Since replacing Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta has frequently spoken about creating a culture at Arsenal, going back to the days of Arsène Wenger.
The Gunners strayed away from their tika-tika philosophy under Emery, but now, it’s clear to see that it’s returning – even at Under-14 level.
What’s the story?
Well, the Arsenal Under-14 side have gone viral on TikTok after scoring a quite sensation goal against Chelsea’s Under-14 side.
As you can see, the move starts at left-back, before the ball is cleverly worked out to the right of the pitch.
Once the Chelsea players follow the ball, the young Gunners smartly play it back over to the left, where more space has been created, before they fashion a two-on-one overload down that flank.
The ball is then played inside, where a smart one-touch pass sets up one Arsenal prospect to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net.
It was a goal we’d applaud at first-team level, so to witness a bunch of 13 and 14 year olds pull it off was special.
Once Arteta and Wenger lay eyes on it, we’re sure they’ll be beaming with pride.
Arsenal could become a force under Mikel Arteta
Clearly, the Spaniard’s philosophy has trickled down into the youth ranks at Hale End, which should excite Arsenal fans.
By teaching the youngsters to play in the same way as the first-team players, the culture at Arsenal is being strengthened.
Take Ajax, for example.
The Dutch giants have a consistent style across all age ranks, which makes it much easier for academy gems to adapt to first-team football.
It’s no wonder Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have slotted in seamlessly to Arteta’s system, as they’ve been taught similar principles growing up in the Hale End Academy.
Things were bleak under Arteta initially, but now, the future is seriously bright for Arsenal.
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