“Currently, that is something I believe they possess,” Mikel Arteta tells Sky Sports cheerfully. The Spaniard is discussing his efforts to restore the intimidation factor at Arsenal, referring to recent footage of his players intimidating opponents in the tunnel before matches. The images delighted fans and brought back memories of Arsenal’s successful teams from the past. Former vice-chairman David Dein recounts a story about how Patrick Vieira and his teammates orchestrated the intimidation tactics. It seems Arteta is aware of this. “That body language, in my opinion, is very, very important,” Arteta adds. “The players have to feel it. And to feel it, they need to feel that confidence, they need to be emotionally prepared to take that step. They are progressing.”It is advantageous that they now have a physically imposing team. With natural centre-backs playing in full-back positions like Ben White and Jakub Kiwior, and additions like Kai Havertz and Declan Rice in midfield and attack, there is strength throughout the team. Arteta is proud that the current team can both dominate physically and play with flair and imagination. “You want to maintain all the qualities we had before and keep improving,” he explains. “Don’t lose them. Add more without losing anything. That is the goal of the club and every coach, to be better in every aspect.”This is what the league demands.”Havertz and Rice were signed for their physical abilities, but also for their intelligence, character, passion for the game, and competitiveness. “You need a variety of elements. One specific element is not enough at this level to make a significant impact on the team. But these two have brought a lot of qualities.”To win major trophies, you need game-changers. You need world-class players who can turn the game around at any moment, players who can find a way when the door is closed. We are developing these types of players because they are essential for crucial moments.”Closing the gap with Man City and LiverpoolThe upcoming match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday is a crucial one. It is a clash between Pep Guardiola and Arteta, champions versus runners-up. With only one point separating them at the top of the Premier League table with Liverpool sandwiched in between, this match is of utmost importance for both teams. Arsenal has beaten City twice this season, once in the Community Shield on penalties and once in the Premier League through Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal. However, playing at the Etihad presents a tougher challenge as Guardiola’s side has been unbeaten in 38 home games in all competitions. Arsenal has not emerged victorious at the Etihad in almost a decade. Their last visit ended in a 4-1 defeat, effectively dashing their title hopes.”I think it’s a different moment from our previous visit,” Arteta comments.”We were going through a difficult period with injuries and unfavorable results. They were clearly the better team that day. They have set the bar at a level never seen before in this league. We need to reach that level and then surpass it.”This is what we are striving for.”Last season’s defeat at the Etihad highlighted the gap Arsenal needed to close, but Arteta denies that it significantly influenced his plans to improve the team. “To be honest, it didn’t impact our recruitment,” he clarifies. “It was more about our ability to perform in those big matches at that level. It was a painful experience but one we probably needed. Hopefully, we learned a lot from it.”This season, Arsenal’s form in big matches has been impressive. They have not lost in six Premier League encounters with top-six sides so far. They have evolved into a smarter and more complete team. However, City has also evolved.”They are always evolving,” Arteta notes with a smile. Having worked as Guardiola’sassistant, he is familiar with City’s ability to adapt and change tactics. “They can play in different ways, change personnel, change formations. That is a major strength they possess. “They can do this from the start of the game and throughout. But we have to focus on our game, what we need to do, the type of match we want, and invest our energy in that.”So, what approach will Arsenal take against City on Sunday? Will they try to dominate, as they have done against many opponents this season, or will they be more pragmatic considering the occasion?”There will be moments where they won’t allow us to dominate, even if we wish to,” Arteta explains. “We have the capability to do the same to them at the right moment. We demonstrated this in our previous matches against City.”Arsenal will draw confidence from their exceptional defensive record this season, having conceded fewer goals than Liverpool and City. The emphasis on defending starts from the attacking players, as per Arteta. “The key is the whole team giving their all for every ball,” he emphasizes. “Our strikers, wingers, and attacking midfielders have a passion for defending.”Instilling this mentality is crucial. When defensive actions happen, they should be valued as much as attacking ones. This is essential for consistent success.”Explaining Havertz’s impactOn the attacking end, Arsenal has been relentless in their recent matches, winning their last eight Premier League games by a combined score of 33-4, thanks in part to Havertz’s goal-scoring prowess in the false nine position. Despite being primarily deployed as a left-sided midfielder this season, Havertz has excelled when playing centrally. What stands out to Arteta about Havertz in the central striker role is his intelligence and ability to read situations. “He is a constant threat, capable of stretching the defense and creating issues for the opponents with his positioning,” Arteta praises. “He has also become a goal-scoring threat in the opponent’s box.”Havertz, standing at 6ft 3ins, provides Arsenal with a similar option that City used with Erling Haaland in their previous encounter. “Expanding the pitch when in possession is crucial,” Arteta explains. “When the opposition is concerned about a player who is stretching the defense, it creates opportunities for others.”As Arsenal prepares to face City once again, Arteta is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. It promises to be a compelling clash between two top teams, and Arsenal will be aiming to continue their recent impressive form and take a positive result from the Etihad Stadium.
Exclusive Interview with Mikel Arteta: Arsenal Manager Reviving Gunners’ Dominance and Maximizing Kai Havertz to Challenge Manchester City | Soccer Updates
