Arsenal: Can Mikel Arteta lead his club to title success and how?
The appointment of club legend Mikel Arteta looked to be a very big risk from the Gunners after just sacking Unai Emery and appointing a very inexperienced manager with such a big task on his hands.
However, whilst he got a tough start to life as manager, he since managed to turn it around and bring Arsenal back into top four contention, something that looked unlikely come December.
He has also managed to unite what looked to be a divided fan base for some time and bring the whole Arsenal crowd together and give them belief of going forward in the future.
Given all this, it seems that the former Spanish midfielder could perhaps be Arsenal’s answer of finally achieving league success - but what does he need to do in order to make that a reality?
Perform against the ‘Top 6’
In the past, Arsenal teams have really struggled against the ‘top six’ sides and have conceded many goals over the years with results such as a 6-0 smashing at Stamford Bridge, a 5-1 demolition at Anfield and a 6-3 capitulation at Manchester City.
However, this is something that Arteta looks to have already addressed.
Most memorably their performance at Stamford Bridge when they went down to ten-men and managed to earn a last-minute draw.
Something that most Arsenal sides rarely manage to do.
In their most recent meeting with Chelsea, Arsenal were reduced down to 10-men, but managed to claw back to a 2-2 draw.
But it seems the club legend has managed to change their attitudes and has made them a more resilient side, taking them on a ten-game unbeaten streak in all competitions earning six wins in that streak.
This will be a mentality that he will want his side to possess if he hopes to look at challenging for a title in the future.
Fix defensive and midfield issues
It’s no secret that Arsenal’s back line is not considered the strongest in the league.
The likes of Shkodran Mustafi making basic mistakes, new signing David Luiz going in too fast and often leaving others exposed as well as Héctor Bellerín being very injury prone makes for an overall weak backline.
Whilst just in front of them, Granit Xhaka, who is meant to help protect them, has very inconsistent performances along with Mesut Özil who also comes and goes in particular games.
Ozil’s inconsistent performances have seen his decline in Premier League minutes hit a new low.
Gone are the days of the Gunners’ once solid back line with the likes of Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Tony Adams and Lee Dixon.
A far stretch from who the Gunners have ended up with now.
These are areas Arteta will surely look at and try and improve on in the summer window (provided it happens) and find a few key players that could really help fix theses issues.
Someone like Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucourè, who has proven Premier League experience can contribute to a goal and is a solid defensive midfielder.
A player that could add a real toughness to Arsenal in the middle of the park.
Show consistent performances
This is one area Arteta has already showed good progress on and will hope that he can continue to drill it out to his players.
During his short reign so far, he managed to lead Arsenal to a ten-game unbeaten streak (before Olympiacos) and showed what his side are capable of, scoring 18 times through the run.
This is key for any title challenging side and is something that the Gunners legend can help press onto his players after having a fairly successful start so far.
Four of those goals came in the 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle United last month.
Just how far off the League are Arsenal?
In one word…VERY! When you look at the squads of Manchester City and Liverpool.
However, their attacking talent is one of the best up there with the likes of talented forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Pépé and Mesut Ozil.
Though as mentioned before it’s the lack of quality behind them which proves to be Arsenal’s Achilles’ heel.
Once they improve on that, the North London side could be on their way to building a fantastic squad and maybe challenge in a few years though it will take a lot of money, something that the Arsenal board will need to realise and this is where Arteta can use his playing experience to persuade them to do so.
Will Arteta lead Arsenal to a title in years to come?
Have your say in the comments section below.
Article by: Matthew Bannister
Edited/Formatted by: Samuel Slaney
Thumbnail and image captions by: Samuel Slaney
Images interpreted from: Getty Images