Gunners boss Mikel Arteta bemused rival supporters when he discussed his in-game tactics ahead of the Manchester United win, with former England international Gabby Agbonlahor taken aim at the Spaniard for “copying” Pep Guardiola’s tactics.
The Arsenal boss attracted criticism at his pre-match press conference on Friday for glibly revealing how much he changes his team during games. The Gunners were still recovering from the setback of drawing 2-2 at home to Fulham last weekend.
“The other day there were 36 different formations in the match (against Fulham),” Arteta said ahead of Sunday’s Manchester United win. “Against Manchester City, 43 (different formations). I don’t know what formation we’re talking about. For me, it’s something very different, maybe from the ways that you look.
“I played differently against Manchester City and there were 43 different formations. Every game is a different story guys – a different story.”
Impressive though that could have been to some, ex-Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor is one of the critics staunchly refusing to buy Arteta’s in-game tinkering a ‘la Guardiola. The 36-year-old actually suggested that the Spaniard only addressed that point to draw comparisons to Pep Guardiola.
Arteta had undergone tutelage under his mentor as an apprentice for three years as a first-team coach before landing the Arsenal job. Although admittedly it is invariably difficult not to invite comparisons with his Etihad mentor, Agbonlahor is convinced Arteta is trying too hard to emulate him.
“Timber is injured, so just play the back four from last season,” the talkSPORT pundit urged Arteta. “Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba, White. Play a normal system. It’s the strongest line-up they’ve got.
“It’s quite simple. He’s tried to complicate things. You’re not Pep Guardiola, he’s got to have his own ideas. Stop trying to copy others, and continue with what made you so successful in the first place.”