Arsenal: 6 reasons Arteta deserves huge credit this season

4. Arteta Has Improved the Young Players

"“He’s scoring his first Premier League goal. An incredible season for a number 10 of Arsenal means he needs to score 15 goals and give 10 assists,” Arteta said of Emile Smith Rowe in May 2021. “Then you are right up there with the top guys in Europe and in the league. He’s got the ability to do it but he hasn’t done it. We need to stay calm with him, give him the right support and step by step I think he will be getting there.”"

When the manager made the above claim last year it felt like too much too soon. While he didn’t say it would be a disappointment if he didn’t reach those numbers, it felt like a target he believed Smith Rowe could aim for. In order to match those figures, the No. 10 needs six goals and eight assists in 14 matches. The latter number he’s unlikely to reach, but he’s not far off.

The fact that he’s in with a shout – and probably would be even closer were it not for Martinelli’s form – is down to a combination of Smith Rowe’s outstanding attitude and talent, as well as Arteta’s coaching.

One need only look at Bukayo Saka to see where Arteta’s guidance has paid dividends. Of course, it shouldn’t have to be said that Arteta isn’t solely responsible for their performances, but his track record with Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling is evidence of his individual coaching ability. Saka is one of the best 1v2 forwards in the league now, with that and the tactical side of his game coming on leaps and bounds.

Across the squad there have been vast individual improvements, including the handling of Martinelli whose future has been managed expertly, drawing widespread praise from all across the football world.

Having players with development potential is wasted if they’re being led astray. Fortunately, Arteta is a man who knows what he’s doing.

Continued on next page…