WATCH | Arsenal Embarrassed: Title Hopes Fade After Everton Draw

Arsenal missed the chance to score points and get closer to Liverpool as they were unable to score against Everton at home on Saturday and had to settle for a 0-0 draw, which has generated a series of mockery on social networks.

Arsenal: A New Era Under Mikel Arteta

Arsenal Football Club, one of England’s most storied institutions, has been in a state of transition since the departure of long-serving manager Arsène Wenger in 2018. After a couple of underwhelming managerial appointments, the club decided to place its trust in Mikel Arteta, a former player who had spent time as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Since his arrival in December 2019, Arteta has overseen a significant transformation in both the philosophy and performance of the team. Under his stewardship, Arsenal has not only rediscovered its competitive edge but also regained its identity as a modern footballing force.

The Early Days of Arteta’s Reign

Arteta’s appointment was met with mixed reactions, with many questioning whether his relatively limited managerial experience would be enough to revitalize a club that had been underperforming in the Premier League. Arsenal had seen its once-dominant status in English football wane, struggling to even make a top-four finish in recent seasons. Yet, in a short period, Arteta made a tangible impact. His first major success came in the form of winning the FA Cup in his first season, defeating Chelsea in the final, which immediately restored some pride to the club. Along with the Community Shield victory later that summer, Arteta’s early tenure demonstrated that he had the ability to lead the team to silverware, even if the road ahead was long and challenging.

A Shift in Playing Philosophy

One of Arteta's most significant changes at Arsenal has been the team's style of play. While Wenger was known for his free-flowing attacking football, Arteta has placed an emphasis on defensive solidity, structure, and disciplined pressing. His tactical approach borrows heavily from Guardiola’s philosophy, with a focus on controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game. The team’s shape has evolved into a more balanced and compact structure, designed to prevent counter-attacks and win back possession quickly.

Arsenal’s possession-based football under Arteta is characterized by quick ball movement, frequent rotations, and tactical fluidity. Central to this is the midfield, where players like Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, and Granit Xhaka are tasked with not only creating chances but also protecting the defensive line. Arteta has often deployed a double pivot in midfield, allowing his team to maintain a solid defensive shape while still keeping the ball and controlling play. This strategy has helped the team gain more control over matches, something that was sorely lacking in previous seasons.

Developing Young Talent

One of Arteta’s key strengths has been his ability to integrate and develop young talent. Players such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli have blossomed under his guidance, showcasing their incredible potential on the big stage. Arteta has shown a remarkable ability to trust youth and offer them key roles in his system, allowing the younger players to take responsibility in high-pressure situations. Saka, in particular, has been a revelation, establishing himself as one of the best young players in Europe, while Smith Rowe and Martinelli have provided vital contributions in attack.

This reliance on young talent has rejuvenated the Arsenal squad, providing energy, creativity, and long-term potential. Saka, Martinelli, and Smith Rowe, along with the leadership of Ødegaard, have become the beating heart of Arteta’s Arsenal, and their rise has reinvigorated the fanbase. The club’s recruitment strategy has also played a crucial role, with Arteta prioritizing young, hungry players who fit into his tactical vision. Signings like Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Aaron Ramsdale have bolstered the squad, improving both defensive and attacking areas of the team.

A Return to the Top

After years of struggle, Arsenal under Arteta has shown clear signs of progress, culminating in a return to the Champions League in the 2023-2024 season. The team’s performances in the Premier League have been steadily improving, with Arsenal finishing as one of the top contenders in recent seasons. Arteta has guided the team to a more consistent level of performance, with a strong defensive unit and an attacking force capable of competing with the best in the league. The resurgence of Arsenal in domestic and European football signals a positive future under Arteta's leadership.

One of the defining aspects of Arteta’s tenure has been his ability to build a team with character, resilience, and a clear sense of identity. The team no longer relies solely on individual brilliance; instead, they play as a cohesive unit, with each player knowing their role and responsibilities within the system. Arteta’s tactical acumen has been evident in the way he adapts to different opponents and situations, switching formations and strategies when necessary to get the best out of his squad.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the significant progress made under Arteta, challenges remain. The Premier League is as competitive as ever, with teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea constantly strengthening their squads. Arteta’s task will be to build on the successes of recent seasons and ensure that the team can continue to challenge for top honors. Additionally, while the club has returned to the Champions League, maintaining consistency in Europe’s elite competition will be a crucial test for Arteta and his team.

Arsenal’s next steps involve strengthening the squad further, particularly in areas where they may be slightly lacking, such as depth in certain positions. The club must continue to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts, with both domestic and international success in mind. Arteta’s ability to lead Arsenal into the future will depend on his ability to balance short-term success with long-term vision, ensuring that the team remains competitive for years to come.

Conclusion

Arsenal under Mikel Arteta is a club undergoing a quiet revolution, one that has seen them transition from a team in decline to a serious contender both in the Premier League and in Europe. Through a combination of tactical evolution, young talent development, and a strong sense of identity, Arteta has managed to restore the club’s competitive edge. The road ahead is challenging, but with a solid foundation in place, Arsenal is well-positioned for continued success. Arteta’s vision for the future of the club is clear, and with each passing season, the team moves closer to returning to its rightful place among the elite of English and European football.