Zirkzee 'looks a bit like' Zlatan - but he still needs Hojlund

Follow GOAL's WhatsApp channel now!

Sancho's fast start intensifies Maresca's Chelsea headache

New-look Man Utd fighting against the tide in WSL

Ridiculous Raya saves Arsenal as Martinelli misfires

Messi, Miami settle for 2-2 draw after chaotic Atlanta contest

'Best 'keeper in the world!' - Raya save stuns Arsenal fans

Explained: How the new Champions League works

Chelsea prepared to offload £88m flop Mudryk in January

Mbappe, Vini or Rodrygo? Ancelotti plans to axe forward

Arteta confirms 'significant' injury blow for Odegaard

MLS: LA and LAFC struggle, Philly puts five past NYCFC

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Gunners boss uses unconventional approach</li><li>Pickpockets stole players' watches and wallets</li><li>Arteta was teaching his squad to stay alert</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hired professional PICKPOCKETS to teach squad a lesson as latest story of Spaniard's unusual methods emerges

Premier League

Manchester City

Arsenal

Arsenal boss Arteta has been famed for using unusual tactics to motivate his players. The Gunners boss has previously <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/mikel-arteta-olive-tree-arsenal-team-meetings/blta5224bea72a07cad" target="_blank">brought an olive tree into a team meeting</a> and was filmed using a light bulb in a team-talk during the All or Nothing documentary. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/arsenal-signing-mikel-arteta-training-dog/blt248f9af487938a25" target="_blank">He even adopted a dog called 'Win'</a>, and brings him to the training ground. Now, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5490775/2024/08/08/mikel-arteta-arsenal-rebuild/" target="_blank">The Athletic</a>, he has used professional sleight-of-hand artists to send a message.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to the report, at a team dinner, Arteta invited the pickpockets into the room and told them to go to work on the squad. At the end of the meal, the Spaniard stood up and asked the players to empty their pockets. Many were missing valuables; Arteta used the stunt to teach his players about the need to be alert at all times.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Arteta is now preparing for his fifth season at Arsenal, and they will once again be aiming to challenge Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. Last season, they finished two points behind Pep Guardiola's men.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal play Lyon in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday and will then play Wolves in their Premier League opener the following weekend.

WHAT NEXT?

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hired professional PICKPOCKETS to teach squad a lesson as latest story of Spaniard's unusual methods emerges | Goal.com English Bahrain

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta used professional pickpockets to teach his squad a lesson. 