Arsenal fans have been witnessing a significant transformation in their team’s playing style under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta. Since taking over the reins at the Emirates Stadium in December 2019, Arteta has implemented a tactical philosophy that has seen Arsenal evolve into a more organized and disciplined side on the pitch.
POSSESSION-BASED FOOTBALL
One of the key aspects of Arteta’s coaching philosophy is his emphasis on possession-based football. The Spaniard has instilled a playing style that prioritizes keeping the ball and building attacks patiently from the back. Arsenal now look to dominate possession in matches, controlling the tempo of the game and dictating play through their passing and movement.
Under Arteta, Arsenal have become more comfortable playing out from the back, with the goalkeeper and defenders encouraged to play short passes and build from deep. This approach has seen the Gunners become more composed in possession, as they look to progress the ball through the thirds and create scoring opportunities through intricate passing sequences.
Arteta’s focus on possession-based football has also seen Arsenal improve their ball retention and decision-making on the pitch. The players have been drilled in the importance of maintaining possession and recycling the ball effectively, leading to a more controlled and measured approach to their attacking play.
DEFENSIVE ORGANIZATION
In addition to their improved possession play, Arsenal have also made significant strides in their defensive organization under Arteta. The Gunners now boast a more solid and compact defensive unit, with an emphasis on collective defending and team shape.
Arteta has implemented a structured defensive system that sees Arsenal defend as a unit, with every player responsible for their defensive duties. The team has become more disciplined off the ball, pressing opponents intelligently and regaining possession quickly through coordinated pressing triggers.
The defensive improvements have been evident in Arsenal’s performances, with the team conceding fewer goals and looking more resilient at the back. Arteta’s focus on defensive organization has seen the Gunners become harder to break down, with the players showing greater awareness and understanding of their defensive responsibilities.
Overall, Mikel Arteta’s impact on Arsenal’s playing style has been profound, with the team undergoing a noticeable transformation under his guidance. The Gunners now play a more possession-based and structured style of football, with an emphasis on controlling games through their passing and defensive solidity.
As Arsenal continue to evolve under Arteta’s stewardship, fans will be hoping to see further progress in the team’s development and a return to challenging for major honors in the near future. With Arteta at the helm, Arsenal look set to continue their journey towards becoming a more formidable force in English football.