Mikel Arteta reportedly used the September international break to work on a new-look Arsenal defence involving Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White.
According to the Athletic, Arteta and the coaching staff took the opportunity of having the three players at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground to work with the Gunners trio. And since then, the three players have become indispensable for the north London side.
September saw Arsenal go unbeaten in the Premier League as the Gunners secure ten points from a possible 12 and concede just once. That goal came in a North London Derby win against Tottenham, which Arteta’s side dominated from minute one.
The new-look defensive spine has been a huge success for Arsenal. Yet the real test will be over the horizon for Arteta when the Premier League season resumes. The Gunners play two home games in five days.
Indeed, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have both been tricky sides for Arsenal in recent seasons. Dean Smith’s side, in particular, will be a big test for Arteta’s side. The Birmingham-based club beat the Gunners twice last campaign.
And for the Arsenal defence, keeping Palace and Villa at bay will be key if the Gunners are to add six huge points to their tally. One could argue that the coming week might define Arsenal’s fortunes in the Premier League for this season.
New-look Arsenal defence could be here for years to come
With Arsenal looking assured defensively for the first time in some time, Arteta deserves some credit for using the international break wisely for taking the time to formulate a plan that has paid off in a big way.
Moreover, with the three players all 24-years-old or younger, there’s a strong chance that this defensive spine is what we see from Arsenal for many seasons to come.
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