If there is one core element that has shaped Arsenal's success under Mikel Arteta, it is the ability to suffocate opponents, even when the Gunners have to face the most unpredictable teams.
"Control" is often considered the most important thing for Arsenal in the past 3 seasons. However, it seems that those 2 words are not enough to describe the suffocation The Gunners created. Previously, Mikel Arteta shared that he did not like the word "control". Instead, the Spanish captain aimed for "dominance".
Their cool and efficient win over Paris Saint-Germain was a perfect demonstration of their style of play, with the relentless pressing of the Emirates side making it difficult for PSG to play the ball easily.
Arsenal have failed miserably in Europe under Arteta in the last five years, their best result being a Europa League semi-final. Although the results have not matched the transformation the 42-year-old has brought, the win over Luis Enrique’s side suggests Mikel Arteta is taking another step forward.
During the match, the TV cameras repeatedly focused on Mr. Nasser Al-Khelaifi. The PSG president did not show much emotion on his face, but one could still see his disappointment when his team was helpless against the overwhelming strength of Arsenal.
Looking at Arsenal in such a sublime state, it can be seen that Mikel Arteta's army is gradually surpassing Man City in terms of the ability to diversify their playing style. An impressive performance when the "Gunners" can easily neutralize PSG without much effort.
While Pep Guardiola relies on absolute possession, Mikel Arteta is charting a different path. Arsenal can switch very quickly, whether pressing high or defending deep. This makes them dangerous, and the win over PSG was a strong demonstration of the London side's ability to change their system depending on the situation and each stage of the game.
Luis Enrique has also praised Arsenal as the best team in Europe when they don’t have the ball. Every time they lose the ball, Mikel Arteta’s team considers it a serious mistake and must continuously press to regain control. In addition, the Gunners’ ability to recover the ball also becomes easier when the links in the squad show synchronization.
At first glance, it might seem that Arsenal’s success is largely based on their excellence from set-pieces. Bukayo Saka’s free-kick marked his sixth goal from set-pieces in just nine games this season. However, Arsenal’s threat is not limited to set-pieces, with high balls also becoming a potent weapon for the Gunners.
Luis Enrique seemed to have no solution to Arsenal’s style of play and PSG’s only hope was that they might be awarded a lucky penalty. However, the Gunners were no longer a weak team. They may have lacked the cutting edge to extend their lead but Mikel Arteta can be proud of the ease with which he beat Luis Enrique.
In the absence of captain Martin Odegaard, Mikel Arteta has shifted from a team focused on keeping the ball to one that is ready for counter-attacks. In addition, the intensity in midfield has also changed as the duo of Thomas Partey - Declan Rice completely overwhelmed Vitinha - Warren Zaire-Emery.
With the above factors and a solid defense, Arsenal has kept 17 clean sheets in 2024, second only to Real Madrid in the Top 5 European leagues. Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are getting better and better and know how to adapt to any situation at the moment.
