Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach at Arsenal has been instrumental in unlocking the full potential of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, as the young duo continue to cause havoc for opposing defenders in the Premier League.
While individual brilliance cannot be ignored, Arteta’s system has been designed to create opportunities for Saka and Martinelli to excel, with opponents struggling to find a solution.
Saka has been in exceptional form this season, with Martinelli also making a significant impact after an eight-game goal drought. Both players are only 21 years old but have already become the beneficiaries of a system that is set up for them to succeed.
“We try to help them with our way of playing to get them in those positions as much as possible,” Arteta explained after a recent victory over Everton.
Saka has had more one-on-one situations with the ball at his feet than any other player in the Premier League this season, while Martinelli is second on the list. As a result, Saka has completed the most dribbles of any player in the league, with Martinelli close behind.
They are so regularly in situations that encourage them to take on their marker, which makes them more dangerous when taking on an opponent.
Arteta’s Arsenal team is designed to create situations for its wide players to penetrate the defensive line of the opponent. While overlapping full-backs were once seen as a staple of attacking play, Arsenal and other top teams, like Manchester City, are moving away from this approach. Instead, they look to create angles and body positions that allow their wide players to collect the ball facing goal, making it easier for them to progress play.
Arteta’s level of detail extends beyond the number of times that Arsenal can work the ball into their wide players. It also involves their precise body position when receiving it.
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Saka and Martinelli are encouraged to collect the ball on the angle, facing goal, which allows them to progress play more effectively.
In summary, Saka and Martinelli’s success is not just down to their individual brilliance, but also the tactics employed by Arteta at Arsenal. By creating opportunities for his young stars to excel, Arteta has unlocked their full potential and made them a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
