5 reasons for Arsenal's resurgence under Mikel Arteta

#3 Mikel Arteta's knack of developing wide forwards

Mikel Arteta in a training session with Raheem Sterling during his days at Manchester City

Many believe Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was more than just a right-hand man for Pep Guardiola during his time at Manchester City. Arteta was a key component of the tactical think-tank at the Etihad Stadium. He played a key role in Raheem Sterling's resurgence between 2016 and 2019

Sterling improved some areas of his game significantly during the time Arteta was at City. The timing and direction of his runs, positional play and finishing improved massively.

In the two seasons between 2017 and 2019, Sterling had a whopping 64 goal contributions for City in the Premier League. He helped the club win back-to-back league titles for the first time in their history. In the process, the Englishman won the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Mikel Arteta has continued his trend of developing wingers or wide forwards at Arsenal, taking Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli under his wing.

Together, the trio has made 28 goal contributions this season. All three seem more mature, know-how and when to increase or decrease games' tempo, and have also improved their decision-making. That could be key to Arsenal's challenge for a top-four finish

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#2 Reconnecting Arsenal's fanbase with the team through performances on the pitch

Arsenal' players celebrating a goal in front of their fans

This season, Arsenal have played like they did under Arsene Wenger, when free-flowing, exciting football with a lot of goals was the norm.

The Gunners have adopted a fast-paced style that involves shifting the ball quickly. It allows their midfielders to find space quickly and release the likes of Saka and Martinelli. Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu have offered Arsenal width in the final third, making smart overlapping runs.

Playing with this fast-paced, refreshing style, the Gunners have scored some wonderful goals this year.

Known for their online presence, Arsenal fans on social media are jubilant and excited for the future.

Since Arteta arrived, there has also been a marked increase in the coverage received by Arsenal's Hale End academy and the U-23 team. Players like Omari Hutchinson, Charlie Patino and Miguel Azeez are tipped to be the next stars to make the step up to the first team.

With fans on their side, there is very little that can stop the Gunners from giving their all week in week out.

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#1 A group of young, determined and talented boys

Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have been key for Arsenal this season.

Arsenal are the youngest side in the Premier League this season, with an average age of around 24 years of their starting XI.

The Gunners have fielded the youngest XI in 17 of the 20 gameweeks so far, the exceptions being their first three games of the campaign. Interestingly, the Londoners lost all three clashes. However, since then, their XI has remained pretty much unchanged.

Gabriel and White have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of Arsenal's defence, with Ramsdale manning the posts behind them. Right-back Tomiyasu came in from Bologna last summer, and has taken to life in the Premier League exceptionally well. Thanks to his versatility, the Japanese can provide cover at the centre-back spot as well.

In attacking midfield, the Gunners managed a coup by signing Martin Odegaard for just £30 million. The Norwegian adds technical brilliance with his incisive passes, and displays admirable work rate.

He has slowly proved himself as a candidate to be named Arsenal's captain for next season. Odegaard had an incredible most with Arsenal in December, getting directly involved in six goals (three goals and as many assists).

At the halfway mark of the Premier League season, Arsenal are in fourth place with 35 points. Mikel Arteta will hope his young guns keep firing to help propel Arsenal back into European competitions.