Mikel Arteta has brought about a renewed sense of optimism at the Emirates Stadium as the new Arsenal manager. However, results are yet to significantly change with the club winning just once in his seven Premier League matches.
Despite this, there are many positive signs around North London which suggest the club could be heading back towards its best – which has all but been confirmed by the comments of former manager Unai Emery. The three-time Europa League winner said players had: “Asked for more than they gave this season.”
Usually, those words would be a damning indictment of a squad not pulling their weight. But, after the turn around in Arsenal’s effort levels (via increasing their total distance covered, total sprints and percentage of time spent high speed running), in contrasting fixtures against Manchester United, they are a complement to Arteta. It appears the former boss’ comments indicate that the current coach has control of his squad now, as opposed to the unruly mess at times under Emery, epitomised by the stripping of Granit Xhaka as captain.
Emery continued by adding the loss of key figures such as Laurent Koscielny, Petr Cech and Aaron Ramsey cost the Gunners, and that they: “Missed personalities this season to stay on track.” While Mesut Ozil was often left out of the squad under their previous manager, making 24 starts last season (his second-lowest total since joining the club), he has featured in every one of Arteta’s games so far this season.
Despite not possessing what might be considered typical leadership characteristics, having previously played for Real Madrid as the club’s highest earner, his presence in the squad carries weight. Furthermore, no Arsenal player ran further than the German against Manchester United (11.53km), which emphasises the squad’s mentality shift.
In saying that the Arsenal squad asked for more than they gave in return, Emery has all but admitted he did not have control over his group of players. But the shift under Arteta has not come about through words in press conferences, but instead effort levels on the pitch, and there can be no more accurate sign that the Gunners’ mentality has begun to shift.
