🏟️🚨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 highlighted Pep Guardiola’s significant influence on Mikel Arteta’s managerial approach, noting that the Arsenal boss often mirrors his mentor’s tactics. Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast, Hooper suggested that while adopting Guardiola’s strategies can be effective, it may also limit Arsenal’s ability to outmaneuver Manchester City. She stated, “You don’t want to be the person that’s always one step behind Pep, do you? So, like, Pep trials something, then Arsenal do it… But in order to beat Pep at his own game, I think you’ve got to do something different to him.”

Hooper’s observations hold some merit. For instance, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s role of drifting into midfield—a feature prominent at Manchester City before his move to Arsenal—has become a tactical cornerstone for Arteta. Similarly, Arteta’s recent deployment of a defensive line composed entirely of central defenders, as seen against Burnley, mirrors Guardiola’s approach, who has used this setup frequently.

That said, not all of Arsenal’s strategies are borrowed from City. Arteta’s innovative use of Kai Havertz as a left-sided No. 8 in possession, shifting to a target man role without the ball, is a distinct tactic. While Arsenal hired City’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, their success in this area reflects their own development rather than imitation.

Given that both managers share a Barcelona-influenced coaching background and previously worked together, it’s natural for their methods to overlap. However, some tactical elements may well be Arteta’s own innovations. Moreover, Arteta has already beaten Guardiola twice this season—an achievement unlikely if his approach were solely derivative.