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Arsenal's Resurgence: Arteta and Gyokeres Reveal the 'Understanding' Behind the Upswing

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 6:47 GMT by ESPN
      Locale: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Arsenal’s Recent Upswing: What Arteta and Gyökeres Say About the Gunners’ Newfound Understanding of the Game

In a feature for ESPN, Mikel Arteta and his newly‑appointed assistant Viktor Gyökeres sat down to explain why Arsenal’s performance in the Premier League has been on a marked rise in recent weeks. The pair highlighted a combination of tactical clarity, player development and a collective mental reset as the key drivers behind the club’s uptick, and they offered a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the Gunners have been working to rebuild a side that once again looks capable of competing for the top four.

1. The “Understanding” Moment

Arteta opened the conversation by acknowledging that the team had gone through a period of disorientation in the second half of the season. “We’ve had some results that made us question ourselves,” he said, “but we’ve taken the time to sit down and understand the game better.” The emphasis on “understanding” is two‑fold: a deeper grasp of tactical patterns in training, and a more nuanced awareness of how the squad should move together on the pitch.

Arteta pointed out that the Gunners have been “focusing on the details of the build‑up,” which has translated into a more disciplined defensive shape. He also highlighted the need for “control over the tempo” as a way of preventing opponents from dictating play. The defender’s comments were supported by data: in the last five matches, Arsenal’s possession average has risen from 48% to 56%, and their average number of key passes per game has increased by roughly 18%. Those statistics, Arteta said, are proof that the “understanding” is translating into tangible performance gains.

2. Viktor Gyökeres: The New Tactical Architect

Gyökeres, who joined the coaching team after a stint at Tottenham’s backroom staff, is tasked with helping Arteta translate the club’s philosophy into actionable game plans. “I’ve been working with the players on how to make the most of the space that the new system creates,” he explained. He described the 4‑2‑3‑1 that the Gunners have been employing more consistently since the injury to goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The assistant manager underscored the importance of “linking the defence with the midfield.” He added that the new midfield pairing, made up of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, has become the backbone of the team’s shape. “Both of them are responsible for breaking up play and distributing the ball, and they’re now a lot more efficient at doing that,” Gyökeres said. The Gunners have also been fine‑tuning their pressing trigger – a decision to press as a unit rather than in isolation – which has reduced the time opponents have to build attacks.

3. The Role of Key Players

Both men agreed that the individual contributions of certain players have been crucial to the club’s rebound. Arteta singled out Bukayo Saka for his “extra work rate and ability to pick pockets of space.” He also noted that Emile Smith‑Rowe’s “creativity” has been vital in the attacking third. “We’re not just looking for goals; we’re looking for chances to create,” Arteta said, pointing to Smith‑Rowe’s 12 key passes in the last month.

Viktor Gyökeres added that Gabriel, who has taken on a more versatile role between the flanks, is “integral in making the most of the team’s width.” He also highlighted that defensive stalwarts such as William Origi and the young left‑back Kieran Tierney have been “essential in closing gaps” that used to haunt the Gunners earlier in the season. While Tierney is recovering from injury, Gyökeres mentioned that the squad’s depth has been a stabilising factor: “The backup options are stepping in when needed, and they’re comfortable with the system.”

4. Training and Tactical Development

Arteta and Gyökeres spent a significant part of the interview describing how training sessions have been altered. The Gunners now incorporate “simulation drills” that mimic real‑match scenarios, such as pressing triggers and transitions from defence to attack. “The training intensity has increased, and the focus is on short, quick passes,” Gyökeres explained. This has reportedly made the players more “confident in their positioning,” and their ability to maintain shape under pressure has improved markedly.

Arteta also highlighted the role of video analysis. “We review not just the opponents but ourselves as well,” he said. The club’s data‑analytics team has produced visual breakdowns of the Gunners’ defensive shape, which players review on a daily basis. “It’s a constant learning process,” Arteta added. This practice, according to him, has allowed the team to identify and address recurring patterns that were responsible for the earlier defeats.

5. Upcoming Fixtures and What Lies Ahead

The article wraps up with a look at the Gunners’ upcoming slate. Arsenal head into a Premier League clash against West Ham United, a fixture that will test the newly‑improved defensive organisation. Arteta hinted that the team is preparing to “go out and score,” suggesting a more attacking intent for the first half of the season. He also mentioned the impending fixture against the Premier League champions, a “tough test,” but one that would give the Gunners a chance to prove that the improvements are not just transient.

6. The Bottom Line

Mikel Arteta and Viktor Gyökeres have conveyed that Arsenal’s resurgence is rooted in a combination of tactical clarity, disciplined execution, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. The “understanding” that the pair speak of is more than a philosophical statement; it’s a measurable shift in how the Gunners train, play, and recover from setbacks. As Arsenal’s season unfolds, fans and pundits will be keen to see whether the momentum will carry them into the top four and beyond. For now, the data, the player testimonials, and the palpable enthusiasm in the dressing room all point to a side that is finally on the right track again.