From rigid to responsive: Arteta explains blueprint for modern Arsenal

He argues that success in the modern game comes from meeting the demands of each specific match rather than sticking to one game plan or style.

"We are a completely different team than we were seven years ago because we have completely different protagonists - the players and the league - which has evolved," Arteta told Sky Sports.

The Premier League is faster, more physical and more tactical than it was when he first took over the club, while European games provide a different challenge entirely.

"Champions League games and Premier League games are completely different. So what is it? That we are the best version of what the game requires," he said.

"This game required that, we were the best at that game. Because if we are that, we are going to be constantly winning and deserving to win because we're better than the opposition.

"A style of play in relation to what? If a team that goes man-to-man - what is the style you want to have?

"Did you see the Liverpool-Man City game, in the first 16 minutes, how many restarts and sequences of more than four passes? That's the style of play because this is what the game and the two teams are provoking."

When two top teams press aggressively and mark players closely, the game often breaks into short spells of play, stoppages and quick counter-attacks. Trying to build every attack slowly with lots of passes in those conditions is like driving as if the road were clear when it isn’t.

"If you are on the motorway and there's an accident - 'but I have a Ferrari! Yeah, but I cannot go 200km per hour because there is a speed limit here', and if you go to Germany and there's no speed limit, then you can go.

“So what does the game require? If it's this, then be the best at this. Have the best sat nav so you can prevent that traffic, go somewhere else and arrive on time. That's what we have to do.”

For Arteta, the same idea applies on the pitch. Arsenal should not stick to one style regardless of the situation. Instead, the team must develop the skills and tactical awareness to control games, whatever challenges they face.