LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal Vs Manchester United: 5 things we learned – Mikel Arteta is a genius
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal battles for possession with Nemanja Matic of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
4. Maitland-Niles, Torreira, Luiz shine
There are many very impressive things that Mikel Arteta has done in his first few weeks as Arsenal head coach. But perhaps more than anything, it is the manner in which he has improved individual players, especially those that were previously misused or underperforming under previous managers.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles might well be Arsenal’s best performer under Arteta, finally playing a focus at right-back that allows him to make the most of his athletic and techincal gifts. David Luiz’s superb distribution is now being exploited to its best advantage, while Lucas Torreira is playing in his best position and flourishing as a result.
These were players that Unai Emery failed to get the best out of. And now Arteta is not only maximising their efficacy; he is actually building the team aroud them. Luiz is now the anchoring centre-half of the defence, Torreira plays the conducting base of the midfield, while Maitland-Niles is often the outlet against the high press when moving centrally. Arteta is allowing these players to shine, and Arsenal are reaping the benefits.
Arsenal. The Gunners produced their best performance of the season on New Years Day to dismantle a rising Manchester United team. Nicolas Pepe scored in his first start under Arteta, before Sokratis doubled the lead just before half-time. Arteta watched on as his team dominated the match, pressed intently, and played some lovely football in possession.</p>
<h2><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pain-in-the-arsenal-podcast-on-arsenal-fc/id1314514440?ign-mpt=uo%3D4%26amp%3Buo%3D4&mt=2%22>Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — After Everton, good luck Mikel Arteta</a></h2>
<p>Here are five things we learned from<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50908732"> the 2-0 victory</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal is fouled by Nemanja Matic of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>5. This is why Lacazette is critical</h4>
<p>There has been growing criticism for <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=alexandre+lacazette%22>Alexandre Lacazette</a> in recent matches. Many have viewed his displays as sub-standard. That is a little harsh, but he certainly has not replicated the type of form that saw him named Arsenal’s Player of the Season last year. However, even during these more difficult times, if you wanted an example of why he is vital to Mikel Arteta’s approach, this was it.</p>
<p>Where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struggles as a centre-forward is in his overall hold-up play. His touch is inconsistent, he is uncomfortable with his back to goal and defenders putting him under pressure, and he finds himself isolated for long periods, unwilling to drop into midfield and get involved in the build-up play. Lacazette excels at all this. In fact, it is his greatest asset.</p>
<p>His strength, close control, body positioning and nous to win freekicks are superb. He gets between the defender and the ball consistently, either twisting away and supplying a teammate or winning a foul to relieve pressure and recover safe possession for his team. Lacazette is a brilliant hold-up centre-forward, and that is why he is so crucial to Arsenal’s playing style.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4. Maitland-Niles, Torreira, Luiz shine </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97103" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197010858-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal battles for possession with Nemanja Matic of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>4. Maitland-Niles, Torreira, Luiz shine</h4>
<p>There are many very impressive things that Mikel Arteta has done in his first few weeks as Arsenal head coach. But perhaps more than anything, it is the manner in which he has improved individual players, especially those that were previously misused or underperforming under previous managers.</p>
<p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=ainsley+maitland-niles%22>Ainsley Maitland-Niles</a> might well be Arsenal’s best performer under Arteta, finally playing a focus at right-back that allows him to make the most of his athletic and techincal gifts.<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=david+luiz%22> David Luiz’s</a> superb distribution is now being exploited to its best advantage, while <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=lucas+torreira%22>Lucas Torreira</a> is playing in his best position and flourishing as a result.</p>
<p>These were players that Unai Emery failed to get the best out of. And now Arteta is not only maximising their efficacy; he is actually building the team aroud them. Luiz is now the anchoring centre-half of the defence, Torreira plays the conducting base of the midfield, while Maitland-Niles is often the outlet against the high press when moving centrally. Arteta is allowing these players to shine, and Arsenal are reaping the benefits.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3. Nicolas Pepe is getting there </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal shoots as Fred of Manchester United attempts to block during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>3. Nicolas Pepe is getting there</h4>
<p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=nicolas+pepe%22>Nicolas Pepe</a> made his first start under Mikel Arteta. He scored the opening goal, delivered the freekick for the second goal, hit the post, and largely had Luke Shaw on toast throughout. This was a very encouraging display indeed.</p>
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<p>But without sounding too negative about his performance and long-term prospects, there are also several areas he needs to improve if he is to keep his place in the team. While he may produce moments of inspiration and rare quality that are difficult to replace by others in the squad, at times, he also has a negative impact on the overall play.</p>
<p>The first key issue is his slowing down of the play when he receives the ball. Such is his dribbling style, Pepe likes to stand the defender flat before than exploding down either side, exploiting his superior acceleration and burst. This might mean that he is able to get past the defender in front of him, but it also provides the rest of opposition with time to reorganise and structure themselves. Arteta demands that the ball is moved quickly. Pepe does not do this.</p>
<p>The second is his pressing. He worked relatively well in defensive areas here, but he does not press with timing or intensity. Rather than waiting for the right moment and then sprinting towards the opponent, Pepe drifts across into the area he needs to be in. It means he is always where he needs to be, but he is not actually effecting the game and the man in possession. Overall, this was an encouraging display from Pepe, but more is still needed.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2. Mikel Arteta knows what he is doing </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>2. Mikel Arteta knows what he is doing</h4>
<p>When Arsenal appointed <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=mikel+arteta%22>Mikel Arteta</a> as their new head coach, there was a sense of excitement, gentle anticipation and hope, and curiosity. But there were very few expectations. How could anyone develop any expectations from someone who has never managed a team before?</p>
<p>And so, if the early part of his tenure was always going to be critical. Could he make a good impression with the players to win them over? Would the crowd respond to re-energised performances that clearly show progress and improvement? Could Arteta quieten the doubts about his lack of experience that would inevitably grow if he endured a poor start? Well, two weeks and three matches in his tenure, I think it is fair to say he has answered many of these questions.</p>
<p>David Luiz has waxed lyrical about his coaching, Mesut Ozil is happy again, individual players are improving, and Arsenal produced their three best displays of the season in Arteta’s first three games, this being the best of the lot. Arteta, then, knows what he is doing. Whether that leads to sustained success or not remains to be seen, but the initial signs are very positive indeed. Arteta is at the wheel.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1. It's good to be an Arsenal fan again </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Arsenal celebrates with Lucas Torreira of Arsenal after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>1. It’s good to be an Arsenal fan again</h4>
<p>I have not heard the Emirates quite like it was here in a long time. After the boos of Crystal Palace and the mass exodus in the second half against Manchester City, this was a very different Emirates stadium and very different Arsenal team.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>If nothing else, Mikel Arteta has made it exciting to watch Arsenal again. That is something that I could not write about this team in a long time. Unai Emery only brought such raucous feelings fleetingly. It took Arteta two weeks and three matches to provide the fanbase with a team that inspires and excites.</p>
<p>From the incessant high pressing to the high-tempo possession play, Arsenal played with a swagger, confidence, a verve and vibrancy that rippled through the stands. It was undeniably brilliant, and it demanded a very obvious response: joy.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Arsenal Vs Manchester United: Player ratings" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-5-things-learned-mikela-arteta-genius/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Arsenal Vs Manchester United: Player ratings </a> </div>
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<p>I enjoyed watching Arsenal play for the first time in a long time. It is exciting to be a fan again, and it is all down to Arteta.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">
