There is also great variety to his play, with the Spaniard completing a total of 24 accurate crosses with an accuracy of 25% (a very respectable percentage accuracy)- the second most in the Arsenal squad with the joint best accuracy. He has also completed 5.3 accurate long balls per game (the highest average in the squad) with an impressive 87.5% accuracy. Not bad for a last-minute “panic buy”.
Beneath this ability to stretch and dictate the play with his evident passing ability lays his often overlooked defensive contribution. During previous seasons, an all too common sight when watching Arsenal was being caught out on the counter as the midfield three left the back four exposed. But, with the inclusion of Arteta in the side, this has become a much rarer sight at the Emirates. Averaging 1.9 interceptions and 2.5 tackles per game, Arteta’s defensive contribution is one that most predominantly defensive midfielders would find respectable. This has given the midfield much more balance, giving Song the license to contribute offensively as Arteta sits back and clears up the play when needed, as opposed to- as mentioned before- Song being caught up-field with Wilshere and Fabregas as the opposition break quickly.
All in all, Arteta is efficient and extremely effective. He’s no Cesc Fabregas, but still a vital cog in the balanced midfield trio which has been key to Arsenal’s resurgence. While not the most glamorous of signings, Arteta’s quality is (as it has been for some time) undeniable and his experience essential. His passes are often short, crisp and to a nearby team-mate as he looks to keep the ball rolling, although Arteta has it in his locker to pluck a 35-yard pass out of thin air with pin-point accuracy to stretch the play or split the defense with a telling ball.
While Wenger has since admitted his intention to get transfers done and dusted a lot quicker next time round, he must undoubtedly crack a wry smile at the excellent £10m bit of business he pulled off this time round. Hats off to Arsenal’s pivotal playmaker Mikel Arteta.
