'I learned from Mourinho' —  Mikel Arteta admits how ex-Chelsea coach tactics helped against Guardiola

'I learned from Mourinho' — Mikel Arteta admits how ex-Chelsea coach tactics helped against Guardiola

Faruq Ibrahim 17:54 - 24.09.2024

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted to borrowing a leaf from Jose Mourinho's playbook in their 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted to learning from Jose Mourinho after his team put in a tremendous defensive shift to clinch a point against Manchester City after going down to ten men before half-time

What happened 

After falling behind to an early Erling Haaland goal, the Gunners roused themselves and turned the scoreline around thanks to a 22nd-minute screamer from Riccardo Calafiori and a Gabriel Maghalaes header in the first minute of injury time.  

Arsenal's ascendency in the match was soon derailed; however, as Belgium international Leandro Trossard received his marching orders just before half-time for ‘delaying restart’. 

Pep Guardiola’s champions had a numerical superiority for the entirety of the second half, but Arsenal came agonisingly close to escaping with a victory, but for a late John Stones strike. 

Mikel Arteta hugs Leandro Trossard after his sending-off against Manchester City on September 22, 2024 (Credit: Imago)
Mikel Arteta hugs Leandro Trossard after his sending-off against Manchester City on September 22, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

The Gunners parked the proverbial bus, limiting Manchester City to speculative attempts from range. 

What Arteta said 

The Spaniard’s team were resolute defensively, reminiscent of a Jose Mourinho side. The Portuguese tactician still holds the record for the fewest goals conceded in a Premier League campaign (15) with Chelsea in the 2004/05 season, and after the match, Arteta was asked if Mourinho was one of his inspirations. 

The Arsenal boss told reporters that the Fenerbahce manager was more than an inspiration; instead, he claims to have studied him and learnt the things that made him successful.

"More than influence,” he responded when asked if he has been influenced by Jose, per news.com.au. “I think you learn a lot from other top coaches—you try to understand why they’ve been successful." 

"You might have an idea at this level, but if it goes in a different direction, do you have the ability to adapt?" 

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