How Mikel Arteta evolved Arsenal into mentality monsters

Arsenal have this season shown an ability to relentlessly fight for a result until the final whistle, with near unlimited belief, which is a welcome change from years gone by.

When Arsenal unexpectedly went toe-to-toe with Manchester City in a shootout for the Premier League title last season, much attention was given, by media personnel and fans alike, to the youth and perceived inexperience of the squad.

When the Gunners' title hopes emphatically fell to pieces at the final hurdle, many of these previous doubters turned to critics, and cited that a squad with the make-up of Arsenal's simply lacked the characteristics to win the league.

At the time this criticism felt very unfair, and as though it came from a point of envy more than fact - given the impact of injuries on the downfall of our season. But now, less than a year later, perhaps some of these critics had a point.

More experience in the ranks

The summer transfer window just gone saw Arsenal recruit an invaluable wealth of experience, which included the arrival of Declan Rice, who captained West Ham to their first European title since 1965 - as well as Kai Havertz, who scored the winning goal in a Champions League final for Chelsea back in 2021.

These additions, coupled with the continued development of those already at the club, have seen a noticeable change in the squad, with vocal leaders now all over the pitch leading the team - which can only be seen as a glowing positive.

This season has already seen the Gunners score match-winning goals in the final five minutes of regular time three times this season, which shows a clear ability and desire to push on a fight, regardless of the score, until the very end of each game.

We saw this on an even greater scale against Luton when, despite being pegged back twice and even going behind in the game, the team continued to fight relentlessly and, regardless of any mistakes in the game, they got over the line and salvaged a win which had looked highly unlikely for long periods of the game.

Title-defining results?

These last-gasp, highly spirited wins feel incredible in the heat of the moment but, come the end of the season, their importance could prove all the more significant as Arsenal retain aspirations of finally lifting the Premier League trophy once again.

The saying is often coined that these are 'results that define champions', which could not be more true. It also goes a long way to show just how important and successful Arsenal's recruitment and development has been in the last couple of years, which directly correlates to their continued success both domestically and in Europe.

Whatever happens, we will not go down without a fight

It is impossible to predict how the current season will end, and whether Arsenal will finish it with silverware held aloft, but with all of the above points in mind, one thing is certain:

This team will not go down without a fight.

The squad, coaching staff, fans and everybody else associated with the club will undoubtedly give everything, every single day between now and May as they look to return glory to the club - and our impeccable mentality gives us one of our best chances in years to achieve exactly this.