Arsenal’s Tactical Evolution under Mikel Arteta
When Arsenal set up for a corner against Leicester City on Saturday, there will be a ripple of anticipation. That isn’t just because of Gabriel’s goals in the last two Premier League games. It’s also what led to them. Arsenal have become one of the teams that take longest over set-pieces, although that isn’t down to time-wasting. At least not most of the time. Bukayo Saka will make sure to time his breathing, to get his own positioning right, and then put his hand up. It is like a rugby kicker, except all of these motions are also triggers for teammates as well.
Saka won’t take the corner until every Arsenal player is in the mandated position, which can have the double effect of drawing the opposition out of position. This is what brings the ripple. The idea, as it was explained to some in the dressing room, is to think of it “like a negotiation or an interview”. If you say nothing, there’s a gap, and they are likely to make a mistake trying to fill it.
If this sounds a bit far-reaching, it is only a reflection of how deeply Arsenal think about all of this now. It has really become about fighting for every centimeter of opportunity, in the belief that this can maximize results. Mikel Arteta, influenced by Pep Guardiola’s attention to detail, has instilled a culture of precision and strategic planning within the Arsenal squad.
Specialized Coaching and Tactical Innovation
Arteta and his staff pore over every element of a match to consider how it can be improved upon. Arsenal use a blueprint to impose the core of the team, which is the manager’s tactical ideology. On top of that are the players, and how they interpret the broad approach. There are then the fine details, and final percentage points.
The approach to set-pieces comes from coach Nicolas Jover, who has earned public admiration from Arsenal’s high number of goals from such situations. Arteta had worked with the French set-piece specialist at Manchester City and headhunted him on becoming Arsenal manager. It was the first step in wider preparation for these final details. Arteta had looked at the statistics and decided it was essential this was one of his first appointments.
Another illustration of Arsenal’s commitment to specialized coaching is evident in David Raya seeking advice from goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana during a VAR check in a recent Champions League match. Raya’s heroics in goal have validated Arteta’s decision to bring him in and showcase the importance of individualized coaching in maximizing player performance.
The Pursuit of Excellence and Strategic Advantage
Arteta’s meticulous attention to detail and strategic planning have positioned Arsenal as one of the best-prepared clubs in Europe. The use of artificial intelligence to mine data, specialized coaching staff for specific game elements, and emphasis on elite game intelligence in player recruitment reflect a commitment to excellence.
The evolution of football coaching towards a more stratified approach, akin to rugby union or American football, is exemplified by Arsenal’s dedication to maximizing every aspect of the game. Arteta’s vision for the club includes the potential for specialized staff focusing on possession, high press, or low block strategies, further emphasizing the pursuit of strategic advantage.
Overall, Arsenal’s tactical evolution under Mikel Arteta represents a shift towards a more sophisticated and detail-oriented approach to the game. By prioritizing strategic planning, specialized coaching, and player intelligence, Arsenal aims to close the gap to the top clubs in Europe and compete at the highest level.