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Mikel Arteta has tried everything to inspire Arsenal to title glory – from lighting bonfires at the training ground to adopting a chocolate labrador called Win – but the Gunners manager is still searching for the winning formula after another costly defeat to Manchester City.
According to The Guardian, Arteta’s latest psychological innovation involved lighting a fire at London Colney last week before facing City, creating so much smoke that Watford’s coaching staff across the hedge lost their voices. The Spanish manager has deployed increasingly creative methods since his appointment in December 2019, including planting a 150-year-old olive tree outside his office and using a lightbulb during team talks to “create energy and electricity”.
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However, these gimmicks have yet to deliver Arsenal’s first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup. The club have now spent 959 days top of the Premier League since their last title triumph in 2004 under Arsène Wenger, while City have claimed eight championships in the same period despite fewer nights at the summit.
Creative crisis continues
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Arsenal’s attacking output has dropped significantly compared to their record-breaking 2022-23 campaign. Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli contributed 15 league goals each that season, with Bukayo Saka adding 14. This term, the trio have managed just eight combined, though injury issues have disrupted their rhythm.
The decision to substitute Eberechi Eze immediately after hitting the post against City highlighted Arteta’s cautious approach when his team desperately needed creativity. With Saka’s availability uncertain due to an achilles problem, the manager must show greater trust in players capable of unlocking defences.
Kai Havertz’s emergence as a viable striker option has provided some encouragement, with the German international offering better link-up play than the struggling Gabriel Jesus. Originally signed to strengthen midfield, Havertz has adapted well to the false nine role, though his finishing remains inconsistent.
Pressure mounts on process
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Arteta’s meticulous approach extends beyond matchdays – he reportedly begins work at 5:30am, earlier than any other Premier League manager surveyed. Yet his touchline anxiety and guarded press conference style have drawn criticism, with calls for supporters to “bring your lunch” before the Bournemouth defeat proving counterproductive.
The 42-year-old retains backing from the Arsenal hierarchy regardless of this season’s outcome, but a growing section of supporters question whether he can deliver the final step to championship success. Unlike Pep Guardiola, who won six La Liga titles as a Barcelona player, Arteta’s only championship experience came with Rangers in 2003.
With five matches remaining and goal difference potentially decisive, Arteta must find a way to inspire his young squad to play with the freedom that characterized their early-season form. The psychological stunts may continue, but Arsenal need results on the pitch to justify their manager’s unconventional methods.