5 best decisions made by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal

Norwich City v Arsenal - Premier League
Norwich City v Arsenal - Premier League

#3. Appointing Nicolas Jover

Arsenal v Manchester City - Premier League
Arsenal v Manchester City - Premier League

Mikel Arteta's appointment of Nicolas Jover as a set-pieces coach will go down as a masterstroke in the Spaniard's managerial career.

The Gunners previously had a notorious record for being easy to score against from set-pieces. The backline lacked structure and would often let in goals from corners and free-kicks, a phenomenon that has changed drastically this season.

Nicolas Jover was previously with Manchester City for two seasons and signed on as Arsenal's set-piece specialist last summer. His impact has been nothing short of spectacular. The north London club are yet to concede a goal despite facing 121 corners so far this season.

Jover has also improved them offensively, with Arsenal already scoring six goals from set-pieces this season. To put that into context, they only managed the same number across the whole of last season.


#2. Shrewd signings

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal: The MIND Series
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal: The MIND Series

Mikel Arteta has used the transfer window to great effect. The Spaniard has made numerous signings during his time so far and seems to have a clear idea of what the club needs. The summer signings were initially met with the contempt of the fans but have gone on to shine on the field.

Arteta has signed Thomas Partey, Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale ever since he became the club's head coach. Many of these signings were regarded as average players but have excelled under Arteta's tutelage.

Most of his signings have been integrated into the first team and have flourished in their roles under the Spaniard. It only goes to show that Arteta's transfer acumen is worth trusting and will only lead to the club's betterment.


#1. Empowering the youth

Watford v Arsenal - Premier League
Watford v Arsenal - Premier League

Mikel Arteta's squad has been synonymous with young talent this season. The Gunners manager has transformed the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli into excellent footballers. They are all certified starters in the side's lineup and have contributed greatly to the team's success.

While these players already possessed raw talent, Arteta has honed their skills and enabled them to contribute more on the scoresheet. Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Sako are the Gunners' highest goalscorer in the league this season, with ten goals each across all competitions.

Arteta has fielded extremely young squads so far this season. Despite many fans and pundits calling the side inexperienced, they have gone on to perform exceptionally well and are currently fourth in the Premier League table.

Arteta has shown great promise this season and securing European football will certainly be the icing on the cake. Several fans have switched sides and are now 'trusting the process' with each passing day.

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