Arteta's Arsenal: Navigating Through the Challenges and Finding Solutions

Unsurprisingly, Mikel Arteta, the young and promising manager of Arsenal, is going through a rough patch similar to many young managers before him. However, the responsibility and scrutiny he faces are different, and it's crucial for him to adapt and find balanced methods to lead Arsenal successfully.

Arteta's Philosophical Approach vs. Player Reality

Arteta genuinely wants to implement an attractive, possession-based methodology of play that he was successful with at Manchester City under Guardiola. Yet, incorporating these ideas and style of play into his Arsenal squad is proving to be extremely challenging. Too often, this approach backfires, leading to frustrating performances and disappointing results.

Build a Focused Team and Emphasize Results

While Arteta's philosophy is commendable, the current condition of the team and the league necessitate a more pragmatic approach. In such a crisis, it's crucial to focus on tangible results rather than sticking rigidly to certain preferred methods. We need solid, gritty performances, akin to the famous 1-nil victories, as they are essential for rebuilding belief in the team.

Addressing Team Room Leadership

Arsenal urgently needs leadership on the pitch. The club has lacked a figurehead reminiscent of Tony Adams or Patrick Vieira. Without the right kind of captain or leader, the team often appears directionless. Mesut ?zil, despite his flaws, deserved a chance to contribute more. Arteta's refusal to include ?zil has unnecessarily sidelined a creative asset.

Mesut ?zil's Value and Arsenal's Instant Solutions

Mesut ?zil, Arsenal's highest-paid player, has been frozen out of the team since March. While his form has declined, he still brings creativity and unpredictability that can spark solutions. Arteta needs to consider utilizing ?zil more, given his current need for an instant creative spark. ?zil provides that extra bit of quality in the final third that is currently missing.

Leadership and Responsibility of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the team's talisman, has been moved from his preferred central striker position. His current form and demeanor have dropped significantly, and Arteta's decisions seem to have affected his confidence. Aubameyang's leadership and morale impact the team, and Arteta must address this to improve overall performance.

Reevaluating Tactical Approaches and Structural Changes

Arteta's defensive structure, particularly the use of a defender as a forward, is fundamentally flawed. The defensive issues are not sufficiently addressed with makeshift solutions. Arsenal must focus on a fixed back four, providing stability at the back and allowingXhercules to focus on defensive tasks, offering more protection to goalkeeper Petr Jacka.

Conclusion

Every manager, including Mikel Arteta, goes through challenging periods. But with time, patience, and adaptability, he can steer Arsenal towards success. The key is to balance philosophy with practical results and leadership. Mesut ?zil, while imperfect, provides a much-needed boost in creativity, and Aubameyang, if utilized effectively, can regain his form and leadership. Arteta's journey is far from over, but with the right adjustments, Arsenal can turn the tide.