It’s Make or break for Arteta against Tottenham
With three games gone in the Premier League, entering the first international break, Arsenal were rock bottom. No points, no goals, and simply no hope.
As the highest spenders in the transfer window, forking out over £140 million, fans and the Arsenal hierarchy were expecting far more from Arteta.
However, a combination of challenging fixtures and a covid-hit squad were given as explanations for the poor Gunners start, affording the manager more time to improve both performances and results.
Since the return from international duty, Arsenal have managed consecutive 1-0 victories, albeit against Norwich and Burnley.
With a near full squad available, Arteta has been able to field a stronger and more dynamic starting 11, crucial when implementing the Spaniards philosophy of football.
One of the biggest surprises in Arteta’s recent team selections has been opting to play both Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith-Rowe in the midfield either side of Thomas Partey.
The two natural number 10’s have allowed the Gunners to control the tempo of games, and have the creative instincts to break down the low-block defences that Arsenal will often come up against.
However, Arteta’s attack minded selection is yet to be tested against a top premier league side, where Odegaard and Smith-Rowe’s tenacity and work rates will be called into question.
Competing against Tottenham, their fierce North London rivals, they are bound to face a game of high intensity, and this is where we will see if Arteta’s work in the training ground has payed dividends.
Under the relentless press of Spurs, witnessed in their first half display against Chelsea, the Arsenal players will be given little time on the ball.
How well drilled they have been under Arteta will determine whether they will be able to play through the Tottenham press and have success in the attacking third.
Arteta’s standing with the Arsenal fans is still hanging in the balance, and there is no better way to win the hearts of the Gunners faithful than being victorious against Spurs. But will the Spaniards idealistic selection pay off?