When the final whistle blew at Wembley, Mikel Arteta‘s emotional celebration told the story of a season transformed. Arsenal, a club that seemed lost in December, had just lifted the FA Cup after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Chelsea—a triumph that underscores the Spaniard’s remarkable impact in just eight months. For Baji readers, this wasn’t just another trophy; it was the birth of a new Arsenal identity.
The Arteta Effect: From Crisis to Triumph
When Arteta took charge in December 2019, Arsenal were in disarray—languishing in mid-table, devoid of confidence, and fractured behind the scenes. Fast forward to August 2023, and the Gunners have not only secured European football but also showcased a blueprint for future success.
The FA Cup final was a microcosm of Arteta’s revolution:
- Tactical Mastery: After Christian Pulisic’s early goal, Arsenal didn’t collapse as they did in the 2019 Europa League final. Instead, Arteta’s halftime adjustments—switching to a more aggressive press—sparked a dominant 30-minute spell.
- Big-Game Mentality: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s match-winning double (his second in consecutive knockout games) exemplified Arteta’s mantra: “Big players deliver in big moments.”
- Squad Resilience: From Granit Xhaka’s redemption arc to Dani Ceballos’ midfield reinvention, players once written off have flourished under Arteta’s guidance.
Tactical Evolution: Why Top Teams Now Fear Arsenal
Arteta’s Arsenal are no longer pushovers against elite opposition. Consider these milestones:
- Beating Manchester City (2-0 in the semifinal): A defensive masterclass, neutralizing Pep Guardiola’s attack.
- Outsmarting Chelsea: Unlike the 4-1 humiliation in Baku, Arsenal controlled midfield battles at Wembley, with Ceballos and Xhaka dictating play.
- Liverpool’s Emirates Defeat: A come-from-behind win that ended the Reds’ unbeaten league run.
As Baji analyst Mark Thompson notes: “Arteta has instilled a hybrid style—combining positional play with rapid transitions. It’s why Arsenal now punch above their weight in big games.”
The Aubameyang Factor and Transfer Implications
Aubameyang’s future remains pivotal. The captain’s 29-goal season (including cup ties) masked Arsenal’s attacking flaws, but Arteta’s post-match optimism—”We’ll get an agreement”—hints at progress. Securing Europa League revenue (estimated at £40M) strengthens their hand in negotiations and summer signings.
Looking Ahead: Building on the FA Cup Foundation
The challenge now is sustaining momentum. Key priorities:
- Retain Aubameyang: His leadership and goals are irreplaceable.
- Midfield Reinforcements: Ceballos’ loan ends; a creative midfielder (e.g., Houssem Aouar) is essential.
- Defensive Depth: Injuries exposed frailties; a new center-back partner for Gabriel is needed.
Arteta’s “non-negotiables” (accountability, work ethic) have weeded out dissenters (Özil, Guendouzi), creating a unified squad. As Baji sources reveal, the dressing room now mirrors his relentless standards.
Conclusion: Arsenal’s FA Cup Win Is Just the Beginning
For Arsenal fans on Baji, this victory isn’t just about silverware—it’s proof that Arteta’s project works. From tactical ingenuity to cultural overhaul, the foundations are set. As the manager said post-match: “This is the proudest moment of my career.” For Gooners worldwide, it might just be the start of something greater.
What’s your take on Arteta’s impact? Can Arsenal challenge for the Premier League top four next season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
