Journalist David Ornstein has now provided an insight into what really went on during Arsenal’s mid-season trip to Dubai.
Mikel Arteta took his Arsenal squad on a mid-season break to Dubai back in January.
Prior to their departure, the Gunners had been in poor form. On Christmas Day, Arsenal were top of the Premier League table. Then, there came defeats against West Ham United and Fulham, before they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Liverpool.
Since returning from the Gulf state, though, Arsenal have been in astonishingly good form. The north London club have won their seven Premier League matches since getting back to the Emirates Stadium. In this run, they have recorded some landmark results, including exacting revenge on Liverpool and a record-breaking win against West Ham United.
In order, Arsenal have beaten Crystal Palace 5-0, Nottingham Forest 2-1, Liverpool 3-1, West Ham United 6-0, Burnley 5-0, Newcastle United 4-1, and Sheffield United 6-0. That is a return of 31 goals, whilst in the same period they have conceded just three times.
The Gunners are firing on all cylinders. Arsenal boast by far the strongest defensive setup in the Premier League at this time.
Clearly, Arteta and his players made the most of their time in Dubai. They are now right back in the heat of this title race, and will have the opportunity to leapfrog Liverpool and Manchester City and retake top spot for the first time since Christmas when they face Brentford on Saturday, for one night at least, before the Reds host the reigning champions at Anfield on Sunday.
David Ornstein shares insider scoop on Arsenal activities in Dubai
The Gunners will be heavy favourites heading into the clash against the struggling Bees, and will be desperate to maintain their post-Dubai form.
David Ornstein has now provided an insight into what actually happened whilst the Arsenal squad were in Dubai. Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast, the reporter revealed, “they didn’t do anything spectacular, is my information. They had a change of scenery. There was some debate about whether their families would be permitted to come out. Mikel Arteta decided that yes they would, and I think that was a really nice touch…it came at the right time.”
“Arsenal’s metrics were actually not so good when they were winning matches on that run in November, but when they started stuttering in December their metrics were actually superior. Arsenal were looking at that and saying actually ‘stay calm. We need to make some small tweaks, we need to play a bit more vertically…rather than horizontally against these low blocks. Less passing sideways, more direct runs.’… So these are the tactical tweaks that some of the players have spoken about…no sort of magic formula.”
There may not have been any kind of magic formula, but whatever was done clearly worked. If a rest and reset was all the players needed then they are feeling the benefits of that opportunity to recharge now.
One concern that Arsenal fans may have now, though, is that this incredible run of form may have come a fraction too soon. Winning games with such ease is surely unsustainable, and there is still a long way to go in this campaign, and Arteta’s points target to make Arsenal champions leaves precious little room for error.
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