Arsenal's ultimate glow-up: Defensive transformation can lead them to ttitles
Mikel Arteta knows very well that for the level of the Premier League, goal scorers are good, but if you don't have a corresponding defense to support what is "built" in front, then it will be in vain. That's why he took care from 2019, when he took over, to build the rear in such a way and invest in such faces, that the team now shows the ultimate glow up!
By KONSTANTINOS ZALIARIS
The Spanish coach has managed in the last two years to make the "gunners" contenders for the Premier League. Last season the team came closer than ever to finishing 20 years since the last championship, but again City did their thing and when needed made it clear to everyone else that they command the top flight.
Now, Arsenal also bring in Riccardo Calafiori in defense and ensure that the minor but crucial setbacks of previous years are avoided in order to get all the necessary results that can propel the club to the top of the Premier League.
Arteta in 2019, had for his defense players like David Luiz - who was no longer showing the performances he had at Chelsea - Skodran Mustafi and the Greek-duo, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Dino Mavropanos. The latter did not manage to make the appearances he would have liked, but the others had a serious role in Arsenal's defensive line. Again, though, it wasn't the squad that would lead the team to all that wanted to achieve.
In 2024, the potential of the team is now overflowing with quality from the goalkeeper, to the people who have the responsibility of scoring. However, if you don't have a defense to support what can be created up front, it's a waste of time. That's why Arteta made sure that he now has players like the duo of Gabriel and Saliba who are invincible when they play together, Ben White supports quietly but decisively, while Riccardo Calafiori is now also integrated, winning a transfer with his excellent image in Euro 2024.
Arteta's project is convincing such quality players to choose the Emirates and it really seems only a matter of time before Arsenal can win a league title again...