Match Overview
Mikel Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. The Spanish tactician took over in December 2019, replacing Unai Emery, who had been sacked after a dismal start to the 2019-2020 season. Arteta’s appointment was seen as a bold move by the Arsenal hierarchy, who were desperate to restore the club’s fortunes after a decade of decline. The Gunners were struggling to find consistency, and their 8th-place finish in the Premier League that season was a far cry from their heyday under Arsène Wenger.
However, Arteta’s arrival marked a turning point in the club’s history. He brought a sense of stability and direction, and his tactical acumen helped the team to adapt to a more possession-based style of play. The early signs were promising, with Arsenal winning 8 of their first 10 games under Arteta, including a 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle United.
But the team’s form took a nosedive in the weeks that followed, with a run of just one win in ten Premier League games between October 17th and December 19th. This period saw the team struggle to find the back of the net, scoring just 6 goals in 9 games, and conceding 11 goals in the process. The atmosphere inside the Emirates Stadium was described as “toxic” during this time, with some players clearly having a negative impact on the team.
Tactical Breakdown
Arteta’s tactical approach during this period was a key factor in the team’s struggles. He had initially adopted a 3-4-3 formation, which allowed the team to dominate possession and control the game. However, this system was vulnerable to counter-attacks, and the team’s lack of pace and power up front made it difficult to break down teams that parked the bus.
The team’s midfield was also a problem area, with Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira struggling to provide the necessary creativity and control. The duo’s inability to dictate the tempo of the game and pick out passes in the final third led to a lack of cohesion and fluidity in the team’s play.
Arteta’s decision to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation in the second half of the season proved to be a masterstroke. This system allowed the team to maintain possession and create more opportunities, while also providing a more solid defensive base. The introduction of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe into the starting lineup also provided a much-needed injection of pace and energy into the team’s play.
Key Moments
According to CaughtOffside, it was around this time that Arteta felt like he’d made “a terrible mistake” and was feeling “very low” about the situation at the Emirates Stadium. The Spanish tactician has spoken about the difficulties he faced during this period, but he ultimately managed to turn things around and lead the team to a Premier League title in 2023.
The experience has likely made him a stronger manager, and he will be looking to build on that success in the coming seasons. However, the implications of this moment are significant, as it shows that even experienced managers like Arteta can face challenges and doubts about their abilities.
Player Spotlight
One player who was particularly affected by the team’s struggles during this period was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The striker had been a key player for the team since his arrival in 2018, but he struggled to find the back of the net during this period. Aubameyang’s lack of form was a major concern for the team, and his relationship with Arteta was put under the microscope.
However, the striker has since spoken about the difficulties he faced during this period, and how he worked tirelessly to improve his game. Aubameyang’s hard work and dedication ultimately paid off, as he went on to score 22 goals in the 2022-2023 season, helping the team to win the Premier League title.
Manager Reaction
“I felt like I’d made a terrible mistake,” Arteta said in an interview with CaughtOffside. “I was feeling very low about the situation at the Emirates Stadium. But I knew I had to stay calm and focused, and work with the players to get us back on track.”
“It was a difficult period, but I learned a lot from it. I learned that you can’t give up, no matter how tough things get. You have to stay positive and keep working towards your goals. And that’s what we did. We worked hard, we stayed together as a team, and we came out stronger on the other side.”
“The most important thing is to stay calm and focused, even when things are going against you. You can’t let the pressure get to you, because that’s when you make mistakes. You have to stay level-headed and keep working towards your goals.” – Mikel Arteta
Standings & Implications
The team’s struggles during this period had significant implications for the rest of the season. Arsenal’s 8th-place finish in the Premier League that season was a far cry from their expectations, and the team’s fans were left feeling frustrated and disappointed.
However, the experience of struggling during this period ultimately made the team stronger. Arteta’s leadership and tactical acumen helped the team to adapt to a more possession-based style of play, and the introduction of new players into the starting lineup provided a much-needed injection of pace and energy into the team’s play.
The team’s success in the 2022-2023 season, where they won the Premier League title, was a testament to the progress they had made during this period. The team’s ability to bounce back from adversity and stay focused on their goals was a key factor in their success.
What’s Next
As the team looks to build on their success in the coming seasons, Arteta will be looking to continue to adapt and evolve his tactics. The team’s reliance on Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe will be crucial, as they provide the pace and energy that the team needs to dominate possession and control the game.
The team’s midfield will also be a key area of focus, as they look to provide the necessary creativity and control to dictate the tempo of the game. Arteta’s decision to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United in the summer of 2023 was a major coup, and the midfielder’s ability to provide the necessary defensive solidity and creativity will be crucial to the team’s success.
Bottom Line
Mikel Arteta’s low point at Arsenal was a significant moment in the team’s history. The Spanish tactician’s ability to stay calm and focused, even when things were going against him, was a key factor in the team’s success. The experience of struggling during this period ultimately made the team stronger, and their success in the 2022-2023 season was a testament to the progress they had made.
As the team looks to build on their success in the coming seasons, Arteta will be looking to continue to adapt and evolve his tactics. The team’s reliance on Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe will be crucial, as they provide the pace and energy that the team needs to dominate possession and control the game.
About This Report
This report has been compiled and edited by the Football Insider editorial team using verified sources from across European football. Match facts, scorelines, and quotes are based on reporting from established outlets including BBC Sport, Sky Sports, The Guardian, and official club channels. Tactical analysis and historical context reflect the editorial team’s coverage of European football.
