I find myself being more care free with Arsenal now that they have won the title.
You can see that in their game, too, but in a good way.
It’s an advantage right now because they are playing with the swagger and arrogance of champions, and rightly so.
But they have to stay humble, determined, disciplined, and totally attentive to every moment because the standards are so high that with even a 5% drop off they will be punished in the uber-competitive Premier League.
Ultimately, it becomes important that they don’t let that attitude creep into their work throughout the course of the season.
It has happened to many title-winning teams of the past.
So far, it certainly hasn't. Only one freak goal conceded all season (minimal xG on that Rogers goal).
With Mikel Arteta in charge, he is the LAST man in the world to let the standards drop. You can be sure of that.
It only bodes well for the future, but it is something that the club must be aware of.
One hugely beneficial and preventative factor here is the signing of guys like Konsa and Guimarães. They are leaders who will be determined to win themselves, but they will also push guys like Saliba and Lewis-Skelly to new levels to keep their place in the team. Tzolis too.
That's part of what makes Arsenal so good. Two top players in every position.
That, combined with the culture that Mikel Arteta has created, and the hunger to win a Champions League, will almost certainly see Arsenal sustain their RELENTLESS intensity across the course of the campaign.
Kinda crazy that this was all so clear from the minute I saw a Mikel Arteta team play in December 2019, and here we are.
Arsenal. The standard. The team who toppled Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
With Mikel Arteta at the helm.
Mental, but it's the reality.
Here is to more and more and more… 🏆