It finally happened, Mikel Arteta has returned home to manage The Arsenal. I’m over-joyed, you should be too.
The Spaniard turned up in a sharp suit, he looked the part and delivered an electric press conference. The sentiment amongst a fractured fanbase was unanimous in its positivity. We’re all excited to have a coach in place that speaks our language, literally, footballistically, and spiritually.
First and foremost, Arteta is here to fix the culture of a club that’s been going off the rails for the best part of 10 years. He said he felt low after coming here last week to give us a spanking at The Emirates. He’ll have seen that the team was flat on the pitch and he’ll have felt the toxicity in the stands. He has to change both those issues, but clearly, he recognises that the two are intertwined… not in a chicken and egg situation, in a great-football-means-great-vibes with the fans kind of way.
We have to try to engage everybody, I have to try and convince the players about what I want to do, how I want to do it, they have to start accepting a different process, a different way of thinking, and I want to get all the staff and everybody at the club with the same mindset.
We have to build a culture that has to sustain the rest. If you don’t have the right culture, in the difficult moments, the tree is going to shake, so my job is to convince everybody that this is how we are going to live, and if you are going to be part of this organisation it has to be in these terms and in this way.
And after that, we can talk about other things. Obviously now we need an immediate impact, we need to start winning games, we need to start to raise the level of confidence of the players, and finally we need the fans.
A culture is a set of desirable behaviours or actions you expect from a group. The trouble we’ve had over the last decade is there has been very little direction. A culture has to be in service of something. If there’s no vision or philosophy to believe in, it’s very difficult to expect players to behave in accordance to whatever views of culture we have in our own heads as fans.
A lot of us have pondered aloud ‘what is the Arsenal way?’ I think Arteta is about to bring some colour to that. He wants fast, free-flowing, attacking football. He wants players to be accountable, he wants to create a ruthless culture built around high performance. That was never clear under the last regime, or the one before that.
What I’ve learned mostly is that you have to be ruthless and you have to be consistent and you have to fit every day the culture of the club to create a winning mentality.
To sustain it is even harder, so every day is important, every act is important, every organisation is important. His work-rate is incredible, how inspirational he is to people is incredible.
But for me, the secret is that the people, the players and the staff, have to believe what they’re trying to deliver. You have to be able to transmit it, and people will buy into that.
The above is so important. Don’t just live your culture on warm summer days, or when you fancy it. Every day is important, every moment is an opportunity to prove yourself. This is what high performance is all about. One broken spoke at the highest level takes the machine off the road. He has a lot of broken spokes to mend, both amongst the playing staff and the backroom team.
I thought he handled most of the questions really well. He saluted Arsene Wenger and his impact on his own career. He celebrated the history, style and values of Arsenal, likening us to Barcelona. He held his hands up to the lack of experience accusation. He doesn’t have it, it’s a weakness, but one that he wants to address with passion, great ideas, and energy.
What I love, love, love is how much he wanted this job. He mentioned that he always yearned to return, he sees us as his club. He has Arsenal DNA.
When Arsenal knocks on any door, it’s difficult to say no. When it knocks on my door, this is my house and it makes it very difficult.
It was a very difficult decision, it’s true, but also I felt that the club needed someone to appoint. I saw that and they transmitted that.
They were so convinced that they wanted to go with me, that I had to take the challenge.
Love it. He is grateful for the opportunity. He respects the shirt. He desperately wants to make us great again. You bring in Jose, he’s bigger than Arsenal and he’d let you know. You bring in Allegri, he’s above the job. You flunk out with Nuno or Martinez, the ceiling is low, you’re going nowhere. Arteta is the future of football. Listen to him talk about the game here.
“Football is about habit & angles. It’s much more simple for a player if you can process the image of where your team-mate will be before receiving the ball.If I am in the kitchen and I know the glasses are always in this cupboard, I get my glass of water more quickly.”
He’s talking about cognition in football. Players learning patterns and movements so complex systems become second nature. Owning territories, seeking out playing signals, sensing danger. He’s painting complex ideas with simple words, can you now see why Emery had such a rough time?
He’s only been with us ten minutes and he’s asking where the drones are at so he can see training sessions from more angles. He’s an innovator, a deep thinker, and an absolute obsessive. The Athletic had a piece about him living on his own and people worrying about him because he’d have loads of games on TV with Beautiful Mind like tactical diagrams all over the place.
Now, cute stories in the media mean fuck all. Being young isn’t a skill. He still has a huge job on his hands. A great press conference isn’t going to win him points, it’s just a good start.
Reality is this: He is going to have a very rough 3 months. We’re going to lose games. He’ll fall out with players. There will be Youtubers shrieking about how they’re abandoning the vision just so they can be the first. As fans, we can’t cave, we have to show faith. There is an idea here. We are on the path to better. By the end of the season, I have no doubt we’ll be seeing a sharper identity. If we have a great summer, we will be competing for top 4 next season. From there, who knows where we could go.
We just need to keep the faith, accept the job is a big one, and believe in a new manager that is burning every drop of blood he has to make this work. I’m also hoping that Edu, who has taken ownership of this decision if his .com interview with Raul is anything to go by, is in lockstep about what the plan is. We need him to build an elite staff around Arteta, from what I gather, there are lots of moves in the pipeline, but some clubs are being tough about releasing staff. Steve Round is the assistant, he knows Mikel from his Everton days. We also have an exBarca goalkeeping coach. Most importantly, we have to address some of the player problems. If Xhaka is off in January, who is the dynamic midfielder we have lined up to replace him? If we’re losing big names in the summer, do we have a robust list of players we want to backfill? Who are the kids he’ll bring in?
I sound like a full-kit-coach-wanker saying this, but I believe great coaches make statements early on by bringing an unexpected kid through the ranks (Wenger > Anelka), making an average player great (Conte > Moses), or by killing a senior player (Mourinho > Mata). I pondered if Xhaka could be the average player, but I think he lacks physicality and pace. AMN could be an opportunity? ESR looked very good the other night, maybe he’s the kid? Could the senior player ready for the axe be one of our star strikers? Could Arteta revive Mesut Ozil?
So many questions. Reality is, this time, we have a world-class coach built for the Premier League. If Arteta can’t extract greatness, as he appears to have done with some big names at City, then the player isn’t going to work for Arsenal.
I am nervous about this hire. As they say in politics, it’s easy to be in opposition. I’ve been in opposition for 18 months, not really expecting Arsenal to make an incredibly bold and ambitious move. Now they have, I have to shut the fuck up and back this until the end. I’m confident though. Settling for a has-been would have been regressive. I don’t want a super-agent bitch at our club. There was no way we could have waited until the end of the season. Arteta is a very smart risk, he’s our moon-shot, the upsides to this are electric.
So in the words of Josh Kroenke, be excited, this is the next chapter we’ve been waiting for, it’s going to outrageous amounts of fun, I can’t wait to share the good times with you. He’s in the stands today, his first game in the dugout will be Bournemouth, his first home game, against Chelsea, which I will be at!
See you in the comments. x
I have to say Arteta’s candor was very refreshing in that interview. He’s not as insecure as the posters who relentlessly championed his appointment.
He was forthright about his perceived weaknesses, didn’t try to weasel out of tough questions, a lot better than the posters trying to whip everyone into 100% compliance.
Freddie
Like your posts.
Always nice to remind those so called superior supporters when the rot set in.
Any prediction on today’s game?
Although the vast majority are really excited about positive change, there are always a few ‘Eeyores’ who feel the need to be contrary and choose to highlight the negative possibilities. Can’t really understand why they feel they have to express their ‘half empty’ fears, possibly for a ‘told you so’ moment in the future. Everybody knows that there are no guarantees. Even though there are reasons for optimism, we all know it’s not going to be a linear progression to former glories. It just feels that this is a new, promising chapter and that sense of deja vu of defensive… Read more »
Dissenter
I’m not looking for any sort of an argument, I’m pushing back against your pathetic attempts to score cheap points as I’ve stated above. I’d drop the pretence, you’re a liar at the best of times as evidenced this week already, and what I’ve said to you is incredibly simple and easy to digest.
Don’t speak for others, your view is yours.
I agree with Dissenter’s point that if Arteta got the job last year instead of Emery, that it could be Arteta getting replaced now. Some of the things that needed to happen at the club have been done now – appointment of a technical director, binning of some dead weight in the squad, a realisation that Wenger was gone, some new players in. Maybe Arteta could have done all that and improved us in the meantime, but I tend to think that it was a bit of a poisoned chalice the way it was for Moyes at United. At the… Read more »
What I like about Tierney and Saka is their delivery from wide positions.
They must be a dream for a striker or attacking midfielder arriving late into the box.
Trent Alexander arnold has shown the way with his superb assists from a wide position.
We need to recruit on the right side a player of similar quality , I always thought Mhkitaryan had the ability to pick out a player with the cut back from wide positions.
Martinelli’s final ball is also very good.
Graham
Not optimistic, we’re shite away and littered with injuries. No fullbacks available could cost us.
Hoping for a reaction from the players that wants to stay at the club today so maybe I’ll be surprised and we snatch a point or 3.
Tierney’s appearance stats for Celtic suggest he has played a large amount of games per season for the past few seasons. He has then suffered from an unfortunate series of injuries this past year or so.
He is due back in January and as long as the club are careful with him initially there is no reason to believe that he will suffer a career riddled with injury if you take the last 12 months in isolation.
Wow supposedly Freddie going with a lot of youngsters today according to Ornstein. That’s already a clear sign to Arteta that the senior players aren’t to be trusted. Martinelli, Saka, Nelson, ESR all in the mix to start apparently
Bob N16
Totally agree, find the desire by some to temper enthusiasm a bit of a joke. But as you say, there’s a few laying foundations for a ‘I told you’ moment later down the line. Sad
Im more positive about the future than any point since AW resigned- that conference was bang on. Bring it on.
Pedro
Do you have girlfriend?
I’d honestly be worried if I was her.
Someone might want to tell her…and the London Metropolitan Police.
Bob posters should feel free to post what they want It’s their opinions and they are entitled to it If they have doubts and want to share it by all means let them, if you can dispel of those doubts feel free to do so No call for abuse or asking everyone to “get on board with the optimism” As i always point out nothing written here has a bearing on what goes on at Arsenal FC By the way Spurs have a brand new stadium, brand new training facility and a very good squad, i repeat Jose has zero… Read more »
Chris
Not being negative, but I wouldn’t expect Tierney to be back until late Feb, early march at the earliest .
The last thing we want is for the shoulder to go again, it must be 100% strong enough .
If it takes 3 months to get right , so be it.
Arteta is going to get the same slack as Emery, but he can make a massive statement by selling a senior player or two (Xhaka and Ozil) in January and bringing in a CDM and CB. Regardless of topsy turvy results, if he did that and you could see what he was trying to do on the pitch the fans would be right behind him. Pedro, you go down his bins. Any correspondence in there about transfers? Everything’s electronic these days though isn’t it! Have you managed to get up the courage to sneak into house while he’s out yet?… Read more »
It’s kinda already been said, but Tierney has played 193 games in his career by the age of 22. Diaby played 214 in his entire career.
‘Can’t really understand why they feel they have to express their ‘half empty’ fears, possibly for a ‘told you so’ moment in the future. Everybody knows that there are no guarantees.’ Many on here did it when Emery was appointed. Including the author of the blog. It’s always going to happen. People have their preferences. I’m really not sold on Arteta, but I’m right behind him. At the very least I liked what I heard and I can see how much he cares about this club which is a massive positive. I liked the ‘ruthless’ comments (no pussies tolerated) and… Read more »
What kind of team we putting out…
Diego Forlan gets his first gig as manager too..In his home country
Its a season of firsts
I am loving it. You can sense that we are all buzzing. As much as I was for Allegri, hearing Arteta talk has really made me do a full 180 on Arteta.
I really share Pedders enthusiasm.
We are definitively getting The Arsenal back. The one the opposition feared!!!
Traveling, so I won’t be watching the game today. But will be following it via Arseblog live.
I am glad we’re keeping Freddie. I liked his honesty and his courage in trying and getting this team playing.
Emile Smith Rowe starts!!
“ …Reality is, this time, we have a world-class coach built for the Premier League. ” I think there’s a typo somewhere. I think Pedro meant to say potentially world-class coach… Fact is, a great interview and all eyes on what and how Arteta walking the talk during rest of the season. Hopefully the statement would be made during the Jan TW by which time he ought to know who amongst the players wouldn’t tag along in his Arsenal journey and asa result who he wanted. Don’t expect big signings necessarily but useful ones that can mend holes , cover… Read more »
I just noticed that Pedders inadvertently got the Tr4phy. Surely this is a sign! 😉
By the time Tierney returns from injury, it will be 415 days out injured in about 3 and a half years..
A little concerning.
Pedro, you half convinced me about Arteta prior to him being approached by us but you just couldn’t sell him the way the man has sold himself. After viewing his presser and interview I’m convinced he’s our way forward. It’s only words at the moment but they are very impressive words. If he’s able to get the players believing in him, there are surely exciting times ahead.
The squad won’t know what hit them, I could see the fire and passion in Arteta eyes. For the first time since 2008, I’m generally exited for what lies ahead.
Experience or no experience, I feel confident that Arteta will find a Sterling somewhere among Saka, ESR, Nelson and Martinelli. Probably a Sterling and a KDB.
Apparently both Auba and Özil not in the squad
As you were, Receding, personally in my Arsenal-biased world, Spurs and anybody connected with them should always be envious of all things Arsenal, even if those very few years when they might be temporarily ahead of us in the table. If you want to get all rational and big up Spurs, that’s your prerogative. Of course I can’t dictate what other posters choose to write. This is a forum for differing opinions which is as it should be. There is a major difference between questioning someone’s view and saying that they are not entitled to that opinion. By disagreeing with… Read more »
Then instead of going back after Ramsey, activate Jack’s release clause.
Ozil’s talents belong in the football of the past. The modern football demands technique, pace and power. Even if Ozil wanna turn up, he has just the technique(and there was a time when just that was enough), no pace, no power.
It would be a waste of time asking a guy to give what he absolutely doesn’t have.
Auba not in the squad? Big Willy got him banned.
Bojangles, glad to hear it… I was a mere fluffer.
Ok Auba in squad but no Özil.
Line up in 5
I think most Arsenal fans would be lying if they said Arteta was their first choice .
However, after yesterday and his slick baptism, if you can’t get energised, enthused or excited then best to give football a swerve, it isn’t for your types.
Good like Mikel, Up The Arse.
Why would he put Ozil in the squad after his behavior as being subbed last time out
Anyone of those seniors playing today would have his shirt burning him hard from Arteta’s gaze.
Arteta looks the kind of guy who will never start you in a game based on your name, you would have to spring real sweat in training to get named.
“Bob posters should feel free to post what they want.”
Says the idiot who attacked Pierre for posting about Ozil.
Whatever Bob
Not in the mood for aimless back and forth today
We have a very tricky game on our hands
Ancellotti has just been announced by Everton, weird timing, is that designed to boast their players today? Will Duncan F be his usual animated self now he knows this is his last game as caretaker? Will our players play to impress the new coach?
A lot of intrigue upcoming to be dragged into a baseless argument
In the interim, I won’t be surprised if Arteta settled for ESR, Torriera, Ceballos as the midfield three.
Well I am also on record on here as wanting Arteta from way back,
I guess Pedro won’t be alone in looking a right plonker if this all goes tits up !
Hoping for a point today, anything more will be a massive bonus.
The resident fool has arrived
Guess you are spoiling for one, you are only relevant on here when you are throwing personal abuse around
Arsenal XI confirmed: Leno; Maitland-Niles, Chambers, Luiz, Saka; Xhaka, Torreira; Nelson, Smith Rowe, Martinelli; Aubameyang
Substitutes: Martinez, Lacazette, Pepe, Mustafi, Mavropanos, Willock, Guendouzi
“I guess Pedro won’t be alone in looking a right plonker if this all goes tits up !”
No one looks a right plonker if that happens
Yes Pedro oversold it a bit but the move has it’s merits and well done to the club for trying it.
It works Great and we all have a team we can be proud of
It doesn’t we try another way
Life basically…no guarantees
“Not in the mood for aimless back and forth today We have a very tricky game on our hands“
Lol Hairline part of the coaching staff apparently.
“” Jose is in a big role with a salary we probably can’t afford now and arguably a better squad of playersWhat exactly does he have to be envious over when it comes to Arsenal?””
Seriously?
Did you actually type that and press ‘post comment’
No matter what he’s getting paid and how good their current crop is , you really think that Jose doesn’t know that we are bigger we will always be bigger and we are the more prestigious job out of the 2 ?
No manager in world football would pick spurs over Arsenal FACT
“They have to. Raul can’t flunk this one, nor can Edu.”
If Arteta doesn’t work out = particularly if it’s because he’s not backed in the transfer market (and I don’t mean with £100 million players) then neither Sanllehi or Edu will get away with “it was the managers fault”.
We’re all in this together. Let’s get behind the club, let’s get behind the new manager, let’s get behind the players who show they want to be part of the new era.
Please let this mean Ozil is going in January.
Such a waste of space.
AMN & Xhaka a worry ! Nelson needs to up his game too.
Nelson is playing ahead of Pepe. What a waste of £72m!
Jesus Christ receding – a new stadium and facilities makes spurs the better job
I give up
Big chance for players like Smith Rowe and Nelson with Arteta watching on.
lol fucking spit bowl.. 😂
_________________________
I hope our boys are really up for it. Quite surprised Pepe is not starting, Nelson better grab his audition; he’s more comfortable on the right anyways.
Iwobi should behave, he doesn’t need to prove anything, please. lol
Nelson better take this chance. So far what I have seen from him is underwhelming. Our defense doesn’t fill me with much confidence either.
Why luiz off the naughty step.
I think I’m more worried Xhaka is playing for two reasons,
1) He’s fucking crap
2) If he gets injured, there is no chance him leaving in January.
“Jesus Christ receding – a new stadium and facilities makes spurs the better job”
Says the fan base that thought hiring the manager Spurs just sacked would have been the “dream”.
They are paying him more, the structure there suits him as he will get final say on everything, he has a better squad to work with.
This is the former Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss, spare me the Arsenal being a prestige job for him bit.
Big job for Smith Rowe today off the ball.
Do not like that Xhaka, Torreira midfield pairing.
Lol @ Mikel ‘I will be watching you from the stands’ Arteta.
Lets see the response from the players. I expect to see none.
Edu
“Jesus Christ receding – a new stadium and facilities makes spurs the better job.”
lol haven’t you heard West ham are now bigger than Chelsea?
Dude is a nut case, just piss on him and pass him to the next fella.
Oooo to be a gunner….Happier times on the way gents !
Out of all the available candidates I feel we have got the best choice. As soon as emery was sacked Arteta seemed the best choice for me, and not just because of what Pedro has said. The club has needed a vision and for all the reservations people may have about lack of experience, it really isn’t the be all and end all. Everything we’ve heard about MA for years is how he has always viewed himself as a coach /student of the game. The positive endorsements of others should only further the idea that this could be someone well… Read more »
See you bitches in a bit, we have a tricky game on our hands, I need to focus. 😂
COYG!
Xhaka Torreira our best CM pairing.
Like the shape of the team.
Think Bukayo Saka will be playing a lot of games at LB/LWB over the next 18 months.
Best slot for him to get regular games in the XI.
“It’s much more simple for a player if you can process the image of where your team-mate will be before receiving the ball.”
Arteta is putting priority on team play. I think that’s what they learn at Barca. That sounds good when we have the ball. I also want to hear what he says when we don’t have the ball.
Looks like a team set up to take a good hammering .
We desperately need the first goal or failing that, to not concede early doors.
Hopefully offensively we can cause them trouble.
I can see them targeting Saka at left back, we have no height in the team , set pieces could be a killer…who is going to attack the ball in the air…
Some folk need a bit of a reality check on what qualifies as “abuse”, the melodrama is palpable.
–
Everton away is a tough fixture, think we’ll do well to avoid defeat tbh given their resurgence.
That said, they put a lot into the League cup midweek so hopefully we can go toe-to-toe for the first hour and get have them wane. Ideally we could establish an early lead and have them huff and puff.
Narrow away win I reckon. Odds on for a score draw though.
What’s that on Walcott’s hair?
He has been around for so long i forget he is only 30 but that hairstyle…yikes
“Looks like a team set up to take a good hammering .”
Yes we needed to earn the right to play today and i must confess can’t see that team doing it.
Can get ugly very quickly
Ozil should honestly think of retirement.
You were a great player when your talents were still sufficient for football, now that football has moved on from your talents why don’t you just retire and save yourself unnecessary embarrassments?
I know £350,000 a week is a good pay for being embarrassed but is it really worth it when you already a millionaire?
” Could Arteta revive Mesut Ozil?” Seriously ?? He will obviously be the 1st one shipped out, poison in th dressing room, massive unearned wages, watch the lift once he is out of the club.
Would have preferred Nelson playing on the left or #10. He is more of a combination player.
Saying Ozil has a foot injury. I smell bullshit.
Charles abuse in this case is insulting and offensive language
You called Dissenter the names you did today because you intended to insult him and offend him.
The fool up top is calling me a spit bowl and an idiot because he intends to insult me and get a reaction, and yes i call him a fool because i want him to feel insulted
Pretending otherwise is plain silly
Oh dear
The Ozil obsessives are out in force even when he’s injured…
Walcott is not in their squad. Iwobi plays the RW.
Ffs just noticed Pépé is in the squad.
Not in the XI. Should definitely be in the lineup ahead of one of Nelson/ESR
#Freddieout
Great post Mark
LT,
I think it’s more Foot in Mouth decease !
Receding
Spare me. If you get bent out of shape because a stranger calls you a “clown” then you’ve no place out in public, nor on the internet.
You can be far more insulting without such nothing names attached, drop the faux outrage.
“The Ozil obsessives are out in force”
Bravo Pierre.
😂😂
ESR is a talent only thing that will hold him back is being injury prone.
Xhakalson yet again, is this a bad dream
Carlo getting 11.5m pounds a year at Everton
Third highest paid in the world i hear
No thank you
Why don’t you lot get a hotel room FFS,
Grow up everyone.
Going forward, anyone has info on Freddie’s role?
Mark, Marc, and Marko
What a time to be alive haha
“Spare me. If you get bent out of shape because a stranger calls you a “clown” then you’ve no place out in public, nor on the internet.”
Yea walking down in public someone says excuse me clown can you direct me to the nearest bus station,….perfectly normal language.
I thought Freddie was on the verge of the Malmo job ?
Gentle
Ornstein suggested Freddie was in line to being retained by Mikel, with 6 staff total making up the crowd of incomings/remainers.
‘Carlo getting 11.5m pounds a year at Everton’
You have to do charity at some point.
Pedro
You finally get to publish this post after 18 months in your draft.
This season should be a write off and Arteta just getting the squad in shape. It would also be wonderful if we missed Europe (except we get into the CL) next season so we can fully attack the league.
Going forward, anyone has info on Freddie’s role?
Ornstein thinks he will be a part of Arteta’s coaching staff
Arteta says they will talk
we will know soon enough
‘Ornstein suggested Freddie was in line to being retained by Mikel, with 6 staff total making up the crowd of incomings/remainers.’
I hope he stays, CC.
He was only linked with the Malmö job, Freddie has better sense than that. Malmö is a shithole.
The first instruction to the team should be.
Do not give away silly free kicks in our own half .
The second instruction should be
win the 2nd ball as they will fight and scrap for every 2nd ball.
The third instruction should be PRAY when any set pieces are put into the box as I can’t see where we will win a header.
Receding
Oh my days, shut up you bellend. You say something stupid ,or behave a certain disagreeable way, you get labeled something tame.
Welcome to life, now can it Coco 🤡
5 English players in starting 11.
Luis probably best in the air of what we have.
It doesn’t bode well !
Gentle
I wasn’t fussed either/or but after the West Ham game it looked to me like he’s well thought of amongst some players so I’m fine with him being a coach in some capacity. He was never in the running for longer term for me, but he’s good people.
Santi Cazorla incoming in the summer, I’ve claimed it, and I hope to see it realised.
Pierre
December 21, 2019 12:10:03
—————
4th instruction:
Don’t play out from the fuckin’ back!