3 Things Arteta has helped us improve on

Things seemed to have been on the up for Arsenal since Mikel Arteta's arrival as we have yet to be beaten in the league this year. It is unfortunate for that run to have been interrupted by this pandemic. With all the saddening news around, I hope I can take your mind of it for a bit even if its for a couple of minutes. In this article, I`ll address the 3 things that we've improved on since Arteta has been at the helm.

1) Steel and mental strength of the players
Without a shadow of a doubt this has been the standout key area in which Arteta has helped us improve on as a team at least in my opinion. All that's needed for proof is to look at the Chelsea game away at the Bridge. If we were back in the Emery or even late Wenger era and were a man down, we would have most likely capitulated and gone into our shells waiting for the final whistle. We've seen that many a times in the past where we go to huge away grounds and get absolutely annihilated even with 11 men! We were all fearing the worst when Luiz saw red but what followed suit was a great display of steel and mental strength from every Arsenal player on the field. Going down twice with 10 men and to come out of the game with a point is impressive. Having been branded a mentally soft team in the past, its definitely refreshing to see that the players have it in them to dig deep and never give up even when the odds are stacked against them.

2) Defensive shape and solidity
Defensive frailties is the area that has proven to be Arsenal's achilles heel for as long as I can remember. The improvement in defensive solidity has been immense. Even a player like Mustafi looks like a completely new player under Arteta's guidance. Watching the team defensively does not worry me as much as it used to anymore and that is really reassuring. The players look more confident playing out from the back. We all know that if we can get our defence sorted we can be right up there challenging for silverware as we have no issues going forward. Having said that, I would still like to see us get an imposing central defender when the window reopens.

3) A clear style of play
Since Arteta learned from one of the best managers of this generation, we Arsenal fans were crying out for a clear and exciting style of play as for most of the season we looked absolutely clueless. We were a shambles at the back and had no creativity going forward. With Arteta's arrival we've looked much better at the back and shown more promise going forward. He clearly loves using his wider players when in attack which has benefited the likes of Saka and Aubameyang. Saka has had an outstanding breakout season with countless number of assists while also showing us he can step up and do a job at left back when needed. I will publish a separate write up on that lad, so do stay tuned for that. We seem to have an idea playing out from the back now as opposed to doing it just for the sake of it. He seems to have also found a system that suits Granit Xhaka which has led to the revival of his Arsenal career. Xhaka seems to slip into that left back area when we're in  possession which allows him the time and space he needs to pick out a pass.

Overall, there have been some very positive signs since Arteta's appointment and he has also won the fans over with some decent displays from the team. I am looking forward to football coming back soon BUT only when its safe to do so. Thank you to all health workers who are putting their lives on the line for us. Stay safe and healthy.