Arsenal is the ones challenging Pep’s City for the Premier League title this season. However, once Pep leaves, will they replicate Pep’s domestic success?
Dynamic Duo
One of the main reasons behind Arsenal’s improvement every season is the synergy between Mikel Arteta, the coach, and sporting director Edu Gaspar. The collaboration between them has elevated the squad and serves as an inspiration for clubs looking to rebuild. Arteta plays a major role in Arsenal’s signings, but this would not be possible without the hard work and expertise of a dedicated sporting director.
Some of the notable signings made by this duo include Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Ben White, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel, Kai Havertz, and David Raya, all of whom have significantly contributed to the team’s impressive performance. The development plan implemented for Saliba has established him as one of the premier defenders in the Premier League.
This partnership is reminiscent of another successful pair, Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain, who have built a team poised to win their fourth Premier League title in a row. Players such as Erling Haaland, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Dias have been instrumental in Manchester City’s success, with Pep acknowledging Txiki’s role in his achievements.
It is crucial for the manager and sporting director to share a similar vision. Squad building is a pivotal aspect of any football club, and disagreements between these two key figures can adversely impact player and team performance. A recent example of this can be seen in Vitor Roque’s situation, where Deco and Xavi are in disagreement. Although new signings bring optimism, their integration into the team is not always straightforward.
Declan Rice: Arsenal’s Rodri Revelation
A pivotal signing for Manchester City, Rodri’s transfer from Atlético Madrid proved to be a game-changer. Hailing from one of the world’s best defensive teams, his playstyle flourished under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. As a defensive midfielder, Rodri’s presence on the field offers a significant advantage, as he excels in reading the game, making crucial interceptions, and orchestrating goal-scoring opportunities with precise passing.
His ability to score vital long-range goals further cements his status as an indispensable asset for any top-tier team. This summer, Arsenal made a substantial investment in Rice from West Ham, with the aim of emulating City’s success with Rodri. Recognized as a revolutionary signing, Rice’s proficiency in interceptions, tackles, and midfield control has propelled him to new heights.
While he has been critiqued for being conservative in his passing, his impressive diagonal passes and knack for creating scoring opportunities demonstrate his potential for growth. Under Arteta’s guidance, Rice’s skill set is poised to elevate Arsenal to serious title contention. In summary, both Rodri and Rice embody the qualities of exceptional midfielders, and their impact on their respective teams has been nothing short of transformative.
Revitalizing the Dressing Room Culture
Arteta has proven to be an exceptional man manager, akin to Guardiola. He demonstrates an unwavering commitment to offloading players who could have a detrimental impact on the team, both on and off the field. A notable instance of this was the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona at no cost.
Reports indicated that Arteta was dissatisfied with Aubameyang’s lack of discipline, despite being a leader in the team. Despite the Gabonese international’s pivotal role in Arsenal’s attack, Arteta believed it was imperative to convey a message to the team that everyone, irrespective of status, must be treated equally and adhere to proper discipline.
This approach is likely a trait Arteta acquired during his tenure as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. Pep has a track record of confronting players who fail to adhere to his rules, as evidenced by his decision to sell Ronaldinho due to concerns about his partying lifestyle negatively influencing a young Lionel Messi. Even at City, players have attested to the unconventional fines for tardiness to training.
A well-organized and disciplined dressing room is vital for maintaining consistency and securing victory in the Premier League. When the right players are present both in the dressing room and on the field, the manager’s role becomes significantly easier.
Arsenal, a youthful team brimming with potential, required a manager with the ardour and determination to cultivate an environment that nurtures a winning mindset. It comes as no surprise that Arsenal has emerged as a formidable rival to Manchester City, surpassing Liverpool, and is poised for imminent success.
