BREAKING NEWS: “I’m not trying to criticize Arteta, but there are TWO things Guardiola does in every match that he didn’t… Even Arne Slot does it too,” remarked Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus. He went on to highlight THREE key practices that Guardiola consistently employs during games, which he feels are missing from Arteta’s approach.

Journalist Lynsey Hooper has highlighted Pep Guardiola’s significant influence on Mikel Arteta’s managerial approach, noting the Arsenal manager frequently adopts strategies pioneered by his mentor. Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast, Hooper suggested that while this method may lead to success, it might also limit Arsenal’s ability to outmaneuver Manchester City. She explained, “You don’t want to be the person that’s always one step behind Pep, do you? So, like, Pep trials something, then Arsenal do it… But in order to beat Pep at his own game, I think you’ve got to do something different to him.”

Hooper’s observations appear well-founded, particularly in light of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s role at Arsenal. Zinchenko often moves into midfield, a tactic he mastered under Guardiola at Manchester City before joining Arsenal. This positional flexibility has become a key component of Arteta’s game plan. Similarly, Arteta’s decision to field a defensive line composed entirely of central defenders, as demonstrated in the match against Burnley, mirrors a strategy frequently employed by Guardiola.

Despite these similarities, not all of Arsenal’s tactics can be attributed to City’s influence. For instance, Arteta’s innovative deployment of Kai Havertz as a left-sided No. 8, who transitions into a target man off the ball, showcases a unique tactical nuance. Moreover, while Arsenal hired City’s former set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, their successes in this area suggest a level of independent growth rather than mere replication.

Given their shared roots in Barcelona’s coaching philosophy and their history of working together, some overlap in their tactical approaches is natural. However, Arteta’s strategies also include elements that are distinctly his own, demonstrating his evolution as a manager.

Importantly, Arteta’s success against Guardiola this season serves as evidence that his approach is not entirely derivative. Arsenal’s two victories over Manchester City suggest that Arteta is capable of crafting strategies that diverge from Guardiola’s methods when necessary.

While Arteta’s adoption of Guardiola’s ideas is evident, it would be unfair to dismiss his tactical acumen as mere imitation. His willingness to innovate, adapt, and build upon Guardiola’s foundation indicates a nuanced understanding of the game.

This blend of influence and originality has helped Arteta position Arsenal as a competitive force in the Premier League. Balancing inspiration from Guardiola with his own creative touches could be key to his long-term success.

Ultimately, Arteta’s challenge will be to continue evolving his tactics, ensuring they remain unpredictable even to his former mentor. This balance of learning from the best while forging a unique path is what could distinguish Arteta as a top-tier manager in his own right.