Arsenal's season-changing Dubai trip that saw Arteta prove his own players wrong

Just 58 days ago, Arsenal’s season was in serious danger of falling apart.

They had crashed out of the FA Cup and back-to-back Premier League defeats to West Ham and Fulham left them five points behind leaders Liverpool. In the seven games before their mid-season break to Dubai they had managed just three wins, had only scored ten goals and they looked in desperate need of a new striker.

But, incredibly, since returning from their week-long sunshine trip they have won seven consecutive Premier League games, scored 31 goals in the process and conceded just three times.

The turnaround in form and fortunes is remarkable with Declan Rice calling it a “hell of a comeback” as he admitted Dubai has become a turning point in their season.‌

Looking back, there were a few dissenting voices in the dressing room about going to Dubai with a few players even wondering whether it would be better to stay at home and recharge.

But if Arsenal do go on to win the title this season then the trip will go down as Mikel Arteta's biggest masterstroke in being able to recharge his players’ bodies and minds.

Gunners boss Arteta wanted to get some fresh ideas across to his players but still dressed it up as something of a holiday which is a tribute to the man management of someone who is seen as intense and demanding by his players.

For a start, Arteta made sure all the players’ families were invited and his stars were able to spend some quality time with loved ones having a meal, playing golf with Gabriel Martinelli posting pictures of a trip to the zoo.

Arteta also wanted to turn up the level in training. He was able to do it while the players were still enjoying themselves.‌

Arteta’s buzzword this season has been “control” as he wants to exert his style