"Control. Fixed planes of movement. Positive metrics. Data victory. Safety in order. Strength through no joy. This is all good stuff. This is a matrix for winning at sport. This is how Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal from a flapping bead curtain made up of fun guys and leftovers into a hugely impressive team. You can definitely come second in the league like this."
"Best of all they did so with some interesting notes of variation, most obviously in the shape of Viktor Gyokeres, who was blunt and a little rough at times, but by the end had some great numbers. Seven passes in 90 minutes. Four shots. One goal. Also: zero dribbles, zero crosses, zero key passers, zero all that stuff. You could quibble and ask for some fouls, but those will come."
Arteta has remade Arsenal into a controlled, data-driven side emphasizing fixed planes of movement, safety, and positive metrics. The team often sacrifices joy and spontaneity for structure and statistical strength. That approach can deliver high league finishes but benefits from occasional risk, aggression, and raggedness to convert opportunities into decisive moments. The Nottingham Forest game showcased variation with Viktor Gyokeres offering blunt, effective forward play—seven passes, four shots, one goal—while Martin Zubimendi scored a sublime hip-high volley. A first half of meticulous control gave way to a second half with several critical moments that could shape the season.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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