Mikel Arteta's impact at Arsenal has been transformative. When the Spaniard took over in 2019, the Gunners were in the bottom half of the Premier League. Now they top it.
It has not exactly been a linear progression to the top. There have been bumps along the way. But with each passing game, you start to question what exactly they are lacking. Rob Edwards certainly couldn't find anything
“They give no chances away to opposition," the Luton boss said after Wednesday's 2-0 defeat at the Emirates when asked what makes Arsenal so hard to play against. «They limited city to very little. It is clear how they attack but it is difficult to stop as they are there in good numbers and they can really suffocate you as well.
»I think they’re the one team out of all the three that are fighting at the moment that can play any game. If it’s a physical game, a footballing game, a running game, whatever it is, they have the answer. They’ve got the personnel to play any game. I just think they’ve got no weaknesses really. I don’t see any weaknesses."
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Prior to the winter break, the Gunners obvious problem was in front of goal. By the time the played their final game of 2023, they were just the sixth highest scorers in the Premier League. Now though, they are top.
The increased offensive proficiency has not come at the cost of defensive solidity though. In 2024 Arsenal have allowed a total of just 4.02 expected goals against in the Premier League (as per understat ). For context, their title rivals Manchester City have allowed 10.27 this calendar year, while
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