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Arsenal’s evolution under Mikel Arteta has been built as much on tactical structure as on stylistic flair.

During Arsene Wenger’s era, the Gunners were renowned for their fluid, elegant football. Under Arteta, however, the team has become more physically dominant and strategically disciplined, with particular emphasis on control in the midfield at the Emirates Stadium.

Gilberto Silva, who was a key figure in Arsenal’s last Premier League title-winning side, believes that Arteta managed to find the missing piece of his title puzzle in the recent summer transfer window.

Martin Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad for £55 million, and Gilberto sees much of himself in the Spanish midfielder from the Basque region.

“Zubimendi complements Declan Rice brilliantly – he’s the guard dog in front of the centre-backs, occupying space, playing simply and efficiently,” Gilberto told FourFourTwo.

Having won both the Premier League and the World Cup in that holding midfield role, Gilberto feels that the 24-year-old Spain international possesses the same anticipation and positional awareness that made him so effective during his six-year spell in North London.

“He’s the little engine – always covering spaces, giving Declan the freedom to move forward, get into the box, and even score goals,” he added.

As Arsenal head into the latter part of February still competing across four major competitions, their ultimate ambition remains clear: to reclaim the top spot in English football and secure their first Premier League crown since 2004.

After finishing second in three consecutive league campaigns, Arsenal risk being labeled as perennial runners-up. Gilberto acknowledges that repeatedly coming close to the title can be mentally challenging.

“Staying in the title race for four straight years is tough,” he said. “When you go all the way and fall just short, it can take a psychological toll. But this current group alone isn’t to blame for the long wait since Arsenal last lifted the Premier League trophy.”