Mikel Arteta: What He’s Doing at Arsenal Right Now
If you’ve been following the Premier League, you’ve heard the name Mikel Arteta a lot. The former midfielder turned manager has turned Arsenal into a side that likes to keep the ball, press high, and finish chances. Let’s break down what makes his approach tick, how the squad is shaping up, and what fans can expect in the coming months.
Arteta’s Tactical Playbook
Arteta’s game plan is simple on paper but hard to master: control the middle of the park, force the opponent into wide areas, and attack quickly after winning the ball. He likes a back‑four that stays compact, with full‑backs pushing high when the team has the ball. That creates space for wingers like Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli to cut inside and shoot.
In midfield, he often lines up a deep‑lying playmaker – usually Thomas Partey – with a more advanced box‑to‑box type such as Martin Ødegaard. Ødegaard gets the creative freedom to drift left or right, feeding the forwards or taking shots himself. The combination of a disciplined defensive shape and freedom in attack is why Arsenal can dominate possession but still be dangerous on the break.
Set pieces have improved, too. Arteta spends a lot of time practicing free‑kicks and corners, and the team now scores more from those situations than it did a season ago. That’s a direct result of his attention to detail and the squad’s willingness to put in extra work.
What’s Next for Arsenal
The transfer window is always a hot topic for Arteta. He’s looking for a striker who can finish chances inside the box, complementing the pace of Saka and Martinelli. Rumors point to a few young forwards in Europe, but Arteta’s track record shows he prefers players who fit his style over big‑name signings.
Defensively, the focus is on consistency. After a few injury‑hit months, the back line is stabilising, but Arteta wants a reliable centre‑back partnership that can stay together for years. He’s also giving younger defenders like William Saliba more minutes to build confidence.
Looking ahead to the new season, the goal is clear: challenge for the top four and make a deeper run in the Europa League. Arteta believes that if the team keeps the same work ethic and sticks to the tactical basics, the results will follow. Fans should expect high‑pressing games, more ball retention, and a few surprise formations when the opposition changes tactics.
Overall, Arteta’s impact is already visible. Arsenal plays a more organized game, players show more confidence, and the overall vibe around the club feels positive. Whether you’re a long‑time Gooner or a casual viewer, keeping an eye on Arteta’s decisions will tell you a lot about where the club is heading.
So, what do you think? Is Arteta’s style the missing piece Arsenal needed, or will the next season demand a bigger shift? Drop your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more updates on the Gunners.
