Unfortunately, Arsenal failed to win their first North London derby on foreign soil. It is a result that has some Gooners concerned, especially with the new season fast approaching.
There was plenty to dissect from that 1-0 defeat, which got me wondering:
If you could give Mikel Arteta one piece of advice before the season begins, what would it be?
I’ll go first.
Five key issues Arteta must fix before the season starts
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He needs to sort the left wing
As is often the case against Spurs, there was a noticeable tilt towards the right wing, leaving the left lacking spark. Gabriel Martinelli continues to raise concerns from an attacking standpoint. It is hard to see what he truly offers this Arsenal side going forward. Arteta must get creative on the left. Whether it is Eberechi Eze (if a deal can be struck with Crystal Palace) or Noni Madueke given a go on the left, Arsenal desperately need to refresh that side of the pitch.
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Arsenal dominated possession. Spurs won the game.
Sound familiar? It is déjà vu from last season, when the boys regularly bossed possession but failed to find that decisive touch.
Arteta needs to get this side playing to win. Spurs played to win.
Tactical tweaks and smarter rotation needed
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Eberechi Eze should arrive sooner rather than later (or the midfield needs restructuring)
Martin Odegaard failed to impress against Spurs. He lacks the cutting edge Arsenal so clearly require. Eze, who can dismantle a low block, dribble into chaos, draw fouls or even win penalties, is the ideal antidote. With Manchester United looming in two weeks, Eze must be starting that game. If he is not signed, Arsenal should ditch the two No. 8s setup and play a proper double pivot: Martin Zubimendi alongside Declan Rice. This double central midfield structure is dragging the wingers wide and leaving the midfield off balance. Switch to a proper pivot, let Odegaard operate as a No. 10 (with Ethan Nwaneri breathing down his neck), and focus that central traffic where it hurts in attack.
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Play with intensity
Arsenal need to recapture the electric pace they had when Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko first arrived. Move the ball fast before opposition defences settle after turnovers. That is when Gyökeres, Madueke and Saka can thrive. Also, Arteta must manage Saka wisely, both tactically and physically. He tends to overcarry at times and needs sharper instruction and proper rotation. With Madueke in the mix, there is no excuse to run Saka into the ground.
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Set-pieces need work (defending them)
Against Spurs, Arsenal looked vulnerable at corners. Two woodwork strikes in the first 25 minutes is a glaring alarm. That is simply not good enough.
There was plenty to take away from that match. Go on then, what about you? What advice would you give Mikel Arteta? Let us know in the comments.
Daniel O
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Valid points!
I agree. 5 good headings.
Okay Dan O. I’ll bite.
5> Against Spurs, Arsenal looked vulnerable at corners.
Just against spurs? We’ve been rubbish defending corners, crosses and indirect free kicks all 2025 so far! Question is why and how to put it right. This site was full of lazy posts yesterday blaming the keeper, truth is it’s down to whole team to get it right to defend set pieces, whilst Arteta has moved on from playing 4 CBs to 2 7 1 in a midfield of 7 attack minded flair players, who, try as they might, just can’t do a defensive job like the missing defenders.
2> Arsenal dominated possession. Spurs won the game.
4> Play with intensity.
Arteta’s new 2 7 1 system based on packing side with flair to break low blocks ain’t keeping any clean sheets, but nor is it actually breaking low blocks! 3 silvers in a row and a busy window, but playing like this all 2025 so far, even more fragile and flat this preseason than how we limped to second place – we arn’t really a title contender again this year, are we? It’s gone wrong somewhere, and going to take months to sort your 5 & 2 & 4 points out. Why so hard and long to sort out? Because as fans we need to admit “play with intensity” is easier said than done. As fans we are rubbish at recognising performances with intensity, passion, playing for the shirt, was actually all down to organisation, focus and composure. Buck stops with managers, as they tinker with systems, leaving players unsure of position and role, and team performance looking toothless and nervous.
3> Eze should arrive sooner rather than later (or the midfield needs restructuring)
Eze is not a magic bullet to these issues. He certainly won’t help us defend corners or keep clean sheets. Nor is Eze’s passive passing helpful against low blocks. The number 1 best way to beat low block is hugging touchline both sides and quickly switching play from one side to other – “double central midfield structure is dragging the wingers wide” is exactly what we need, actually, and, ironically, Eze, a magician without a natural position slots seamless into either of those “two 8’s” you want to scrap.
Gooners need a cup of cold Schopenhauer thrown in their faces – millions spent yet still not happy and desiring more – Eze is no magic bullet to any of these problems, in what looks like being a difficult season for Arsenal. But how exactly to beat a low block is a very good argument to have, we can all learn from it.
1> sort the left wing
Relax, Noni will boss the left wing as well as quality cover for Saka. Noni two footed, can go outside as well as inside on either side. A genius buy. I can’t wait to see him settle in.
Yes I agree for the most part too.
Trying Rice and Zubimendi in a double pivot is an interesting idea. Part of the reason for Nelli’s performance dropping off is that Rice isn’t working with him in the same way Xhaka did. Could be worth a try.
Valid and good points.
I like the points on Arteta’s need to adapt his tactics.. Coaches in Epl now know Arsenal play through the right wings. They doubleup in Saka and make him less effective. And since Matinelli is productive this days and can hardly go past a player then we become predictable.
Arteta as a coach must come up with a tactical idea to distabilze the opposition and win games. Other coaches aren’t “sleeping” Best coaches now ply their trade in Epl so the competition is stiffer than before.
From our last three matches the coaches needs to improve the goals output of the team. I will be happy if Arsenal can get EZE because he is highly creative.
And high press….it’s completely disappeared where the whole team pressed together
The slow side to side football needs to stop. And when we play low block teams, the ball needs to be moved quickly. One and two touch football, with midfielders making late runs into the box.
A well organized team will happily let you play in front of them, as your not going to hurt them playing side to side football.
Football with intent is needed, not possession for possession sake. Possession means nothing if you don’t do anything with it.
I can’t really disagree with anything on this excellent comment @DEREK. I thought against spurs we were slow, had no left side threat, using Saka on the right far too much, no urgency and as for Reya 30 metres from his line, W..T..F?
Points well made
Good evening SueP,
I hope your enjoying your Friday evening, and as it’s Friday, I’m sending you your usual tipple. 🍷 Enjoy.👍
Thanks Derek
Not long now before the season starts ….barely 2 weeks away.
People may, or may not, agree with all of those points but the thing I find slightly worrying given the start of the season isn’t that far away that the points need to be raised at all at this stage.
I’m concerned that Arsenal has invested so heavily in players in this window (and it may not be over yet), but Arteta’s tactics – which haven’t achieved, to date, as much real success as could be hoped for – aren’t up to making the most of what he now has by way of the squad.
Surely, 2025-26 is this season that will show definitively whether Arteta is up to the job, tactically, or not.
Bertie,
I agree with you, good post. 👍
Could have got Isak with the money spent on noni and gyokeres .
Massive worry if Liverpool sign him ,that forward line could be stupidly unstoppable .
Has for Artetas tactics ,it’s been the same for the last 2 years ,other managers have worked out stop the right hand side makes us obsolete.
So much for Arteta being a tactical genius.
Wasn’t ment as a reply to Bertie .
I would say let martinelli come inside more, let Declan go outside at times, Declan has a very good delivery, so he isn’t going out there to a lazy dribble on the overlap, but rather to deliver with precision if martinelli finds him, otherwise martinelli can drive infield with chaos in his heart.
Mazy not lazy
This is an excellent idea. We all fell in love with Martinelli when he was playing as a second striker, a little bit like Bebeto next/behind Romario. When Xhaka was offering support and cover in addition to well timed passes, Martinelli was able yo score more and assist more. 4-3-3 can be highly effective, but 4-4-2 can be it also. Arteta’s system with the inverted left back midfielder, without a creative midfielder playing near the left wing leaves our left winger on his own. It is unfair to criticize our left wingers with Saka, who has different qualities, but who also has the right back running behind him and the creative 8 by his side. Arteta seems to want the whole team to score goals rather than his forward line of 3 and his system is preventing our attackers from fulfilling their full potential. While this system is effective for defensive stability, it makes us play against low blocks and breaking them is more and more difficult. Gyokeres is brilliant, will score a lot, but he isn’t the magical solution. We will need to find him in quick transitions with enough space for him to exploit. We need to put more crosses in the opposition box and vary our play to find back our efficiency. Let’s hope Arteta’s love of Havertz might lead him to try the 4-4-2 or the 3-5-2 in addition to the 4-3-3
We need Eze at the club ș soo as possible It says much when the most lively player out of the three matches played also far was a fifteen year old I think we should sell Martinelli and apart from Eze also buy another striker Who knows whether Gyokeres will be a hit or not Point one Get Eze Point two Sell Martinelli Point three Odegaard to be dropped and, Rice made captain I’m afraid the squad we have now is still lacking and won’t win anything If Eze comes that could change everything I dont think we’ve had a great transfer windows OK Zubimendi serme a good buy Norgaard can see why we bought him Mosquera Any better than Kiwior? Gyokeres needs proper service which Odegaard can’t seem to provide consistently Kepa could possibly displace Ray’s I still don’t knowxwhy wr bought Madueke money should have gone on Eze meaning another top player could have come in
Artetas massive problem, may be something we have been the best in the league at bar none. Not losing to the top 6 teams. I don’t see how we are going to fix our low block problem. And don’t say Eze. For starters he isn’t God and he isn’t Dynamo either. He will not make a jot of difference IF and i see no difference in pre season) with the way we set up and play. The top teams have improved their squads, it will be harder (for all) to get results against each other. But Artetas achilles heal has always been beating the chaff. His tactics do not work. We find it harder than a lot of teams to break them down. Which has nothing to do with personell but tactics. Arteta and Berta can spend all the money in the world but if your tactics are weak, you fail. Thats our problem under Arteta.
Can I just add after reading my post. Something that we were the best at will het tougher to achieve because of the way the top teams have improved themselves. We will find it harder to beat them like we did. But our problems will persist against the low block. Due to poor tactics and set up.
good points i hear a lot of nelly bashing in the comments but anyone considered he doesn’t have the support Saka gets on the right since xhaka left and the left back inverts we need to change things up give him the support mid game and leave him on last defender to use his blistering pace as an outlet instead of helping defence so much
Completely agree. It is a shame to keep criticizing him without seeing the whole picture. We keep saying he missed a goal scoring opportunity rather than he created a goal scoring opportunity. We are too negative with Martinelli while being way more forgiving and positive with other players… We also take for granted his volume of work in helping to defend…
I think Zubimendi is a key piece in addressing most of these issues. For me,he’s the most important signing. It’s not a coincidence that these issues came up in the game in which he didn’t start and we looked better when he came on.
On your second point,you can easily say the opposite if you base it off the Newcastle game. That is a team we usually struggle against,particularly in midfield but we found solutions this time and the intensity was great in the second half.
The left wing does need work but there are ways of improving it beyond just new personnel. Zubimendi is capable of offering support to left in the way Xhaka used to and Gyokeres likes to drift to the left like Jesus used to in 22/23,which allowed Martinelli to thrive.With more support and less isolation,our left wing will do better.
Finally I think the Odegaard thing is being blown way out of proportion. It’s ridiculous to single him out in game in which everyone was below their usual standards. Against Newcastle, we struggled in the first half and there was a remarkable difference when he came on in the second half. He’s the kind of player you notice his importance when he’s not playing.
Corners and set pieces generally,we need to improve our defending. We miss Big Gabby for this.
Personally wouldn’t expect much from Zubi
He looks a classic Arteta signing ,great on the eye but slow in thought .
A lot of talk that he only wanted Arsenal ,but if you read rumours ,his agent went back to Liverpool in Jan and they said no as they had signed Gravenberch who was probably one of the best midfielders last season ,younger faster and more versatile ,you won’t hear Liverpool fans crying about not signing zumbi,pinning your hopes on him will be short lived IMO .
As for Odegaard a massively overrated player ,that likes to press but when loses the ball has no chance of getting back ,and don’t get me started on his free kicks .
Agree DK. I have some Spanish friends who are Real Madrid fans and they are happy we got him instead of them. He is a good player but I struggle to see him “winning” a midfield fight. Partey will be missed. I hope Zubimendi is ready for a fight🤞
Oh and Zubimendi is 100% an Arteta choice. So its even more relevant.
I couldn’t disagree more on Zubimendi. I think his fast thinking is one of his best attributes. It’s almost like he knows where to pass the ball before he passes it. Personally I prefer to listen to professionals rather than fans. Slot clearly wanted and talked highly about him- he’s openly expressed that it’s one he regrets but accepted.
This is what the Spanish coach De la Fuente said about Zubimendi- “Zubimendi has been playing brilliant games for a long time… he oozes security… doesn’t get nervous… he’s a very mature player… a sure bet, who never fails.” He actually said that Zubimendi is the second best player in the world at his role,after Rodri.
Xabi Alonso coached Zubimendi at Real Sociedad B and this is what he said about him in an interview with the Guardian last year- “He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better … He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise, the axis. I loved working with him.”
I’m no football expert and you have a low opinion of Arteta but here are three top coaches saying virtually the same things about Zubimendi. Surely they can’t all be wrong in their assessment. Anyway,time will tell.
Onyango is the new David. Can’t agree with anything that is not adulation of Arteta.
Onyango, you have rambled on and not said anything relevant to what I wrote, so I presume it wasn’t a reply to my Post?
He didn’t “ramble on” Reggie, far from it.
He gave you examples of highly rated professionals within the game, who gave their opinions on Zubimendi…. just as you have.
If you don’t want to read what they say, that’s up to you, but when someone gives you examples of the opposite of your views, they’re not “rambling” and I’m surprised that you took that attitude.
Onyango, thanks for the examples and if they are anything to go by, we have signed a great player.
Time will tell of course.
But that had nothing to do with what I put. I presume he wasn’t replying to me? It was a different context to what I was saying.
Onyango was expressing how he and others felt Zubimendi will change the way we play, which is what you were talking about.
He took the trouble to back up his thoughts with actual quotes, so I don’t see him “rambling” at all. Just backing up his viewpoint.
Anyway, time will tell and this season is going to sort out the men from the boys.
He was replying to DK expressing pre-judgement about Zubimendi and dissing Ødegaard, not yours Reggie.
I don’t know what device you’re reading this on, but it’s clear by the discussion formatting to me…
My reply was to Dan kit.
That’s the mistake you made @ onyango should have just ignored his sentimental comments . Another lovely post as usual.👍💯
Yes Thank you, my mistake.
Reply to Onyango.
Thank you for your assessment Onyango as I always find your views interesting and what is more, you are unstintingly polite.
imo Onyango’s comments overall represent the best tactical knowledge of football compared to any other commenter on JA.
BB
I always feel I am learning something or looking at the topic from a different angle when I read his posts. Not only that, he has the knack of writing clearly which always helps
I feel the same SueP. I wish I had the ability to put forward my ideas as well as he does on a regular basis.
Bruised Banana,
In your opinion Onyango’s comments overall represent the best tactical knowledge of football compared to any other commenter on JA.
Well I’m hurt, I was beginning to think that with our banter with each other I thought I was becoming your favorite poster. I’m afraid that means no more Pizza for you my friend. (Or should I say EX friend).🤣😂👍
To be fare to Onyango, his posts are interesting to be fare. 👍
Derek, you’re still my favorite humourist, that often counts for just as much. 👍
Bruised Banana,
The Pizza is back on the menu. And we’re friends again. 😂
Being your favorite humorist, I’ll take that. 👍
This is what Klopp said
“Martinelli’s pretty much the same age (as Sepp van den Berg) but he’s a talent of the century,” Klopp said. “He’s an incredible striker, so it’s really difficult.”
The rest is history
You can post as many quotes about zumbi but until the football starts ,my opinion hold some good weight .
Come back to me when we’ve won something 👍
Oh and don’t except worship from the clown above ,miss attention seeker as per .
Vile
Does it DK?
More than the professionals who have worked with him?
I’ll take more notice of what you say and think from now on then. 👍
I am sure Ken we all hope the “professionals” are right Ken. Because until we see it at Arsenal, everything is just opinion. And professional or moaning armchair manager all have an opinion but thats all it is.
Totally agree, so getting personal is pointless, especially as we all, supposedly, support the same club, manager and players 👍
Good one 🙄
👍Onyango
Every commenter, myself included, have seen these very same issues affecting our club.
Yet our 15 million pound manager a year Arteta, cannot see it and stubbornly refuses to correct these flaws.
The guy is now in his sixth year at AFC and continues to make the same mistakes. He is no more a novice manager.
I’ve simply given up on him.
His constant antics on the touchlines, his micro managing, endless instructions to his players and coaching them where to stand is indicative of a coach who is uncertain of his players, his tactics and having no faith in their ability to make decisions on their own.
I do agree with the writer and @Derek too. Arsenals quick pace 3 seasons ago should be reintroduced secondly Arteta and arsenal are too predictable to every epl sound mgr. David Raya should curtail his reckless carelessness that have cost the club some goals and defeats and his defenders vulnerable. But for that his cameo there wasn’t much that spuds played to make them win. Since he has strolled far from his goal post Raya should shoot the ball far up to his player and not those injury prone short passes to his player that has already been sandwiched by opponents. Arsenal played over 16 corner kicks in that match without a goal using the same tactics, for crying out loud who does that. Arteta should device a way of dislodging defense through the middle and that’s why they should not fail to land Eberechi Eze before at most next weekend to blend with the team before ManUtd. match. It’s now obvious that any team that decides to sit back will pose a huddle for Mikel Arteta that doesn’t have plan B while match is on. Is Martin Odegaard now a winger or midfielder, why is he too close or attached to Saka he’s supposed to be distributing ball to his colleagues rather than sticking to link up play with Saka. I don’t understand what Martineli is doing on that left wing. He’s neither crossing ball nor cutting in with face always on the ground. The truth be said if Arteta do not adjust the pattern and tactics used in that match then they’re literally going to make Gyokeres look like the last season of Aubumeyang. If he’s starved of the ball and Arteta insists on the drab slow paced side ways passing then there’s going to be dire consequences.
Reading comments here seems Arsenal was 15th last season. Maybe he should be sacked and replaced with your favorites.
Or maybe, he should over achieve. Because there is no evidence to say he is or can.
No evidence? Thought he won something with this club already.
But then he split the team up and won nothing with his team and tactics for 5 + years.
This is a brilliant comment. Guys, let’s be fair: 3 seasons in second, beating most of the teams in the premier league (and in Europe) deserves respect. Everyone was asking for a number 9 to win the league. Now that one of the most prolific strikers in Europe was recruited, can we be positive and support the team objectively? I truly hope that our players don’t read what is written online, or if they do, that they enough self confidence to overlook them and continue to work hard and go out and win matches !
Honestly, I feel that if we continue playing this same way, another trophyless season is on the horizon.
And if we end up trophyless again, I believe this will be Arteta’s final season with us. Though not because the club will sack him, as we all know, but because mounting fan pressure and backlash will eventually push him to step down.
Once again, Arteta remains the last piece of the puzzle to prepare for. You’re either IT or not. He struggling bad mehn. A clone.
Lampard and Tuchel_ case of IT & NOT. Let him build all he can. For me he’s clearly not IT. He Talked abt hw reaching the UCL SEMI FINAL was such AN ACHIEVEMENT being only the third time bla bla bla W..T..F? A Wenger reincarnate? when i wanted to hear I’m getting It this year! Now says up to 9 teams cld win the epl this season_ well we’re watching.
Arteta seriously needs to listen to his assistants more he needs to change getting to predictable it is great having a brilliant number 9 come in but we need to get the ball to him and quick Arteta likes to see to much fancy football
The left wing is pathetic Saka is being doubled up on and can’t play his normal game the captain isn’t what he was so who is getting the ball into the area
Wow we have spent millions but if they can’t do there job or are played out of position it won’t solve anything
Arteta needs a new plan A simple as that and quick
I see Arsenal’s future is in safe hands. Keeping a check on the under 21’s pre-season games, they’ve lost all but one of them and the one was a draw. OOPS!.🤦♂️😂
Change Raya? Disband Odegaard as capt? Sell Martinelli? etc, etc?
Hey, you might as well replace everything and change the club to something “spurry” !!
Not sure you’ ve been in town for quite a while, pal!