Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, and Ian Wright give verdict on bizarre Arteta training method at Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta has made a number of unconventional moves in his time as Arsenal manager. 

Mikel Arteta has been open to embracing innovative techniques and novel methods for inspiring his Arsenal squad and taking his side to the next level. 

For instance, as recently as this summer, Arteta encouraged his Arsenal squad to bond by constantly changing the seating arrangements at meal times, forcing his players to mix and mingle and all interact with one another in an effort to prevent any cliques forming within the group.

On top of that, he has also never shied away from the big decisions. Arteta forced Mesut Ozil out of Arsenal, did the same with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and dropped the popular Aaron Ramsdale to the bench in favour of David Raya. In each case, the Spanish coach’s decision has ultimately been vindicated. 

It was recently revealed that during pre-season the manager pulled another bizarre stunt behind the scenes in order to deliver a key message to his players.

Arteta hired pickpockets to target Arsenal players. During a meal time, the thieves took valuables from the squad, before the crime unveiled at the end of the evening, as Arteta pressed him the message that his players always need to be alert and aware. 

In terms of a training technique designed to deliver a message about the importance of the right mentality, it is admittedly a strange approach, but Arteta’s track record suggests it could yet prove to have been a masterstroke.

• READ MORE: All Mikel Arteta signings at Arsenal ranked from worst to best

Ian Wright, Roy Keane, and Jamie Carragher discuss Mikel Arteta’s antics

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, three Premier League icons, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, and Arsenal legend Ian Wright gave their verdict on Arteta’s pickpockets tricks. 

Former Manchester United captain Keane sarcastically quipped: “Oh, they’ll definitely win the league this year then,” Before then adding: “No, it’s nice to do something like that… Thinking outside the box.”

Ex-Liverpool defender Carragher noted: “It’s things like that can be seen as ‘he’s an absolute idiot’ or ‘he’s a genius’. If he wins the league, he’s a genius.”

Wright then said: “He’s trying to close the margins… He, in his mind, believes he has to do something else to put something else in their minds… I like the vibe of it.”

Can Arsenal overtake Man City?

For many, Manchester City will still be the favourites to claim the title this season. However, Arsenal have every reason to believe that they can finally surpass Pep Guardiola’s side this time around. 

The Gunners have improved year-on-year under Arteta, and were able to take the title race right down to the wire last time around. Three ESPN pundits think Arsenal will claim the crown this time.