Mikel Arteta has come up with a new left-field idea involving Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilots to give Arsenal an ‘edge’, according to reports.
The Arsenal manager has attempted a number of unusual motivational tactics in recent seasons, such as his light-bulb team talk in April 2022.
Arteta also hired professional pickpockets to target his Arsenal players at a team dinner as a lesson in remaining alert and vigilant at all times.
He is now planning on inviting RAF fighter pilots to Arsenal to improve the way he communicates with players, The Telegraph have reported.
Arteta has been mocked by rival fans for some of his ideas over the last few years, especially given Arsenal have failed to land much silverware.
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‘The only thing the RAF can teach Arsenal is how to abandon a mission when the pressure gets too high,’ @nikki_surana posted on X.
‘All he does is give people extreme banter material if we go trophyless,’ Arsenal supporter @offic11almk opined.
Arsenal have finished as Premier League runners-up for the last three seasons in a row, missing out to both Manchester City and Liverpool.
Discounting Community Shields, which are just one-off matches, the only major trophy Arteta has landed since he became boss is the 2020 FA Cup.
But many football pundits – and indeed bookmakers – are backing Arsenal to clinch their first Premier League title in 22 years this season.
Arsenal, who came from behind to win at Newcastle United on Sunday, are two points behind current leaders Liverpool after the opening six games.
‘Arsenal’s late victory at Newcastle has seen them replace Liverpool as the favourites to lift the Premier League title,’ William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said on Monday.
‘Mikel Arteta’s side have shortened to 5/4 from 7/4, while Liverpool’s defeat at Crystal Palace has seen them go the other way in the market, easing out to 7/4.
‘Manchester City remain in the hunt at 9/2 after their 5-1 win at the weekend.
‘With Erling Haaland seemingly back among the goals, they may well be right in the mix before long but it’s important to remember it’s still very early in the season.’
Gary Neville, meanwhile, is among the pundits who think Arsenal will finish ahead of Liverpool this season.
‘Mikel Arteta has got a brilliant squad,’ Neville said after Arsenal’s win over Newcastle.
‘I think he’s got the best squad in the league and maybe the best team in the league and I say that quietly because Liverpool are excellent.’