'Now could be an ideal time for Arteta to make a style switch'

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

[Getty Images]

Arsenal are fresh from Champions League final heartbreak but there is no time to wallow.

Sunday's Premier League title celebrations in north London may have refocused minds on next season's missions, when they will aim to stay at the top of the English game and go a step further in Europe.

The Gunners had less than 25% of possession, and Kai Havertz's early opening goal was their only shot on target in 120 minutes of football.

After the game, PSG midfielder Joao Neves said Luis Enrique's side had been "the only one who wanted to play".

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described PSG as "the best team in the world" and hinted that his side could look to emulate the French side's style of play in the future.

"What they are able to do with the ball, with individual actions, I haven't seen it," he said.

"We need to do better, we have to improve and find different margins to get the outcome that we want."

So does the Spaniard need to refine his style for next season to push Arsenal to the next level, build up their possession numbers, and keep challengers at bay?

PSG played 885 passes during the final, more than three times the 285 Arsenal managed.

Despite winning a first Premier League title in 22 years, Arsenal have been criticised for their style of play throughout the season because of their threat from set-pieces and a perception they lack creativity from open play.

Across all competitions, they won 20 games by a single-goal margin.

Arteta has spent more than £900m on signings since taking over as Arsenal manager in 2019. Although he has transformed the club from where he found it, some have questioned whether Arsenal should be playing a more attractive brand of football by now.

With his side having got over the psychological block of winning the Premier League title, now could be an ideal time for Arteta to make a style switch, even if adjusting a winning formula brings with it the element of a gamble.

David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Declan Rice have been Arsenal's standout players this season, which shows that the Gunners' excellence has been in their backline and defensive areas.

No Arsenal forwards were included among nominees for the Premier League's Player of the Season award.

Read more on Arteta's approach

You must be registered for see images

Continue reading...