How Mikel Arteta solved one long-standing Arsenal issue by adopting Real Madrid approach
Arsenal were able to show their teeth against Manchester City on Sunday.
It was a feisty affair between Manchester City and Arsenal when they met at the Etihad Stadium.
Kai Havertz and Rodri clashed within the first minute of the match, setting the tone. There were flashpoints on the sidelines, too. At one stage, Pep Guardiola aimed a kick at a chair after Riccardo Calafiori netted for the Gunners.
The turning point in the game came just before half-time, when Leandro Trossard was dismissed having been shown a second yellow card for delaying a restart.
Having been reduced to ten men, Arsenal were sent out by Mikel Arteta with an almost entirely defensive remit in the second half. The North London club sought to shut the game down by sitting deep, restricting space, breaking up play, and running down the clock.
Sam Allardyce endorsed Arsenal’s tactics. However, the Gunners eventually came unstuck, as John Stones struck a 98th minute equaliser for the reigning Premier League champions.
Arsenal likened to Madrid giants
Arsenal underlined their defensive credentials by holding out for more than 50 minutes against Manchester City with ten men, to such an extent that it was even asked if the Gunners are like the Premier League version of Atletico Madrid.
The La Liga outfit are famed for their defensive prowess and feistiness of their manager Diego Simeone. Arteta was also outspoken after this fixture.
This question was put to former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, who was serving as a pundit on ESPN.
He replied: “I think in this last week, yes. Ordinarily, no… A bit like Real Madrid under Mourinho, to a certain extent, it’s got that sort of vibe to it, but we complained about Arsenal being too soft for years, well they’re certainly not soft now. Who knows, maybe they’ll win a title.”
Like Simeone, Jose Mourinho is another fiery managerial presence, and is renowned for producing defensively sound teams.
Mikel Arteta has given Arsenal an edge
As suggested by Onuoha, the Gunners certainly can’t be considered a soft touch these days.
Arsenal fans have hailed Ben White for his feistiness, and along with the right-back, the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Jurrien Timber, amongst others, all have a measure of ferocity and aggression in their game.
Arteta has cultivated this fighting spirit in his squad, and demands absolute focus and commitment from all of his players when it comes to their defensive duties. This has made the Gunners incredibly difficult to beat and genuine title contenders once again.
