Mikel Arteta has one dressing room approach that could explain Arsenal’s superb away form.
It’s been a long time since Arsenal lost away from home in the Premier League, as Arteta’s side remain a force to be reckoned with on the road.
In 2024, the Gunners are unbeaten away from the Emirates, dropping points on just one occasion, recording 10 wins and a draw from 11 in the top flight.
From peak defensive stability to taking chances going forward, there are plenty of explanations for Arsenal’s form on the road, with one surprising tactic playing a part.
Arsenal’s away form under Mikel Arteta explained by dressing room tactic
Gone are the days when Arsenal struggled to remain strong away from home in the league, as the Gunners maintained the best defensive record last term.
Remarkably, in 2024, Arteta’s side have conceded just three goals on the road in the Premier League as well as not spending a single minute trailing in an away fixture.
There’s a lot to admire about the improvement of Arsenal under the Spanish coach, with one unlikely method of inspiration away from North London now explained.
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta used an absolutely bizarre method to teach his Arsenal squad one ‘valuable’ lesson
In an interview with The Athletic, Arsenal’s former head of methodology Kevin Balvers explained a tactic that Arteta used in the dressing room at away grounds.
“When we went to away grounds, I made the banners with the crests of Arsenal and others with words from our game model that were placed around the changing room.”
Balvers left Arsenal in August 2024 to join PSV, with his impact at the club when working with Arteta clearly playing a part in the Gunners’ recent success.
Arteta’s attention to detail ensured that Arsenal felt at home away from home when playing at grounds other than the Emirates, something that could have impacted the current away form.
Arsenal face first Champions League away challenge of 2024/25
Having secured wins against Aston Villa and Tottenham away in the opening fixtures on the road in 2024/25, even greater challenges lie ahead.
First, Arsenal battle Atalanta to commence their Champions League campaign, with Manchester City coming soon after in the Premier League.
The Gunners will hope to continue their strong away form in both fixtures, with an away win desired in the Champions League after suffering defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals last season.
It’s set to be a colossal week for Arteta’s side on the road, where Arsenal can really show their supremacy away from North London.
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