Arsenal have physical power, then, and they also have willpower. A desire to defend, as Arteta would call it. “The mentality is crucial,” said Merino. “You have to love to defend. Sometimes maybe in different teams the main focus is to score, to make a beautiful pass and to enjoy the highlights. But if you want to be a champion you need to be an all-round team. Defending is the main focus right now. If you can keep a clean sheet, the chances of you winning the game are massive.”
This was encapsulated by Bukayo Saka’s efforts against Fulham on Saturday. Saka’s primary job is to create and score goals, but he also led the way without the ball at Craven Cottage. The England winger won possession nine times, at least three more times than any other player on the pitch.
Recruitment… and the influence of Zubimendi
Arsenal have invested a huge amount in new defenders since Arteta’s appointment in 2019 and they now have an extraordinary amount of depth in the defensive positions. Assuming they trigger the option to buy Piero Hincapie at the end of his loan from Bayer Leverkusen this season (which is the strong expectation) the eight players in their backline will have cost a combined fee of around £235 million.
With White, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, Arsenal boast two high-class players for each of the positions in the back four.
Another new addition, Martin Zubimendi, has also improved their defensive solidity. Zubimendi, the £50m arrival from Real Sociedad, has proved an instant upgrade on last season’s holding midfielder, Thomas Partey, because of his ability in possession.
