🏟️🚨I’m not trying to criticised Arteta but There’s TWO THINGS Guardiola always do in every match that he didn’t…Even Arne slot does that also”: Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus names THREE things Guardiola always do during match that Arteta lacks

Journalist Lynsey Hooper has emphasized Pep Guardiola’s strong impact on Mikel Arteta’s coaching style, pointing out that the Arsenal manager often mirrors his mentor’s tactics. On the Seaman Says podcast, Hooper noted that while adopting Guardiola’s methods can be successful, it might also hinder Arsenal’s ability to outsmart Manchester City. She remarked, “You don’t want to always be one step behind Pep, do you? Pep tries something, then Arsenal follow… But to beat Pep at his own game, you need to do something different.”

Hooper’s comments are valid. For example, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s tendency to move into midfield—a tactic he employed at Manchester City before joining Arsenal—has become a key part of Arteta’s strategy. Similarly, Arteta’s recent use of a defensive line made entirely of central defenders, seen in the Burnley match, mirrors Guardiola’s frequent use of this setup.

However, not all of Arsenal’s tactics are borrowed from City. Arteta’s creative use of Kai Havertz as a left-sided No. 8 in possession, who shifts to a target-man role off the ball, is a unique approach. Although Arsenal recruited City’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, their success in this area is more a result of their own growth than mere imitation.

Given that both managers share a coaching background influenced by Barcelona and previously worked together, it’s understandable that some of their methods overlap. Yet, certain tactical elements may well be Arteta’s own innovations. Furthermore, Arteta has already beaten Guardiola twice this season—an accomplishment that would be unlikely if his approach were entirely derivative.