Arsenal Football Club finds itself in a gripping battle for Premier League supremacy, with manager Mikel Arteta implementing a series of distinctive regulations to steer his squad through the intense pressure of the title chase. The Gunners have led the table for much of the 2025/26 campaign, yet recent stumbles have seen their advantage narrow, making Arteta's disciplined approach more crucial than ever.
The Core Philosophy: Love for the Game
At the heart of Arteta's management lies a simple, four-word command revealed in December 2024: "Love for the game." When questioned by TNT Sports about his team's guiding mantra, the 43-year-old Spaniard emphasised this principle. Amidst the immense expectations from supporters desperate for a first league trophy since 2004, Arteta insists his players must preserve their passion and enjoyment for football, pushing aside negativity to maintain both quality and joy on the pitch.
Half-Time Focus: The Mobile Phone Ban
One of Arteta's most notable rules is the prohibition of mobile phones in the dressing room during half-time intervals. This measure ensures players remain entirely focused on their own performance, without distraction from concurrent matches involving title rivals. A prime example occurred during Arsenal's clash with Crystal Palace on October 26, 2025, which kicked off simultaneously with Manchester City's defeat to Aston Villa. At half-time, with Arsenal leading 1-0, the squad was unaware of City's plight, a situation Arteta confirmed post-match, highlighting the rule's effectiveness in maintaining concentration.
Building Unity: The Mandatory Meeting Point
Arteta enforces a non-negotiable requirement for all players to assemble at the London Colney training ground before every fixture, whether home or away. This policy, reported by The Sun, aims to foster team spirit and cohesion. Unlike some London rivals such as Chelsea and Tottenham, who permit players to travel independently to matches, Arsenal's squad must gather and be transported together, including for the 24-mile journey to the Emirates Stadium, reinforcing a collective mindset.
Enhanced Bonding: Mixed Seating at Mealtimes
Defender William Saliba disclosed in 2023 that Arteta mandates players sit with different teammates during meals to strengthen relationships within the group. Saliba, who became integral to Arteta's defence after returning from loan, explained that this practice encourages interaction between players who might otherwise communicate less, ultimately enhancing on-pitch understanding and unity. This rule was notably applied during the club's pre-season tour in America, where seating arrangements were deliberately varied.
Tactical Innovation: 'Collaboretition' and Colour-Coding
Arteta's innovative approach extends to coining new terms, such as 'collaboretition' – a blend of 'collaboration' and 'competition' – used daily in training sessions. According to Kevin Balvers, Arsenal's former head of methodology, the club employs colour-coded materials in tactical meetings: red for defending and blue for attacking, aiding players' cognitive processing. Additionally, Arteta utilises the acronym B.A.S.I.C.S (Boxes, Attack, Shape, Intensity, Compete, Set pieces) to clarify expectations, embedding a shared language within the squad.
As Arsenal prepare for a challenging away fixture against Leeds United, with their lead reduced to four points, Arteta's meticulous rules are designed to sustain focus and camaraderie. In a season where every detail counts, these regulations underscore the manager's commitment to guiding the Gunners to their long-awaited Premier League crown.
