Revealed: How Mikel Arteta 'puts other managers off the scent' with matchday mind games and injury tactics

From using injury ploys to hiring pickpockets during team dinners, Arteta's unconventional methods have often captured the public imagination. Sometimes he asks injured players to join the team bus and even walk into the dressing room with their gear, misleading the opposition into thinking they might play - one of his many attempts at keeping his opponents off balance.

In an interview with The Athletic, Zinchenko revealed, "[Arteta] likes to play games with the opposition. I’ve seen him tell injured players to come on the team bus and walk into the dressing room with their wash bag, to put the other manager off the scent."

The strategy was recently on display when Arteta started Bukayo Saka against Liverpool, despite expressing uncertainty over the winger’s availability beforehand. Explaining his approach, Arteta said, "I don’t want to make it easy for anyone. The opponent has to make sure they do their homework - like I have to. When I know, I am not going to lie to you, I am not going to say, ‘He’s not fit’ and then I play him - I would never do that - but, if I am certain or I don’t want to tell you, I will keep you guessing."

Arteta’s methods go beyond tactical deception and delve into creative team-building exercises. Zinchenko also recounted a time when Arteta hired a professional freestyle footballer to pose as a waiter during a training session. The freestyler surprised Zinchenko with his skills, leaving the Arsenal defender in stitches. Arteta took this concept even further by employing pickpockets at a team dinner. Unbeknownst to the players, sleight-of-hand artists mingled among them, discreetly stealing valuables such as phones and wallets. At the end of the meal, Arteta asked the players to check their belongings, leaving many stunned to find items missing.

Arsenal’s next test comes against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. As the Gunners prepare for the clash, fans will be eager to see what new tricks Arteta has up his sleeve.