Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has garnered attention for his innovative and, at times, unorthodox strategies. From professional pickpockets training players to motivational team talks with lightbulbs, the Spaniard continuously finds creative ways to prepare his squad.
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Now, Oleksandr Zinchenko has unveiled another layer of Arteta’s methods: injury mind games designed to keep rival managers guessing.
Zinchenko, speaking to The Athletic, described how Arteta cleverly uses injury mind games to unsettle opponents.
“I’ve seen Mikel Arteta tell injured players to come on the team bus and walk into the dressing room with their wash bag, to put the other manager off the scent,” Zinchenko revealed.
“Arteta loves to play games with the opposition.”
This tactic seems to play into Arteta’s philosophy of outsmarting opponents on and off the pitch, keeping rivals uncertain about Arsenal’s lineup until the last moment.
A prime example of Arteta’s strategy was seen in last month’s match against Liverpool. Leading up to the game, Arteta hinted that Bukayo Saka was unlikely to feature due to injury concerns. However, Saka not only started the match but scored within nine minutes in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
After the game, Arteta defended his approach, saying:
“I don’t want to make it easy for anyone. The opponent has to make sure they do their homework – like I have to.
When I know, I am not going to lie to you… but, if I am uncertain or I don’t want to tell you, I will keep you guessing.”
Arsenal’s Performance Under Arteta
Despite these clever strategies, Arsenal currently sit fourth in the Premier League standings, trailing leaders Liverpool by nine points after 11 games. While Arteta’s methods are keeping opponents on edge, the Gunners face a challenging road to the top.
Arsenal return to action on Saturday against Nottingham Forest, a team enjoying an impressive season themselves, sitting fifth in the table. Arteta’s tactical unpredictability will likely come into play as the Gunners aim to close the gap at the top.
Arteta’s unique style continues to captivate fans and pundits alike, proving that football is as much a game of strategy as skill. Whether his injury mind games provide Arsenal with a decisive edge remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Arteta will always keep his rivals guessing.