Mikel Arteta has made Arsenal fun again

Not long ago, in fact but a few months prior to the end of 2021, Arsenal weren’t fun anymore. While winning is the end goal, what draws you in and keeps you enticed is the entertainment.

Earlier in the season was when it began to sink in. It wasn’t an observation based on the current campaign, and instead one framed around progressive steps towards unimaginative pragmatism.

"“This is a team that can’t sustain attacks (not fun), can’t press for any longer than ten-minute spells at the most (not fun), can’t score goals in a variety of ways (not fun) and can’t flick the switch of excitement in certain game states (not fun).” – October 19"

When the football isn’t engaging it leaves less room for margin. Errors at the back and minor structural issues aren’t as glaring. There is now real excitement in the air when it comes to watching the team; it’s football that sucks you in and holds you tight with a warm hug.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1500728957234204672

Mikel Arteta has made Arsenal fun again – after months of uninspiring and pragmatic football, the team are now a joy to behold

Arsenal are fun again. So, so fun.

What the team served up against Watford was at times exhilarating. The fluid interplay across the front, particularly down the right where Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are conjuring up a majestic partnership full of flair and ferocity, was joyous to absorb.

This team plays with more intent. Gone are the days of a 1-0 lead being the opportune moment to sit back and play on the counter. There is a change of mentality and gameplan, where the improvement on a single goal lead is to double it, not sit on it.

Mikel Arteta has fought long and hard with the mechanics of this Arsenal side. An unprecedented overhaul of the squad, change in backroom staff, and various nuances to the tactical blueprint have all occurred. Whether the route to get here could have been managed differently or not, the end result now is a team bursting full of reasons to keep you glued to them.

Having a group of players more likeable than most in recent memory helps, but this is the same squad who under this same manager were operating without the freedom of expression this insanely talented pool of individuals could thrive under. Their own commendable improvements coincide with Arteta’s.

Conceding two sloppily defended goals to Watford might have been detrimental to Arsenal. It wasn’t. They scored three goals of their own because they sought to attack, threaten and, ultimately, entertain. These were three brilliantly worked goals in their own unique ways that just a few months ago wouldn’t have been scored on account of the rigid system of play Arteta implemented.

There are still teething issues: shape off the ball needs work and a touch of composure at the back is being lost. But while those get worked on, having these outstanding young forwards play with a fluidity that stems from the goalkeeper is creating chances in abundance, and scoring goals as a result. They’re not foolish, though; they know when and where keeping two No. 8’s high up the pitch can be costly.

Belief in the individuals, particularly the defence whose workload differs when Arsenal seek to squeeze the opposition into their own half, has seen a shift in approach. It’s just everything you want to see: fast, inventive, varied and precise. While there is no guarantee that this will produce the desired outcome this Premier League season, it’s got everyone believing again – with a smile on their faces.

It’s fun. Pure and simple.