Three things for Mikel Arteta to work on during Arsenal’s mid-season break to Dubai, including a worrying trend

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Arsenal have jetted off to Dubai for a mid-season break as they enter a period without a fixture following their FA Cup exit to Manchester United.

Arsenal were destroyed by Eddie Howe’s Newcastle in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi final as Mikel Arteta’s side couldn’t live with the Magpies’ intensity – William Saliba scored 2/10 in the Arsenal player ratings in an uncharacteristic performance.

Gabriel Martinelli is also set for a scan on a hamstring injury but the Brazilian has travelled with the squad for the break to Dubai.

The Gunners went on an incredible run upon return from their mid-season last campaign and whilst they used the time to refresh and recharge their batteries, Arteta also took the opportunity to fine-tune some tactical developments.

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Three things Mikel Arteta needs to work on with his Arsenal team in Dubai

Martin Odegaard has not given up on the Premier League title and Arteta has this opportunity to galvanise his Gunners team ahead of a crucial end to the season. Here are three things that the Spanish boss could focus on whilst out in Dubai.

Integrating Ben White back into the first team

Ben White has returned to Arsenal first team training after undergoing surgery on a knee injury that has kept him sidelined since November 2024.

White has been an integral part of Arsenal’s improvement in recent seasons and whilst Jurrien Timber has deputised brilliantly at right back, the England international has been a huge attacking weapon from fullback in the past.

With four goals and five assists last season, White struck up an unplayable understanding with Bukayo Saka and Arteta may need to think about how he can get the 27-year-old back in his side to give it more of a threat going forward.

Breaking down low blocks from an attacking perspective

There is no magic solution to breaking down a team that has set up purely to defend. No doubt Arteta has also worked on way to break down defence in countless training sessions but the extended break in Dubai is the perfect opportunity to try something different.

Arsenal are going to encounter more stubborn defences in their quest for the Premier League and Champions League between now and the end of the season and thus far, the Gunners’ bluntness in attack has cost them vital points.

You get the sense it could be even more important in the Champions League as Inter Milan showed Arsenal that winning away against European giants is no easy task. Arteta and his coaching staff can cook up something different for the squad to have in the armoury.

Arsenal need to spend time working on their finishing

Most Arsenal fans would probably be happy for the whole Dubai trip to be spent on finishing practice. Fans bemoaned Martin Odegaard’s miss in the Carabao Cup but that was just one of many golden opportunities spurned by the Gunners in recent weeks.

It isn’t just missing chances that will frustrate Arteta and the fans, it is the way that the players are snatching at chances and not showing composure in front of goal.

There is also the argument that the likes of Odegaard and Kai Havertz need to consider the types of finishes they can produce. The Norwegian against Newcastle chose to curl the ball with the outside of his foot away from the goal instead of using the inside of his foot to curl it inside the post.

It is these tiny margins that could be the difference between winning a trophy this season or facing more criticism for being ‘nearly men’ once again.