September 26th 2024.
Mikel Arteta's tactics have been a topic of discussion lately, with many comparing them to the styles of four well-known English football managers. Roy Keane, a former football player and current pundit, has recently shared his thoughts on Arteta's tactics, stating that they resemble those of Tony Pulis, Sam Allardyce, Steve Bruce, and Neil Warnock - all of whom are known for their defensive approaches.
Arteta, who previously worked under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, has been praised for his attacking style of play since becoming the manager of Arsenal. However, during their recent match against Manchester City, Arteta's tactics came under scrutiny, particularly in the second half when they were reduced to 10 men. Despite almost pulling off a defensive masterclass, Arsenal ultimately fell to a 98th minute goal from John Stones, leaving many fans disappointed.
Some have criticized Arteta for being too defensive, and Keane has now shared his own opinion on the matter during an episode of The Overlap, presented by Sky Bet. He believes that had Pulis, Allardyce, Bruce, or Warnock set up their teams in a similar manner, they would be labeled as "dinosaurs". But because it was Arsenal, it was seen as a brilliant display of concentration. Keane suggests that when Arsenal regained possession, they should have tried to keep the ball and move up the pitch, rather than just kicking it away.
It's worth noting that Pulis, Allardyce, Bruce, and Warnock all have a reputation for their defensive strategies. Pulis, in particular, is known for his time at Stoke City, while the other three have managed various clubs in the Premier League. Allardyce even had a brief stint at Leeds United in 2023, while Bruce is currently the manager of Blackpool in League One and Warnock has retired from management.
Despite the criticism, Arsenal did manage to keep a clean sheet in the match, showcasing their defensive capabilities. However, Keane believes that they could have done more with the ball when they had possession, and that they were missing the presence of Martin Ødegaard, who is currently out due to injury.
In conclusion, while Arteta's tactics have been praised for their attacking nature, they have also been compared to the defensive styles of well-known managers. And while Arsenal did manage to hold off Manchester City for most of the match, there are still areas where they can improve, such as in possession and maintaining a balance between defense and attack.
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