The football world is a whirlwind of opinions, stats, and heated debates. But sometimes, a simple statement cuts through the noise and demands a deeper look. When Mikel Arteta declared his Arsenal side “better” than a year ago, fresh off a hard-fought victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage, it wasn’t just a post-match soundbite. It was a gauntlet thrown, a subtle assertion of progress that goes beyond the current league standings. For anyone who watched Arsenal’s thrilling, yet ultimately heartbreaking, title challenge last season, and has followed their journey since, this claim sparks an immediate question: Is he right? And if so, what does “better” truly mean for a team that already pushed the limits of expectation?
Beyond the Scoreline: Dissecting the Meaning of ‘Better’
Last season, Arsenal captivated with their youthful exuberance, blistering starts, and an almost fairytale-like ascent to the top of the Premier League. They played with a freedom and a pace that few could match, but ultimately, the pressure of the run-in exposed some underlying fragilities. When Arteta says “better” now, it’s not just about a higher points tally at this exact moment in the season, though the Gunners did move three points clear with that narrow Fulham win. It’s about something more profound: a fundamental shift in the team’s DNA, a hardening that comes from experience, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to consistently compete at the highest level.
Consider the Fulham game itself. It wasn’t a vintage Arsenal performance by any stretch. There were moments of brilliance, yes, but also periods of struggle, a bit of sloppiness, and the kind of scrappy fight that defines a true title contender. Last year, perhaps those moments of struggle might have led to a draw, or even a defeat, under similar circumstances. This year, they found a way. That ability to grind out a result when not at your absolute best, to maintain composure and see out a game, is a hallmark of champions. It’s the kind of subtle, incremental improvement that doesn’t always show up on a highlight reel but is absolutely crucial over a 38-game season.
Tactical Evolution and the Maturing Squad
Arteta’s tactical blueprint has always been clear: high intensity, positional play, and control. But this season, we’re seeing an evolution, a greater adaptability. The integration of new signings, particularly Declan Rice, has been transformative. Rice offers not just defensive solidity but also an engine in midfield that allows others, like Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz, to operate with more freedom. This isn’t just about individual quality; it’s about the collective system becoming more robust and multifaceted.
We’ve seen Arsenal play with different approaches, sometimes pressing high, sometimes sitting a little deeper and hitting on the counter. This tactical flexibility was perhaps less apparent last season when the team’s identity felt more singularly focused on overwhelming opponents with pace and aggression. Now, they seem to possess more gears. The defensive unit, too, appears more resilient, less prone to the kind of individual errors that crept in during crucial phases last year. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães have formed an even more formidable partnership, and the full-backs are more attuned to defensive duties without sacrificing their attacking impetus. This isn’t just growth; it’s a strategic deepening of their capabilities across the park.
The Depth Factor: A Crucial Differentiator
One of the most significant arguments for Arsenal being ‘better’ is the strength in depth. Last season, injuries to key players like Saliba felt almost catastrophic. This year, while the loss of any star player is felt, the squad feels better equipped to cope. The likes of Leandro Trossard, Fábio Vieira, and Emile Smith Rowe, alongside new additions, mean there are genuine options off the bench who can change a game or step in without a dramatic drop-off in quality. This depth isn’t merely about having more bodies; it’s about having players who understand the system, can perform at a high level, and crucially, contribute to the competitive environment within the squad. It breeds a healthy pressure that pushes everyone to maintain their standards.
The Mental Edge: From Challengers to Contenders
Perhaps the most intangible, yet most critical, aspect of Arteta’s “better” claim lies in the team’s mental fortitude. Last season, there was a sense of almost joyful disbelief as Arsenal led the league for so long. When the wheels began to wobble, the inexperience showed. They struggled to bounce back from setbacks, and the confidence seemed to visibly drain away after a few negative results. This season, there’s a quiet determination, a resilience that speaks volumes.
The team has faced adversity and responded. They’ve gone behind in games and come back. They’ve navigated tricky away fixtures against tough opponents, often without playing their best football, yet still emerged with points. This is the mark of a team that has learned invaluable lessons. The scars from last season’s near-miss haven’t debilitated them; they’ve galvanized them. It’s no longer just about playing attractive football; it’s about winning, no matter the circumstances. This psychological shift from hopeful challengers to hardened contenders is a monumental leap, and it’s arguably the strongest evidence that Arteta’s assessment holds true.
The ability to switch off moments of brilliance for moments of pragmatism, to defend for your lives when needed, and to collectively dig deep – that’s the maturity gained. It’s about finding a way to win when the opposition is putting you under pressure, when the crowd is against you, or when a contentious decision goes their way. That kind of grit is invaluable, and it’s something Arsenal seem to have in greater abundance this time around.
Conclusion
So, is Arsenal truly “better” than a year ago? Based on the evidence – the tactical evolution, the enhanced squad depth, and perhaps most importantly, the discernible mental fortitude – it’s increasingly difficult to argue against Mikel Arteta’s assertion. While the Premier League is an unforgiving marathon and challenges will undoubtedly arise, this current Arsenal side carries itself with a different air. They are not just a team playing exciting football; they are a team learning how to win, even when the odds feel stacked or performances aren’t perfect. This isn’t to say the journey will be smooth or guaranteed, but the foundation laid, the lessons learned, and the collective spirit honed suggest a more complete, formidable, and ultimately, ‘better’ Arsenal. The title race remains wide open, but the Gunners have undeniably evolved into a force to be reckoned with, ready to tackle whatever comes next with newfound maturity and belief.
