Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal Project Slowly Taking Shape

Are the reasons to ‘trust the process’ becoming clearer at Arsenal?

The phrase ‘trust the process’ has become synonymous with the mammoth rebuilding job facing Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. Tasked with revitalising a club in sharp decline on the pitch, and enjoying something of an executive merry-go-round off it, the Spaniard’s suitability to the role was severely tested during the autumn as the club endured their worst start to a domestic season in almost 50 years.

However, fast forward to January 2021 and the mood around the Emirates has changed dramatically. The Gunners have secured maximum points in each of the last three league games, and successfully launched their FA Cup defence on Saturday evening with a nervy 2-0 win at home to Newcastle.

Having now recorded four wins in a row for the first time this season, largely thanks to the significant recent impact of our prodigious academy talent, and with a number of underwhelming high-earners seemingly on the way out this winter, it appears that the first meaningful steps of the Arteta project are finally being taken.

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One such step was evident with the boss’s team selection for the weekend clash with the Magpies, which saw the return of some experienced players, including David Luiz and Willian, to the starting eleven.

The reintegration of the old guard resurrected issues regarding breaking down low blocks, and it was only following the introduction of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe that the game turned in our favour, with both players playing key roles in the opening goal.

Although the Brazilian duo have just recovered from illness and will need time to improve their fitness levels, the apparent reversion to previous poor performances will have been very concerning for Arteta.

However, his decision to rest Saka and Smith Rowe on Saturday suggests the Hale End youngsters have risen in the pecking order and experienced figures will not be humored any longer, a call that fans can take great encouragement from.

Other reasons for optimism in Arteta’s plans have been provided by Arsenal’s recent transfer activity. Over the last week, we have seen Sead Kolasinac return on loan to Schalke 04 and reports emerge of Sokratis negotiating moves with both Genoa and Fenerbahce, while the divisive Mesut Ozil is also on the verge of completing a protracted move to the Turkish giants.

Such proactivity is in stark contrast to our failure to permanently move on any fringe players last summer, and the boost these departures will give the club’s finances, particularly when considering the lingering implications of COVID-19, will aid Arteta significantly when pursuing potential acquisitions to fit into his vision at the end of the campaign.

Looking ahead to the new year, with Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi soon to be added to the lengthy list of departing high-earners in the summer, the continued development of our exciting young players, and the resumption of our search for Europa League glory next month, there is certainly cause for positivity that we can end this season on a high.

No Arsenal fans will be under any illusions about the scale of the work yet to be done, and Arteta obviously still has a myriad of issues to resolve. However, we are slowly seeing him make progress and can be optimistic as he maintains his arduous quest to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’.