Slot on Arteta’s Arsenal: “They Can Play Almost Every Style” | OneFootball

Slot praises Arteta’s impact despite Arsenal trophy wait

Arteta’s Arsenal showing signs of evolution

As Liverpool prepare to welcome Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday, the focus shifts from title triumphs to long-term team evolution. While the Premier League crown is already secured by the Reds with four games to spare, attention has turned to the development under Mikel Arteta—who continues to polarise opinion in the Arsenal dugout.

Despite Arsenal’s fifth successive season without silverware following their Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, there’s growing recognition of the tactical acumen and structural rebuild taking place in North London. Among those offering praise is Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, who highlighted the adaptability and quality of Arteta’s approach ahead of their upcoming clash.

“Mikel has been working there for five years and he should get, in my opinion, a lot of credit for the way his team plays,” Slot remarked. “Arsenal can play almost every style… it is difficult to analyse them because you don’t know what you’re going to face.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot backs Arteta’s versatility and tactical nous

Liverpool’s newly crowned boss was unequivocal in his respect for what Arteta has achieved, noting the Spaniard’s ability to shift tactical gears based on opponent and scenario.

“Everyone in this industry strives to become better the next day and the next season,” Slot said. “Improvement can come from the training ground and it can come from bringing new players in.”

That development has been visible. Arsenal’s additions of Raheem Sterling, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino have bolstered their depth and flexibility. Slot emphasised: “Arsenal were already very good last season – and then they brought in Raheem Sterling, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino and that made them even stronger.”

From high pressing to low-block defending, to long-ball transitions and precise set-pieces, Arsenal’s evolution is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Slot summarised: “That is special. You don’t see it a lot.”

Champions League exit overshadows domestic steadiness

For all the tactical progression, the Gunners’ Champions League heartbreak against PSG has re-opened discussions on Arteta’s inability to clinch major honours. The 2020 FA Cup remains his only silverware since taking charge in December 2019.

However, Arsenal’s league form cannot be discounted. With three fixtures left, they sit second—three points ahead of Manchester City and four ahead of Champions League rivals Newcastle and Chelsea. Should they maintain this position, it would mark a third consecutive second-place finish. While that may not appease a trophy-hungry fanbase, it’s a measure of Arsenal’s sustained presence at the top end of the league.

Arteta’s long-term blueprint gets backing

Slot’s comments arrive at a pivotal moment for Arsenal and Arteta. Despite public frustration and high expectations, the project continues to garner admiration from those inside the game. His defence of Arteta—who had earlier stirred minor controversy by questioning Liverpool’s points haul—suggests mutual respect outweighs soundbites.

“Will they play on the ground or will they play long? Against Paris Saint-Germain, every throw-in was long and they got two very big chances,” Slot observed, underscoring the unpredictability that defines Arsenal today.

Slot’s endorsement is more than lip service—it’s an acknowledgment that Arteta’s Arsenal are no longer just hopefuls, but contenders still growing into their final form.