Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
JOE KRISHNAN

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta needs new signings to fill 'holes' in squad, says Dennis Bergkamp

Arsenal are heading in the right direction under Mikel Arteta but he may need "different players" to implement his philosophy, says Dennis Bergkamp.

The Spaniard guided the Gunners to just two defeats in his first 15 games in charge and it appears the mood in the Arsenal camp improved since his appointment in December to replace Unai Emery.

The 38-year-old has made clear his intentions to bring stylish football back to the Emirates Stadium and former striker Bergkamp says he can see signs of Arteta's philosophy being drummed into the players.

But the Dutchman has warned he must be given time - and perhaps new players - to see the full results from his system.

"I watched Arteta’s first game in charge at home [a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea]," he told The Daily Mail.

Progress: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta Photo: Arsenal FC via Getty Images

"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."

He added: "He’s working on it, but it needs time and maybe 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 [Wenger]."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.