Mikel Arteta has revealed the unusual methods Arsenal use to prepare their players for unexpected problems on matchday.
The Gunners were hit by a major flight delay before Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Napoli, with Arteta’s scheduled press conference eventually cancelled.
ReadArsenal covered how Arsenal’s flight delay disrupted their preparations before Napoli, but the problems did not stop the Gunners securing a 1-0 victory in Italy.
Arteta has now explained why his players are deliberately trained to cope when plans go wrong.
Arteta deliberately disrupts Arsenal routines
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Sunderland, Arteta revealed that Arsenal deliberately introduce problems into the squad’s routine during pre-season.
The manager told Reuters that Arsenal sometimes “delay the meals, delay the transport, take a different route” as part of their preparation.
The Guardian also reports that Arteta has experimented with hotter dressing rooms and reducing the number of massage beds available to his players.
The idea is to ensure Arsenal do not panic when an unexpected problem occurs for real.
Arteta does not want difficult travel, uncomfortable facilities or changes to established routines becoming excuses for poor performances.
It is another example of the detailed methods behind the way Arsenal operate under the Spaniard, with ReadArsenal’s guide to Arsenal’s possession, build-up and pressing structure explaining the tactical principles Arteta has established on the pitch.
Napoli win proves Arteta’s point
Arsenal’s preparations for Napoli provided an immediate test of those methods.
A technical problem affecting UK air traffic significantly delayed the squad’s journey to Naples.
The team remained at London Colney while waiting for their departure rather than spending hours at the airport, with UEFA eventually allowing Arteta to cancel his scheduled pre-match media duties.
Despite the disruption, Arsenal produced a controlled performance in Italy.
Martin Ødegaard scored the only goal as the Gunners secured a 1-0 Champions League victory over Napoli.
The captain struck in the 75th minute after Christos Tzolis created the opening from the right.
Arsenal had opportunities to make the scoreline more comfortable but ultimately left Naples with three points and a clean sheet.
That response provided Arteta with exactly the sort of example his preparation methods are designed to create.
Sunderland provide Arsenal with another test
Attention now turns to Saturday night’s trip to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have already made it clear they want to make the evening uncomfortable for the Premier League champions.
Arsenal will therefore need the same ability to remain composed if the newly-promoted side disrupt their rhythm or create a hostile atmosphere.
Arteta also has several selection decisions to make, with supporters able to follow the latest availability through ReadArsenal’s Arsenal injury news vs Sunderland.
The Gunners have won their opening three Premier League matches and will be looking to extend that perfect start on Wearside.
Supporters can also find the complete Sunderland vs Arsenal TV channel, live stream and kick-off details ahead of Saturday’s 8pm BST start.
If Arteta’s unusual preparation methods work as intended, Arsenal should be ready for whatever Sunderland throw at them.
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