Mikel Arteta has completely transformed Arsenal since taking charge of the club.
The Gunners have gone from being a team struggling for identity under Unai Emery to one of the best sides in world football. That change has not just been about tactics, but also about mentality.
Arteta has demanded the highest standards from his players every single day, and that has helped them become the team they are today.
Former Arsenal defender Auston Trusty has now shared an example of that mindset instilled by the manager.
If Mikel Arteta wins the Premier League, where does he rank among the ALL-TIME great Arsenal managers?
Auston Trusty says Mikel Arteta once blasted Arsenal players despite 5-0 win
Trusty never made a competitive appearance for Arsenal, but he did spend time with the squad during the pre-season tour of the United States in 2023.
That gave the American a chance to experience Mikel Arteta’s methods up close – not just in training but after a game as well.
One particular moment stood out to Trusty.
After a friendly against the MLS All-Stars, a game Arsenal comfortably won 5-0, Arteta blasted the players instead of praising them.
Trusty told Goal: “I remember we won 5-0 and Arteta was so mad at us. He was so mad at the team. He thought the guys weren’t trying.
“That’s when I knew the level was different. This was an MLS All-Star game, a pre-season friendly. The fact that we won 5-0 and still had things that we were screamed at for in that game?
“Arteta said we weren’t trying. It’s a whole different mindset, and that was my first experience of, ‘Whoa, this is a different culture’.”
Mikel Arteta’s demands are why Arsenal are favourites for the biggest trophies
Arteta’s demands, ruthlessness and the level of intensity are exactly why Arsenal have improved so much in recent years.
The Gunners boss does not accept complacency, even in meaningless games that appear comfortable on the surface.
That mindset has helped build a team that is focused, disciplined and hungry for success.
It is also a big reason why Arsenal are now favourites to win both the Premier League and the Champions League this season.
When players are pushed to this level every single day, it eventually shows on the pitch. Trusty’s story proves that the culture Arteta has created is very different from what came before.
That could be the key factor in Arsenal achieving something special this season.
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