Journalist Lynsey Hooper has highlighted how Pep Guardiola’s influence has shaped Mikel Arteta’s managerial style, pointing out that the Arsenal manager often draws heavily from his former mentor’s tactics. Speaking on the *Seaman Says* podcast, Hooper suggested that while emulating Guardiola’s strategies can be effective, it might also restrict Arsenal’s ability to consistently outsmart Manchester City. She remarked, “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 remarks are well-grounded, with several examples underscoring Arteta’s reliance on Guardiola-inspired tactics. One notable instance is the role of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who frequently moves into midfield during games. This tactical approach was a key feature at Manchester City before Zinchenko’s transfer to Arsenal. Similarly, Arteta’s recent use of an all-central-defender backline, showcased in their match against Burnley, mirrors a strategy Guardiola has implemented on several occasions.
However, it would be unfair to claim that Arteta’s methods are purely imitative. For example, his creative use of Kai Havertz as a hybrid player—operating as a left-sided No. 8 in possession and transitioning to a target man role off the ball—is a distinctive tactical innovation. Additionally, Arsenal’s impressive record in set-piece situations, supported by the expertise of former City set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, reflects the team’s own evolution rather than simple replication.
Given the shared Barcelona-inspired coaching philosophies of Guardiola and Arteta and their history of working together, some overlap in their approaches is natural. Still, Arteta has introduced his own unique ideas. His ability to defeat Guardiola twice this season further proves that his strategies are not merely derivative but are adaptive and innovative in their own right.
