Mikel Arteta proves ‘dinosaur’ critics wrong as Arsenal record Premier League first since 2017

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Arsenal were relentless with their attacking play against Leicester City on Saturday. 

Arsenal were made to fight for their three points against Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners did not secure their win over the Foxes until injury time, when a Wilfred Ndidi own goal and a Kai Havertz tap in ensured a 4-2 victory for the hosts.

Up until that point, the North London outfit had launched wave after wave of attacks against the newly-promoted side. 

However, Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen produced an inspired performance to deny Arsenal with a number of spectacular saves.

However, the Gunners were ultimately deserving of their win, as Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession and territory for so much of the match.

Arsenal recorded many shots, more than any other major side in Europe has managed in a single match so far this season. 

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Arsenal hit back against Roy Keane claim

Arsenal certainly proved that they aren’t afraid to attack in numbers against the Foxes.

Manchester United icon Roy Keane recently accused Arteta of employing “dinosaur” tactics, after Arsenal adopted a very defensive approach having been reduced to ten men against Manchester City. 

In those circumstances, up against arguably the best team in the world with a lead to defend, Arteta’s tactics were understandable. The Spanish coach was willing to let his players off the leash against Leicester, though.

This resulted in Arsenal becoming the first side to record more than 15 shots on target in a single Premier League match since 2017, as per Sofascore. The Gunners managed 16 efforts on target agains the Foxes, from 36 shots in total.

Arsenal find a way to flourish without Martin Odegaard

The fact that Arsenal were able to create so many chances against Leicester is all the more impressive when accounting for the fact that they were without Martin Odegaard. 

Odegaard is currently sidelined with injury. The club captain is also the creator-in-chief in the team, yet the Gunners were still able to carve their opponents open on numerous occasions even without the Norwegian’s playmaking ability to call upon. 

In this regard, Jurrien Timber stepped up as a creative force, as he registered an assist and generated numerous shooting opportunities.