Arsenal strategy was 'not Arteta's expectation' as Man City forced plan change

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Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal's tactics and strategy were 'not the original expectation' when Mikel Arteta took charge with many expecting him to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City .

The Gunners have been undone by the Etihad outfit several times in recent years, but now hold a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League as they eye a first title since 2004. Their methods have not proved universally popular however.

Arsenal have become masters of the set piece, scoring a huge amount of goals from corners and free-kicks into the box. It has led to accusations that they are a one-dimensional side and Carragher admits "with some justification" they are seen as a going back to "old-fashioned ways".

Arteta's learnings under Guardiola meant that fans and pundits expected Arsenal to adopt a possession-based style, similar to the one that had bought City so much success.

That has not been the case with Carragher claiming Arsenal have tried to emulate City's eye-catching style, but were ultimately not good enough to match them so have had to find other ways to down them.

He wrote in the Telegraph : "This was not the original expectation when Arteta took the reins at the Emirates. The initial anticipation was that he would redesign Arsenal in the image of his mentor, Guardiola, and in his first few years, this seemed to be the case. However, the limitations exposed when Arteta fielded what was his most attractive line-up two years ago explained why he was compelled to change. That team was very good, but City were simply better.

"Certain long-standing criticisms of Arsenal could not be easily shaken off: they were often accused of being more about image than substance; too soft against the most physical teams; lacking the necessary quality against the elite sides in Europe; and, crucially, lacking the cunning and game-management required to succeed when it truly mattered."

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Arsenal remain in contention for all four trophies and could yet claim an unprecedented quadruple. The first of those hurdles comes on Sunday when they face City in the final of the Carabao Cup.

The clash between the pair at the Etihad in the Premier League next month could have a huge bearing on where the title ends up. Their only meeting so far this season saw Arsenal secure a point courtesy of a late equaliser at the Emirates.

Carragher believes that, had Arsenal tried to take on Guardiola at his own game they would've been "doomed to fail." A rethink was required with the Gunners and Arteta finding a "darker, more resolute way to take on his former master."

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