Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are very confident and currently sit at the top of the Premier League table.
Specifically, Arteta has improved many of the players who were at the club before his arrival, turning them into real title contenders.
He has also been smart in his signing, bringing in young players who can adapt to the age profile of the rest of the squad and who will mix on the pitch with the squad already formed by the Spanish coach.
The young average age means Arteta has a huge influence on the team, helping its young strikers develop the system and style of football he wants to play.
As a reward for his work, the coach has received a new contract with the club which many see as a delay.
“It’s great to be where we are, we’re enjoying that moment,” explained Arteta after his 2-0 win at Wolves. “We have a great opportunity, we have to reflect on what we are doing and we are very prepared for what comes after the World Cup.
“When a team is in the moment you want to continue playing. That’s not possible, so we have to use the time now in the best possible way.”
Here are six players who have already improved with Arteta.
Xhaka granite
The Swiss midfielder has completely changed his fortunes at Arsenal since Arteta joined the club.
It’s a change from the man who walked off the pitch to the Gunners’ boos at the Emirates a few years ago.
“I’m done with Arsenal. End. There was a contract on the table with another club and all I had to do was sign. I talked to my wife, Leonita, and we decided to go,” he told the Players Tribune earlier this year.
“Our bags were literally placed by the door. But then Mikel started talking about how you were a big part of his plans. I liked the warmth of him. He was honest, direct. clear plans. I felt I could trust him.
“I understand that we [him and Arsenal fans] We will never be best friends, but I hope we can treat each other with honesty and respect.”
Bukayo Saka
Of course, some of that has come with age. But Arteta helped transform Saka from a conniving debutant to a bona fide Arsenal star.
His stats have improved year on year under Arteta and he is now well on his way to posting his best season yet.
Oh and add to that the fact that he is also a regular England player. Mr. Arsenal is just getting started.
Saka needs to do it again today. pic.twitter.com/KpJyIEC3Q1
— ً (@afcIsaac) May 8, 2022
Emile Smith-Rowe
It was a bold move when Arteta presented Smith-Rowe with the number 10 shirt ahead of the 2021-22 season, but the Spanish coach was confident in the striker’s abilities.
Nearly a year later, Smith-Rowe has repaid that trust and continued his progression as a serious first-team prospect for the Gunners this season.
Injuries have hampered his development a bit lately, but there is no doubt how much he has improved under Arteta. Things only go one way, and not downwards.
Aaron Ramsdale
Many people scoffed at this signing in the summer of 2021. After all, the goalkeeper had suffered back-to-back relegations with Bournemouth and Sheffield United.
The 24-year-old managed to supplant Bernd Leno in his rookie season and hasn’t looked back since.
The English goalkeeper is now one of the most popular goalkeepers in the league and is capable of showmanship.
Brendan Rodgers’ reaction to that Aaron Ramsdale save in the first half 😂 pic.twitter.com/FcgVnZ2u6j
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 13, 2022
Martin Odegaard
When he first appeared in the public consciousness, Odegaard was declared “Norway’s Messi”.
Now, under Arteta, he’s shed those labels and made a name for himself at his home in north London.
READ: Call 999, Odegaard stole Bergkamp’s soul and keeps it in his left sock
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli’s development under Arteta has not gone unnoticed, as he managed to earn a call-up to the Brazil squad ahead of the World Cup.
The 21-year-old has started all 14 of Arsenal’s Premier League games so far and has scored five goals and two assists.
The winger is now almost the perfect combination of style and finished product thanks to the formation of Arteta.
READ MORE: Premier League table since Arsenal signed Mikel Arteta in 2019
