Arsenal: Players newly found “die for the badge” mentality the key

Since Unai Emery has taken over Arsenal, the change in mentality is clear. The players are working harder and that is a key ingredient in the success.

Having a strong mentality is not something that Arsenal squads have been known for as of recently. However, since Unai Emery has taken over the helm, our mentality has improved immensely.

The overall happiness within the squad is admirable and it seems as though the squad is satisfied with Emery’s coaching style as well as the hard work he expects all of them to put forward. The videos of the team in training on social media being covered in players with bright white smiles that have not been seen in ages, and is one of the most refreshing things in the world.

Now, all of the positivity coming from the players is nice, but perhaps the nicest thing about the Gunner’s season thus far is the strengthening of our previously weak mentality. We are known for having a “weak backbone” and to a certain extent, we still have a bit of a shaky one, but it has definitely solidified recently.

What has created the new mentality? New players or new ideologies?

Last transfer window, the reds of London made an abundance of defensive signings. Bernd Leno, Sokratis, Lucas Torreira and Stephan Lichtsteiner were all brought in to shape up our oftentimes shapeless defense.

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So far, it seems like the defense has improved quite substantially. Does this come down to the newly signed players or more likely, the fact that we actually have a style of play now?

Under Arsene Wenger, there was never any doubt over the fact that we would score goals. Unfortunately, there was also no doubt that we would probably concede as well. Now that Emery has taken over, a game plan is put into place that is based off of the opposition that we play week in and week out.

Previously, we went into games with the mentality of “We’re Arsenal, we can beat anybody who crosses our path.” The prior arrogance has seemingly dissipated and transformed into the knowingness that essentially any team we come up against is probably capable of beating us on any given day, we can be having a “rough day at the office” and the opposition can be in the form of their lives.

Every player on the team seems extremely happy right now, and appears as if they would do anything to win and everything in their ability to win at all costs. Primary examples of the newly found extremely passionate mentality are the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre Emerick Aubameyeng and Mesut Ozil.

Leading the rest of the team by example is by no means an easy task and the trio fore mentioned are doing so brilliantly. The truth is, most of us are unaware of where the new “die for the badge” mentality has come from, but at the end of the day nobody cares as long as it wins us games.