Statistics from Arsenal’s last five fixtures show how Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta has been a key player in the side, contrary to fan criticism.
Poor Press
With the Gunners having somewhat of a midfield crisis in recent weeks with Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Özil all out injured, Mikel Arteta has been a symbol of hatred from Arsenal fans alike.
This even stretched to social media as users took to Facebook to send negative wishes to the player on his 32nd birthday.
The Stats Never Lie
However, statistics reveal that the reaction from fans and pundits have been premature. In the last five games, Arteta’s pass completion rate has not dropped below 88%, showing how the perfect-haired Spaniard has helped control the games.
Mikel Arteta pass completion rate 11th March-29th March (Courtesy of Four Four Two Stat Zone)
Arsenal vs. Manchester City = 89%
Arsenal vs. Swansea City = 92%
Chelsea vs. Arsenal = 93%
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal = 88%
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal = 89%
Balancing Act
Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein said in the Sky Sports documentary that Arsène Wenger has always been a manager who has believed in ‘possession with progression’. This is evidence to suggest why the boss persists with Arteta in his midfield, as he is the type of player that suits his style of play.
While this is useful for the pace of Arsenal’s game, it is the balance of the midfield that has put Arteta in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. For example, the Chelsea game paired him with Rosicky and Oxlade-Chamberlain in the middle of the park.
Tweaking Tactics
With these two players predominantly attacking and Arteta himself of a forward thinking mentality, the 6-0 loss at Chelsea seems more comprehensible than first reaction.
In contrast, when the likes of Mathieu Flamini pair up with the vice-captain, Arsenal play considerably better and achieve results such as the 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
More of Mikel
The midfielder may be aging, but Arsène Wenger can still prolong his career by playing him in his natural habitat. Arteta used to be known for goal getting and playmaking, but the manager’s desire to change his style is proving detrimental for the team. With a crucial few games ahead and a cup semi looming, it is important that the boss gets the balance right to maximise Arsenal’s chances – with or without Arteta.
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