up positions across the pitch to try to create numerical advantages. Arsenal’s attacking players will rotate positions and move from zone to zone in the final third. This movement is triggered by their teammate’s movement and the area the ball is moved. The purpose of this is to disrupt the other team’s defensive shape.

One of the most striking improvements under Arteta has been Arsenal's defensive stability. Addressing longstanding issues at the back, Arteta has instilled a sense of discipline and organization within the team. Through meticulous defensive drills and tactical instructions, Arsenal has become more adept at nullifying opposition threats while maintaining defensive shape. The emergence of leaders such as Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba has bolstered the defensive line, with Arteta's emphasis on collective defensive work yielding tangible results.

(Sky Sports)

Arteta's tenure has also seen a renewed focus on youth development, with several young talents being integrated into the first team. Embracing the club's tradition of producing homegrown talent, Arteta has provided opportunities for promising prospects to display their abilities on the grand stage. Players such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli have thrived under Arteta's guidance, injecting youthful excitement and dynamism into Arsenal's play. By entrusting young players with significant roles, Arteta has cultivated a culture of belief and ambition within the squad, laying the foundation for sustained success in the future.

Beyond tactical adjustments and player development, Arteta has fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie within the squad. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility, he has forged a cohesive group that fights for each other on the pitch. Arteta's man-management skills and motivational prowess have played a crucial role in galvanizing the team, instilling a winning mentality that permeates throughout the club. The resilience displayed by Arsenal in challenging circumstances is a testament to the strong bond forged under Arteta's leadership.

Through astute tactical adjustments, defensive solidity, emphasis on youth development, and fostering a strong team spirit, Arteta has overseen a remarkable transformation at the club. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the progress made under Arteta's stewardship offers cause for optimism among Arsenal faithful. As the club continues its journey under his guidance, the Arteta era promises to be defined by a renewed sense of purpose, ambition, and ultimately, success.