Last season when Arteta picked up an injury we saw the impact he truly had on the team...the "human metronome" as some of dubbed him he always kept the pace of the team in his control slowing it down and speeding it up when needed whilst having the positional discipline his "Hollywood" passing sidekick lacked. As Vice Captain he stepped up yesterday in the absence of T.V and I thought he was outstanding, the real leader our team has lacked at times over the years He made 100 successful passes out of 106 (94% pass rate)! Shocked some were critical or unappreciative of his efforts yesterday? Some were waxing lyrical about Ramsey who although better than his usual low standard was 'decent' Arteta was a far more effective performer in the game (NOTE - Ramsey's 2 clashes with teammates through miscommunication, labored jogging back to defend, 50% pass completion In the absence of a true defensive midfielders in the squad we are incredibly reliant on Arteta being in our starting line up and he will (as per last year) a huge player for us
One of those was clearly Gervinhos fault and the fact that Mancini changed his midfield was testament to our midfield ascendency - I take your points about Arteta, but can we for once give credit where it is due to Ramsey, who had his best game for a while and hopefully is improving.
I thought our midfield 3 and ramsey played particularly well, we were able to keep the ball even with pressure from the man city players and at times it was an absolute joy to watch, this performance and our 1-0 win last season are the two most dominant performances i have seen against man city since last summer. It shows that when we play our game even the very best can't live with us and they tried to close the game out in the 2nd half because they were scared of us, but it is again testament to the team and wenger that we were able to change it and open the game up, bring in wide players and a targetman up front to give the city defence something different to think about and tbh i am disappointed that we were not able to get a win, Coventry then Chelsea at home, can't wait.
He was underrated by everyone, me included, when we first bought him. I think he gets his dues now...
Areteta is underrated, but you are underrating Ramsey's performance yesterday. The power and drive he showed was like the Ramsey of old. Also he tried to play more risky passes, so it's understandable that his passing was not as perfect as Arteta's.
I've always said Arteta is probably one of the best 20 midfielders to have ever played in the premier league, the guy is just class. Not sure who underestimates him these days given the numerous opportunities to see football plus the immediate access most of us have to stats....
i always thought he was class, and was very happy we signed him last summer, he's been the type of player Arsenal have needed in a long time, experienced and top class. in my eyes, he's an upgraded better version of Gilberto Silva.
He's been great. I would'nt say he is under-rated though, the press have been raving about him all this week.
The press have been raving about our whole midfield. They've even been fairly nice about our defense! Haven't heard too many good noises from the press about our goal scoring threat though With a midfield of Cazorla, Arteta and Diaby there is so much skill, passing ability, pace, strength - i'm so much happier with how we look in the middle of the park this season. And with Wilshere back soon, Ramsey hitting form and being used as a sub mainly, Rosicky can't be too much longer either - we have the best midfield in the league!
I can see why but no Spanish national manager agrees with you. I know Spain have an amazing midfield, but it is odd he hasn't got a single cap.
Maybe we are slightly over rating him, not quite as bad as some spurs fans comparing dembele to zidane on your board last week tho
Spain are freakishly good at producing world class midfielders. In any other national team, Arteta and Cazorla would be running the midfield.
Well Carzorla had in fact forced his way ahead of Silva going into the last Euros. (but unfortunately he got injured) Arteta has a better chance now he's playing as a DM.
And their price tag would reflect this. The fact they've played none/little international football means they could be bought for a sum that teams other than City, Chelsea and Utd can show an interest....
If you've seen the stats Arteta has been putting up this season, it's fair to say he's a world class DM.
