Mikel Arteta has left no stone unturned in his quest for success at Arsenal, but despite all the gimmicks, the manager is still searching for answers. His latest innovation involved lighting a fire at the London Colney training ground before facing Manchester City, but it only resulted in Watford coach Dan Gosling losing his voice. 'Our training ground is across the hedge from Arsenal,' Gosling said. 'There was smoke and you could smell it, it was so strong.'
A History of Unconventional Tactics
Since his appointment in December 2019, Arteta has tried a wide array of psychological stunts. He planted a 150-year-old olive tree outside his office to symbolize the club's history and responsibility. He used a lightbulb during a pre-match team talk to 'create energy and electricity.' He hired professional pickpockets during a pre-season dinner and adopted a chocolate-coloured labrador named Win after reading that petting a dog can reduce stress. Yet, as Win approaches her fifth birthday, she has not lived up to her name: Arsenal have not won a major trophy since the FA Cup in Arteta's first season.
The Weight of Expectations
Over the past four seasons, Arteta has spent 539 nights top of the Premier League without winning the title, surpassing Kevin Keegan's record by 200 nights. More damningly, Arsenal have been top for 959 days since their last title in 2004, while Manchester City have been top for 1,201 nights and won eight titles in the same period. After the morale-sapping defeat at the Etihad, Arteta ended on his knees after Kai Havertz missed a chance to equalize. With a five-match shootout remaining, goal difference could decide the title, and Arteta must inspire his team to play with freedom.
Key Players and Tactical Dilemmas
During the 2022-23 season, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka combined for 43 league goals. This season, they have managed only eight combined, partly due to injuries. With doubts over Saka's achilles, Ødegaard and Martinelli need to step up. Arteta must also show more trust in Eberechi Eze, who was substituted just after hitting the post against City. In a team lacking creativity, Eze seems the one player capable of unlocking defences.
Arteta dropped leading scorer Viktor Gyökeres for Havertz, who has proven a viable alternative as a No. 9. However, Havertz's limitations as a striker were evident in the two chances he missed against City. Gyökeres lacks Havertz's link-up play, and pairing them has not worked, but Arteta may need to be bold and try it again.
Trusting the Process
Arteta, a self-confessed workaholic, starts his day at 5:30 am, earlier than any other Premier League manager. His touchline demeanour has been criticized for sending the wrong message, betraying his anxiety. Unlike Guardiola, who won six La Liga titles as a player and has vast experience, Arteta's only championship-winning season was with Rangers in 2003. His guarded press conferences and calls to arms have backfired, as before the defeat by Bournemouth when fans were told to 'bring your lunch.' He will likely take a different approach before facing Newcastle.
Arteta retains the faith of the Arsenal hierarchy regardless of this season's outcome. However, if neither the league nor Champions League is won, the board's resolve will be tested as fans question his ability to take the final step. With the pressure slightly released after losing the lead to City, it is time for Arteta to deliver.
