Arsenal: The 5 massive positives Mikel Arteta has inspired

2. Provided tactical definition

Perhaps the greatest problem under Unai Emery was the lack of tactical definition he provided. His poor and often muddled communication, which was not helped by his limited English, did not instil a concise and cohesive way of playing. He consistently changed systems and approaches, often meaning the team fell between the cracks of different systems. The work on the training ground was confused, and the results on the pitch was a team built on heart, effort, intensity but cracks in tactical awareness and cohesion.

Arteta immediately set about changing this. He has played a 4-2-3-1 shape in every single match, only shifting to a back three on a couple of occasions after substitutions were made. He has formed several, detailed, well-defined roles. The offensive left-back position, the left-sided central midfielder who slides over for cover, the high-and-wide right-winger to maintain width on the opposite flank, an inverted right-back to provide protection and structure upon turnovers.

The system is not perfect and Arteta likely needs a higher standard of player to fully execute it at the highest level. However, there is now a certainty in how Arsenal play, and the players are benefitting as a result. And it all comes down to Arteta’s input and coaching behind the scenes.