BREAKING NEWS: “I’m not criticizing Arteta, but there are TWO things Guardiola always does in every match that he doesn’t… Even Arne Slot does that too,” says Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus, highlighting THREE things Guardiola consistently does during a match that Arteta doesn’t.

Journalist Lynsey Hooper has emphasized the substantial impact Pep Guardiola has had on Mikel Arteta’s managerial style, noting that the Arsenal manager often reflects his mentor’s tactical approach.

Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast, Hooper pointed out the potential drawback of closely following Guardiola’s methods, arguing that it could hinder Arsenal’s ability to outwit Manchester City.

She remarked, “You don’t want to be the person that’s always one step behind Pep, do you? So, like, Pep trials something, then Arsenal do it… But in order to beat Pep at his own game, I think you’ve got to do something different to him.”

Hooper’s insights carry weight, as some of Arsenal’s tactical choices indeed echo Guardiola’s influence. For example, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s transition into midfield during matches—originally a hallmark of Guardiola’s City—is now a pivotal aspect of Arsenal’s strategy under Arteta.

Similarly, Arteta’s recent decision to field a defensive line entirely composed of central defenders, as demonstrated in the match against Burnley, mirrors a tactic frequently employed by Guardiola.

However, not all of Arsenal’s strategies are direct imitations of Manchester City. Arteta has introduced innovative elements, such as deploying Kai Havertz as a left-sided No. 8 in possession, who transitions into a target man role when out of possession. This approach showcases Arteta’s ability to craft unique tactics tailored to his team’s strengths.

Furthermore, Arsenal’s success in set-piece situations, despite hiring Manchester City’s former set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, underscores their own progress rather than mere replication of City’s methods.

Given the shared Barcelona-inspired coaching philosophies and the time Arteta spent working under Guardiola, it’s unsurprising that some overlap exists in their tactical approaches.

Nevertheless, Arteta has demonstrated his ability to innovate and adapt, which is reflected in his achievements this season, including two victories over Guardiola’s City.

These results suggest that while Guardiola’s influence is evident, Arteta’s strategies are not purely derivative, blending inspiration with originality to establish Arsenal as a formidable force.