Former Leeds United attacker Michael Bridges believes that Mikel Arteta has changed one thing at Arsenal this season which has been key to the Gunners’ success.
At the very least, Arsenal will still be in with a shout of winning the Premier League title on the final day of the season. The title race is still in Manchester City’s control. However, if Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions drop any more points in their final two games, then the door will be opened for the Gunners to claim their first title triumph in 20 years.Jamie Carragher believes that Arsenal have “a great chance” of winning the title. Whatever happens, though, this has been a hugely impressive campaign from the North London club. Mikel Arteta’s side have already made history this season. Arsenal have racked up 27 Premier League victories in a single season for the very first time. They also boast the best defensive record in the top flight of English football.
The Gunners mounted an unexpected title challenge last season, but stumbled during the run-in. This time around, they have been able to keep up with Manchester City every step of the way. Why Arsenal are more resilient this season The Arsenal defence has been in a class of its own this season. William Saliba underlined his world-class credentials with his imperious performance against Manchester United last time out.
Alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the Arsenal rearguard, Saliba was able to keep the Red Devils at bay, as Arsenal held on for a 1-0 win at Old Trafford which kept their title dream alive.
It was the kind of match that Arsenal could easily have dropped points in last season. On this occasion, though, despite not being at their best, they still looked comfortable as they got over the line.
Arsenal have undeniably improved, and the signing of Declan Rice has been a huge factor behind that progress. The former West Ham United man has added steel and physicality to the spine of Arteta’s side. Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has now revealed that Rice would be his pick for the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Mikel Arteta lauded for changing Arsenal DNA Michael Bridges has now underlined the scale of the change that Rice’s arrival heralded at the Emirates Stadium, along with the importance of the centre-back duo, and has praised Arteta for strengthening the North London club.
Speaking on The Optus Sport Football Podcast, Bridges said: “When you’ve got somebody like Saliba at the back, alongside Gabriel, and you’ve got Declan Rice…
Arteta has given them a new kind of DNA this season. That, I think, is why they are in this title contest. In years gone past they would have left themselves exposed, kept playing out from the back at all costs, and been very expansive. They look so well organised.”
