Mikel Arteta's Arsenal Evolution

Arsenal under Mikel Arteta this season have been a different beast.

With one of their best ever starts to the Premier League, the good times seem to be back at the Emirates. But just what has changed since Arteta joined the club in 2019?

Written by Jon Mackenzie and illustrated by Craig Silock, we look at how the Gunners have evolved under the Spaniard and exactly what Arteta has brought to the North London side.

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[sloth]

I think that FA cup win was crucial for Mikel’s career at Arsenal. That cup made the board think twice before sacking him. He showed he could do it.

[aarong]

I think Arteta actually had the best “apprenticeship” ever, he spent the last few years of his playing career at Arsenal learning from Wenger, before moving to City and learning from Guardiola for 3 years. You can’t get much better training than that!

[ryomawashere]

When the fans calling for Arteta to be sack, Arsenal renewed his contract because they really believe in "TRUST THE PROCESS". They deserve a shout out. No other club got the guts to support their manager to such degree.

[ECL]

Who would've thought that giving time to a manager may actually result in a positive outcome?

[StrictlyStoicism]

I’m a chelsea fan and after yesterdays game, arsenal are the real deal. What a squad.

[joshuafrederick]

Edu deserves a shout. He's been such a steady leader and has been shrewd in the moves he's made and how he's collaborated with both Arteta and senior management.

[kairo]

Something that was not mentioned in the video is, that Arteta's first year had a clear focus on Defence. They often Parked the bus against big teams, but that was only to train this for the future. When defence was already "built", he started to focus on midfield and attack movements (positional play + channel movements). And lastly, Control + Pressing. Now they are able to dictate the tempo against most teams, press only when needed. Defence is the best in the league, build up play is fantastic.

[paulj]

Time given to the process isnt the reason Arteta is succeeding, Arteta is the reason time was given to the process. Not the same. Full credit needs to go to him.

[mattmobily]

Perfect timing on this video release corresponding to the day Arsenal beat a team who is the antithesis to giving a manager time to develop.

[containedhurricane]

He's learned a lot from Moyes/ Wenger/ Guardiola and lucky to have Kroenke, who has been financially supporting him to sign players suited for his system. Emery didn't have a chance to sign many players who he deemed suited to his tactics and wasn't able to get rid of the ones who can't fit into his system

[gamekingP]

The 2 most important games for Arteta came against Chelsea: the FA Cup final and Boxing day 2020 when he was about to be sacked. It's been onwards and upwards from there

[willmurrill]

It's like the first 3 years with a new team in Football Manager. You have a system based around the players you're given; the next year you start to bring in your tactic and players to fit it; then the third year you double down on it all and have had enough time to get players in that you want

[diskid]

it’s a big if, but if Arsenal win the league, I’d say it’s more impressive than what Peps done so far in England, he took the best team and won less than expected, Mikel would’ve taken a team outside of CL places to the title and that’s deserving of all the credit

[efiraiim]

only team to score in every league game this season ✅
most clean sheets ✅
top of the league ✅
3/4 wins vs top 6 ✅

[theerapats]

Also, the set piece coach he brought into the club is another key to this prime day. Unlike the Wenger era, Arsenal’s set piece is really effective nowadays!

[braders]

Arteta has changed everything at Arsenal. Mentality, energy, passion.. Edu's recruitment has been influenced by Arteta's clear message. Everything is functioning as it should be. This is just the start and I love this football club again!

[TwistedSoul]

Last season I saw an interview with Ødegaard and he said, “We’re working on some stuff… we’ll be ready in about 6 months.”





That was 4 months ago…

[RalphieMuskinyaar]

In a world where manager don’t last more than 2 seasons very often, Arteta has proven himself a good investment while being a manager with not a lot of experience in the number one position. I hope the trend continues and managers like Lampard, Gerrard and Kompany get the same treatment.

[Autofill]

It's also amazing to remember this is literally his first managerial role. Granted, he's through his 3rd year now, but it nevertheless speaks volumes about his resilience and adaptability. To just take over Arsenal and lead them to a top spot finish two seasons after is no small feat for a newcomer.

[martinkf]

I agree that Mikel's 90% of the reason why things are so good, but there's also an "atmosphere" factor. I personally believe that Amazon documentary made all the difference in bringing the fans closer to the team