Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp says that Mikel Arteta has yet to fully establish his footballing philosophy at the Gunners, although he is seeing signs of improvement.

The Dutchman watched the Arsenal head coach’s first game in charge against Chelsea and noticed a massive gap between the midfield and the forward line. He says it is a major flaw that will need work on the training pitch:

“I watched Arteta’s first game in charge at home (against Chelsea ). In that game, it was clear to see what his intentions were with the team. The front four would chase the ball and put pressure on the opponents, but the midfield stayed behind. There was a big hole.”

“I don’t know if you remember the AC Milan of Arrigo Sacchi, with Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard. In training, they’d have ropes between them, so the distance between the players was always similar on the pitch.”

“That was fantastic in our team as well. There was always a connection. There were no holes… He’s working on it, but it needs time and may be different players. Slowly you can see them trying to play a possession game.”

“Everyone on the ball has three options, triangles on the pitch. It’s much better than before. But it’s a different culture which will take time. You have to put the hours in, like how we did with Arsene.”

As Bergkamp says, it can take time for players to understand what is required. Arteta is asking many of them to do things they have not done before, and there will be teething problems along the way.

Some may not adapt so a change in personnel during the next transfer window may also be needed but it is a long term change to the team’s style of play. Hopefully, by the start of next season, Arteta has the system and team in place which can get him results on the pitch