**Merino Praises Arteta's "Basketball" Arsenal**

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Post on Oct 22, 2024

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Merino Praises Arteta's "Basketball" Arsenal: A New Era of Pressing and Possession

The Arsenal we see today is a far cry from the team that stumbled through the early years of Mikel Arteta's reign. Gone are the days of lethargic performances and a lack of direction. In their place, a relentless, high-pressing machine that dominates possession and suffocates opponents.

This "basketball" Arsenal, as Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Ødegaard's teammate, David Merino, aptly describes it, has become a force to be reckoned with. And Ødegaard, the Norwegian maestro himself, is leading the charge.

“It's a joy to watch Arsenal now, they're like a basketball team, they play with such intensity and energy,” Merino said. “Ødegaard is the conductor of this orchestra, he's the one who makes everything tick. He's always looking to create chances, and he's constantly pressing the opposition."

This pressing style has become a defining characteristic of Arteta's Arsenal. They relentlessly close down space, forcing opponents into mistakes and winning back possession high up the pitch. It's a relentless, suffocating approach that has been incredibly effective.

The "basketball" comparison is a clever one, highlighting the team's fluidity and dynamism. It's not just about running and pressing; it's about intricate passing sequences, quick transitions, and constant movement. They're a team that's always looking to attack, always looking to score.

This new-found intensity has not gone unnoticed by Arsenal fans. The Emirates Stadium is now a cauldron of noise, the crowd buzzing with anticipation and excitement.

So, while Merino might have been joking about the "basketball" analogy, there's no doubt that Arsenal are playing with a newfound energy and a captivating style. And with Ødegaard pulling the strings, this "basketball" team is ready to take on the world.