How Arteta transformed the young Arsenal squad into a beast of a team

Arsenal are enjoying a remarkable season under Mikel Arteta, who has managed to turn the fortunes of the club around in a spectacular fashion. The Gunners are currently 2nd in the Premier League, just two points behind leaders Liverpool, and have also reached the Rund of 16th of the Champions League.

But how did Arteta achieve this remarkable transformation? Here are some of the key factors that have contributed to Arsenal’s success this season.

The signings of Declan Rice and Haverts

One of the biggest reasons for Arsenal’s improvement this season has been the arrival of two world-class players in the summer transfer window: Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. Rice joined from West Ham United for a club-record fee of £105 million, while Havertz arrived from Chelsea for a fee in the region of £60m. Both players have been instrumental in adding quality, balance, and dynamism to Arsenal’s midfield and attack.

Rice has been a revelation in the defensive midfield role, providing solidity, leadership, and creativity. He has made the most tackles, interceptions, and passes in the Arsenal team, as well as contributing three goals and five assists. He has also taken over the set-piece duties, delivering pinpoint crosses and corners that have led to several goals. Rice has been praised by Arteta for his impact on and off the pitch, and has been tipped as a future Arsenal captain.

Havertz, meanwhile, has been a sensational addition to Arsenal’s midfield, playing Along side Rice and Martin Odegaard and Rice in the midefield although his full pootential is still yet to be witnessed at the Emirate stadium. Havertz has scored a combine 5 goals in all competition for Arsenal.

The development of the young players

Another key factor in Arsenal’s transformation has been the development of the young players under Arteta’s guidance. The likes of Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes have all stepped up their game this season, and have become regular starters or important squad members. They have shown maturity, confidence, and talent, and have complemented the experienced players in the team.

Saka has been one of the standout performers for Arsenal this season, playing in various positions across the front line. The 22-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions, and has been nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. He has also become a key player for England, earning 15 caps and scoring four goals.

Smith Rowe has also been impressive in the number 10 role, providing creativity, vision, and energy. The 21-year-old has scored six goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions, and has formed a strong understanding with Mbappe and Aubameyang. He has also earned his first senior call-up for England, and has been compared to Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.

Martinelli, Saliba, and Magalhaes have all been influential in their respective roles, adding depth, quality, and potential to Arsenal’s squad. Martinelli has scored eight goals and provided six assists in all competitions, playing as a winger or a striker. Saliba has been a revelation at centre-back, forming a solid partnership with Magalhaes, who has also scored six goals from set-pieces. The trio have all been praised by Arteta for their adaptability, mentality, and potential.

The tactical and psychological changes

The final factor in Arsenal’s transformation has been the tactical and psychological changes that Arteta has implemented since taking over. The Spaniard has instilled a clear philosophy, style, and identity in the team, based on possession, pressing, and intensity. He has also improved the defensive structure, organisation, and discipline of the team, making them more resilient and compact. He has also shown flexibility and innovation, switching between different formations and systems depending on the opposition and the situation.

Arteta has also improved the morale, confidence, and spirit of the team, creating a positive and harmonious atmosphere in the dressing room. He has managed to get the best out of the players, motivating them, challenging them, and supporting them. He has also fostered a winning mentality and a hunger for success, setting high standards and expectations. He has also shown strong leadership and authority, dealing with any issues or problems that have arisen.

Arteta has been widely praised by the players, the fans, and the pundits for his work at Arsenal, and has been rewarded with a new contract until 2026. He has also been linked with the Barcelona and Real Madrid jobs, but has expressed his commitment and loyalty to Arsenal. He has stated that his ambition is to make Arsenal one of the best teams in the world, and to win trophies with them.

Conclusion

Arsenal have undergone a remarkable transformation under Mikel Arteta, who has managed to turn the club around in a spectacular fashion. He has done so by making smart signings, developing the young players, and implementing tactical and psychological changes. He has also created a strong bond with the players, the fans, and the club, and has shown his passion and vision for Arsenal. He has led Arsenal to a successful season so far, and has given them hope and optimism for the future. He has proven himself to be one of the best managers in the world, and has the potential to become a legend at Arsenal.