Mikel Arteta took over the Arsenal job after Unai Emery was sacked months ago and there is an air of optimism surrounding the Emirates Stadium. While results may not have changed dramatically as the Gunners have accumulated just eight points in seven Premier League matches, which has included five draws, there is a sense that the Spaniard is beginning to adapt Arsenal’s style of football. So far, Arteta’s only Premier League win as a manager came against Manchester United, and that performance suggested after a preseason, the new boss’ side could be a much more effective outfit.
Compared to Unai Emery’s final game against the Red Devils in September, the Arsenal squad improved their total distance covered from 108.32km to 114.20km. The almost six-kilometre increase exemplifies the increased work-rate and intensity Arteta has given the side, but that is likely to have a draining effect on the players, especially when the spike has occurred mid-season. Further evidence came in the form of Arsenal registering 116 sprints against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, up from 95 the previous time, highlighting once more the increased physical demand the new Arsenal manager has placed on his players.
The best indicator that after a full summers training Arsenal will be able to implement Arteta’s desired intensity for sustained periods effectively is that the Gunners percentage of time spent in high-speed running rose from 1.45 percent to 1.72 in the most recent meeting with Manchester United. Furthermore, Mesut Ozil was Arsenal’s hardest working player covering 11.54km, one of four Gunners players to travel over 11km.
Clearly, his players are willing to put in the effort, but without his desired level of fitness, they are failing to secure results and conceding late in games. In their past six Premier League matches, Arsenal have conceded four goals with less than ten minutes remaining, which has cost the Gunners seven points. The signs suggest that after a full preseason with increased levels of fitness to meet Arteta’s demands, Arsenal could put this underwhelming campaign behind them and usher in a new era.
