By William Wertheimer, Year 10
While talking about football, specific club names such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United tend to pop up more often than others. However, Arsenal, a club characterized by their invincible season in 2003-2004 has become the center of conversations. Arsenal Football Club has shocked the world during the past six months with their amazing beginning to the season. The side managed by Mikel Arteta, an ex-Arsenal player, has found its recent success through passion and possessional build-up play.
Arsenal has found they’re winning ways through a tactical “Arteta Ball” system. This system can be characterized by built-up possession play as well as counterattacks being a consequence of the high, counter-pressing. Mikel Arteta opted to use the 4-2-3-1 formation. However, the Gunners (Arsenal’s nickname) have found themselves in formations such as the 3-1-5-1 or the 3-4-3 on many occasions due to the versatility of their players and tactics. Arsenal has a very creative right-hand side with many overlapping runs, with Saka and Ødegaard being the players who bring this tactic to life. The left side is definitely the most modern part of the team. The left-back, normally Zinchenko, is inverted, therefore he slots into the midfield. Xhaka and Martinelli, the usual left central midfielder and left-wing, constantly inter-switch to provide space and passing solutions to each other. The Arsenal side has also shined through their high press. However, contrary to popular belief, the players don’t go together as a pressing block. Only the 4 offensive players end up pressuring the opposition until they make a mistake. Then the 6 other players win the second ball to get possession back.
The tactical ways of Arsenal are not the only reason that they have been the stand-out side this season, the passion and energy of the players and fans have really helped them. Arsenal’s stadium, The Emirates Stadium, which opened in 2006, has been known as “the library” since the start due to its quiet atmosphere during a game. However, Mikel Arteta has pushed the players to be passionate about everything they do. The boost in energy that the club has received from their manager has led to a very strong connection with the fans. This chain reaction means that the Emirates Stadium is now one of the most energetic and scary stadiums to visit. Arsenal is still unbeaten at home this season. Arteta’s side is not only a danger playing in front of their own fans but also away. The main reason for that can be linked to the sudden change of heart from the fans. In recent seasons, the supporters were always negative towards the club due to the lack of success. However, now the fans are always behind the team even in the case of a loss.
In conclusion, Arsenal’s success is the consequence of the tactical system called “Arteta ball” and the passion and energy running through the club. Now the footballing world must see if they can hold this form until the end of the season to potentially be crowned Premier League champions.
Arsenal’s Domination
