The future of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal is a topic of much debate, with the question of whether the club should refine its style or stick to the formula that led to their Premier League title win. The recent defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final has sparked discussions about the team's approach and its effectiveness against top-tier opposition.
Arteta, a former player himself, has transformed Arsenal from a 'nearly men' team to English champions. However, some argue that the club should be playing a more attractive brand of football by now, especially considering the significant investment in signings since his appointment in 2019. The criticism of Arsenal's style is not new, as they have been accused of lacking creativity from open play and relying too heavily on set-pieces for their goals.
The team's possession statistics in the final were alarming, with Arsenal having less than 25% of the ball, a stark contrast to PSG's 75%. This disparity highlights the need for Arsenal to improve their ball control and possession numbers, especially when facing top-class opposition. The team's reliance on a deep defensive structure and a strong backline, while effective in winning the Premier League, may not be sufficient to challenge for Europe's top club trophy.
Arteta's comments after the game suggest a willingness to adapt and improve. He acknowledged the need for better performance and the importance of finding different margins to achieve success. This hints at a potential shift in the team's approach, with a focus on becoming more PSG-like in their style of play.
The challenge for Arteta is to balance the winning formula with a more attractive and possession-based style. The team's current group of forwards, including Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard, are technically skilled and capable of adapting to a new style. However, the need to strengthen the forward line and left wing is evident, with Arsenal monitoring Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and considering Viktor Gyokeres' potential.
The team's success in the Premier League, with a league-leading goal difference and a strong backline, has been commendable. However, to challenge for the Champions League title, Arsenal needs to show more on the ball and demonstrate a more balanced approach. The team's ability to adapt and refine their style will be crucial in determining their future success and their ability to end their wait for Champions League glory.
