The appointment of Mikel Arteta to replace Unai Emery was not the biggest surprise, but it was met with a range of emotions. While many were happy to take a risk on a very well respected football man with Arsenal connections, many others saw it as too big a risk to trust a novice.
We are still very early in the reign of Mr Arteta, but how has it gone so far?
Results
PL - Played 14 - Won - 6, Drew - 5, Lost 3
Pre-Arteta - Played 18 - Won 5, Drew - 8, Lost - 5
It was a pretty slow start for the new era. We drew 0-0 with Everton after the appointment, but the Arteta-era didn't really start until the next game, another draw this time against Bournemouth. A decent performance against Chelsea was spoilt by a last 10 minute turnaround to see us lose 2-1. A false dawn with a 2-0 win over Manchester United failed to kick start the season, as we followed with 4 draws (albeit including a credible 2-2 with Chelsea despite being down to 10 men for most of the game).
It was then we finally put a run of wins together - 3 in a row over Newcastle, Everton and West Ham. It was our best run of the season, and when football was interupted by COVID we were on a 8 match unbeaten run.
There was one massive blight on Arteta's reign though - a 120th minute Olympiakos winner dumped us out of the Europa League. We had progressed through the FA Cup, but that was a big knock.
After the break we were met with the daunting task of Manchester City, and 2 big injuries in the first 20 minutes put us very much on the back foot. A 3-0 defeat was rather predictable. Then, in our next match back, we lost another key man in Bernd Leno - then lost another match with a late winner giving Brighton the 3 points.
Since then we have recovered well, a 2-0 win over Southampton, a cup win over Sheffield United to put us in the FA Cup semi, and yesterdays 4-0 over Norwich.
The Brighton result is the real black mark here, but overall we have improved on the results in the first 18 matches. The 3 month break is a unique situation that even the most experienced managers have never had to deal with, so there are mitigating circumstances.
Style of play
Given that he has had to use the same players as Emery, we have yet to see any consistant style. One of the early improvements Mr Arteta made was to use Saka as a wing back in a 4 man defence and have Xhaka cover in. This had a certain amount of success. More recently, we have move backed to a 3 man defence, as Arteta tries to find a balance. The football hasn't been exactly swashbuckling, but effectiveness and getting results is more important - and 5 wins in 7 games suggests he is getting it right.
Players
Mr Arteta is certainly not bowing down to big names and big attitudes. After using Mesut Ozil in most games before the break, Mr Arteta has not involved him since. Matteo Guendouzi has stepped out of line twice and has been banished. Alex Lacazettes poor form has seen Eddie Nketiah move ahead of him. Ainsley Maitland-Niles reluctance to play full back has seen him drop out of favour.
We have continued to use youth players a lot, with Mr Arteta continuing the development of Bukayo Saka. Used mainly as a left back due to injuries, Saka is now being developed in a more attacking role and also in CM and has become a stand out. Saka signing a long contract shows faith in the Arteta project.
Alongside Saka, perhaps the success story of the Arteta-era so far is Granit Xhaka. After a troubled first half of the season, Xhaka has become arguably the key player in Arteta's reign. In fact, of the 3 PL defeats under Mr Arteta, Xhaka has played just 8 minutes. Arteta has also started using Dani Ceballos alongside Xhaka more than his predecessor - which has coincided with the run of victories. When played together (for 75+ mins) we have won 5 out of 5 league games.
The next 5 games will be a big test of where we are and where we will finish the season; Wolves, Leicester, Spurs and Liverpool in the league and Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.
In difficult circumstances I believe Mr Arteta has started well. If we can get the right players in the summer I think we will start to see a style develop that is effective and more pleasing on the eye.
The Mikel Arteta Reign so far...
posted on 2/7/20
I actually think a big problem will be the fans. I used to think we were quite a patient bunch but not anymore.
I blame AFTV for a lot of that as you hear them say "I will give him time but if he doesn't get top 4 then he must go". Thats a very contradictory statement that basically says immediate success or go.
That I believe has encouraged a lot of our fanbase to expect too much too quick.
When I say we should give him time, I am talking years not months.
If United had listened to a lot of their fans, Solksjaer would have been out 12 months ago. They have stuck with him and they are starting to see some improvements.
I actually think we should give Arteta 2/3 years even if we don't hit our targets immediately. If we do that then I don't think it will be long till we improve based on Arteta gaining more experience as a manager and building a squad more to his taste.
posted on 2/7/20
Samir, this...
"After using Mesut Ozil in most games before the break, Mr Arteta has not involved him since."
Is what explains this...
"Nketiah and Aubameyang's goals against Southampton and Norwich respectively also signify that our strikers are pressing from the front and looking to capitalise on tardiness from opposition goalkeepers. We didn't really see this level of aggression or tenacity in our game pre-Arteta."
EVERYONE behind them is now doing their bit, meaning they can. Also we did see this pre Arteta, last season, when the same man was frozen out. When Emery dropped him, one of the first things to happen was we started to press the ball effectively again. The hustle and the errors it forces makes the difference when your defence is as weak as ours.
DJ
So was he dropped or did he take himself out due to Covid and fasting? Only important to me regarding how Guendouzi has been handled. Either way, it actually got me to watch these soulless games. him not being there makes it semi enjoyable.
Liking what I'm seeing from the team but it's nothing I didn't expect given the above-mentioned. Not convinced we need as much transfer activity as some.
I think these current MFs could still flourish yet. Everyone is concerned about creativity given the team circumstances and theirs as youngsters, It hasn't been the time at AFC for creativity. Nelson and Willock in particular have had little chance to use that aspect of their play since we've lived under the kosh in games for ages. We're never really in control so it's easy for a less confident youngster, to just "Not risk itr for now, don't wanna be flash, I'll just keep it simple" Saka/Martinelli/Guendouzi totally different personalities to Willock/Nelson. The latter need to build and grow into their confidence. First three have oozed it since birth.
For now, you know what I want to see continue happening without it being said. Because it's led the way to these results. Even losing some games, the long-term curve will continue upward if it does. Also I want this Guendouzi/Arteta beef squashed quickly as well. Something Lex said the other day about giving Guen' the same as Ozil, got me thinking.
People have jumped on this discipline thing like they cared before Arteta said anything. Don't know what went on at other teams but my view here is it's not surprising he's acted up as much as he has, forced to sit on the bench watching Ozil thinking "I KNOW I could do better than that crap." And he could. No he can't split the atom with a pass like Ozil can but all around he offers MORE than him. So I see where he's coming from. Poorly handled yes but same could be said of Arteta here I think. Not every arrogant kid can be dealt with this way. Some need the responsibility to make the step as opposed to being told make the step and you get the responsibility.
I think Guen is one of those. We know he can handle the responsibility when it drops to him, to the point we've seen him take the initiative, grab the responsibility when nobody wanted it and lead his team. So let him lead it (match tactically I mean, not captain yet). Whatever growing he has to do will happen real fast when he's forced to be a grown up because HE has to set an example.
Guen is the closest thing to Viera we've had since Viera. Seem to remember him having a fair few naughty step moments also. We have to build the future because we can't buy it and Guen is the key player to build the future MF around. IMO the only current MF up to that role. And at a time at AFC where nobody actually wants that responsibility in MF, he is screaming for it. That alone tells me he's ready to be given it and I think it'll work well. Both on that page, Arteta can teach him and he's capable of learning, the finer points of MF play, ON the job. So I hope this naughty step approach from Arteta doesn't go on for long. Personally I think that Guen deserved a little more credit about his value on the pitch, than he's been given here. Actually don't think Arteta would take this approach had he been a part of AFC last season and seen more of Guen from that perspective. He was busy watching City players and wouldn't exactly have had to spend long with game tapes for the games against us. In fact I doubt they even bothered to watch any
posted on 2/7/20
For me arteta has made us more solid, especially at the back. However, as many have already suggested, the style of football is very turgid and similar level to what Emery had
The majority of the attacks come from the flanks with less emphasis on a playmaker to make the difference through the middle.
Saying that, we still need a midfielder who can control a game and provide for the attack.
Willock, AMN and Co are not the answer
Will be interesting to see what arteta buys in the summer
posted on 2/7/20
comment by Castor Troy (U8700)
posted 7 minutes ago
For me arteta has made us more solid, especially at the back. However, as many have already suggested, the style of football is very turgid and similar level to what Emery had
The majority of the attacks come from the flanks with less emphasis on a playmaker to make the difference through the middle.
Saying that, we still need a midfielder who can control a game and provide for the attack.
Willock, AMN and Co are not the answer
Will be interesting to see what arteta buys in the summer
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The answer is an Arteta trained Guendouzi. He will provide the same work rate as the other three whilst becoming the playmaker naturally. Not every playmaker does it the way Ozil does, thank god. Guen doesn't need anywhere near Ozil's passing range because he runs the ball so much more.
I also still like Ceballos for the No 10 role if he's staying another year. I think we could build around him if we bought him but see Guen as the natural leader that'll thrive faster. Either one of them for me, is enough for now, whilst we sort the defence. I don't want to see another window where we get an MF or attacker when it's our defence that's dire.
Fix the defence permanently first. THEN we can worry about buying a new flash git for MF, assuming that Ceballos or Guendouzi fails to step up in the meantime. Right now, what we need most is their energy and fight it MF. It's buys our defence the time they need to cope and forces errors which get us goals too. Also, the more familiar they all become as an Ozil free unit, is the more secure they will begin to feel about being creative and tricky. Much easier to risk losing the ball, when you're confident that if you do, you and ya boys can just go and hustle it back. Ozil on and near you and losing the ball could mean an 80yd counter attack and ball in net your end. Why because it was HIM who needed to go after that ball/man. Time for an in match comfort zone to develop and you might just start to see a little more flare in their play. Applies to Nelson in particular. He's way more talented than he's shown this season.
posted on 2/7/20
With games coming up against the top 3 and totteringham after 6th place Wolves our results under Arteta could well be worse than before him very soon.
Dont let a result against rock bottom Norwich fool you, we are not in a good place. Our football is slow and boring. Look at our away record under Arteta, 2 in (in an empty stadium), 3 draws and 2 loses. Not great.
Take the Brighton game, they sat deep and allowed us to have the ball in front of them and didnt allow any room or time once we hit their defensive lines. Compare that to Sheffield who let out players have room off the ball and closed them down once they received it. When Brighton got the ball they cut through our midfield quickly and with ease, which left our defence under massive pressure. Sheffield played a slower build up which gave us time to organise better. Both games were 1-1 at 90 minutes, but Brighton looked far better against us and the final results reflected that.
We are flat track bullies against poor teams who try to play their own game, but teams better than us or teams that stop us playing our game and we struggle.
posted on 2/7/20
With games coming up against the top 3 and totteringham after 6th place Wolves our results under Arteta could well be worse than before him very soon.
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Doubtful. He'll do better out of that lot than you think and end up lumbering us with EL again next year. Which is they LAST thing this team needs unfortunately.
posted on 2/7/20
20 years of a bad culture cannot be erased in one or even two seasons. He needs TIME and a patient fanbase backing him all the way. One day Arteta is going to win league titles,if we are stupid,it will be with another club.
posted on 2/7/20
I just reread my post and apolgise for all the typos. We have 1 away win under Arteta so far I typed "2 in"
posted on 2/7/20
comment by Tyke (U9181)
posted 2 hours, 27 minutes ago
20 years of a bad culture cannot be erased in one or even two seasons. He needs TIME and a patient fanbase backing him all the way. One day Arteta is going to win league titles,if we are stupid,it will be with another club.
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erm, the Invincibles were only 16 years ago.
posted on 3/7/20
comment by Everywhere you go always take Lamela with you. (U7905)
posted 13 hours, 44 minutes ago
I think he's done a good job. Aubamayang aside your team is generally of midtable quality.
Seems like he has more of a plan than Emery did this season.
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Midtable quality u say yet their above your Bottlers in the league, what does that say about your Hapless club?