Arsenal: Mikel Arteta previews Newcastle United clash
Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli’s hard work shows that Arsenal players are recognising Mikel Arteta’s leadership. That is according to Guillem Balague, who claims that Arteta has managed to stabilise the Gunners even though there is still a lot of work to be done.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is turning things around (Image: GETTY)
The positive is he’s stabilised a team that was confused, maybe that’s the word, where players weren’t completely convinced about what was happening
Guillem Balague
The north Londoners suffered a turbulent first half of the season under Unai Emery which resulted to them slumping to 10th place in the Premier League table and becoming disconnected from the fans.
However, Balague claims the new manager has managed to impose a strict work ethic that is being adhered to by all of his players.
The pundit specifically pointed out at how much the likes of Ozil, Lacazette, Pepe and Martinelli have improved without the ball as proof that Arteta’s authority is being respected.
The Sky Sports journalist believes this is a promising sign that Arsenal will be a much better side next season.
Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe and Mesut Ozil have improved (Image: GETTY)
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Balague told Genting Bet: “Arteta hasn’t changed the dynamic, Arsenal aren’t scoring more goals and they have improved defensively. That’s the negative.
“The positive is he’s stabilised a team that was confused, maybe that’s the word, where players weren’t completely convinced about what was happening.
“But the most, I think, the most solid way, which is give pace to the side, with domination, possession, but fast football as well.
“And you’ve got everybody working very hard defensively now. And generally, when you see the likes of Ozil, Lacazette, Pepe and Martinelli, working so hard without the ball, it’s a sign of leadership that is being respected.
“But also, I feel that Arsenal can improve a lot and that they need a lot of players, not a few players, a lot of players to actually get to the level they want to.
“Right now, it’s stabilised and I think you’re going to see that Arsenal is going to improve next season.”