Arsenal secured a 3-1 home win against the Premier League's basement boys on Saturday to keep his side hot on the tails of Man City and Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta was spotted checking his 'dark arts' notepad on Saturday
The tactical instructions paid off as Arsenal beat Southampton 3-1
The Gunners came from behind to secure all three points thanks to strikes from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
And Arsenal have now won their last four in all competitions while remaining unbeaten.
However, Arteta may have to rethink his tactics for the next match at Bournemouth.
The Spaniard loves to make scribbles on tactical plans before and during matches.
And unfortunately for Arteta, his latest notes were caught in broad daylight at the Emirates.
One piece of paper, with a red header and footer, appeared to show positions on the field with various instructions.
However, it was difficult to make out what exactly it said, with the black ink written on the other side.
Yet another note was clearer to see.
And it appeared to outline Arteta's three "principles" to beating Southampton.
The first note read: "Force AR 6 yard."
One piece of paper was hard to decipher
The other showed several instructions, including one that may have targeted Aaron Ramsdale
It is unclear what exactly this meant.
But it could be interpreted as instructions to make Saints goalie and former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale play on the edge of his six-yard box.
Arteta's next two "principles" were harder to gauge due to his fingers blocking the final words.
One read: "Force our…"
And the second added: "Avoid switch…"
Below, there was another section to Arteta's masterplan.
One note said: "Throw ins. Who takes it?"
While the second said "right" before being cut off by Arteta's fingers.
After the game, the Spaniard praised his Arsenal players for their resilient performance.
He said: "Saka has the capacity to change and decide games.
"If we want to be at the top, sometimes players have to create those moments and he's done that again.
"What he is doing at his age is unbelievable — and when the team needs him. That's what defines a top player."
On Havertz, Arteta added: "He wants more. He's not satisfied. There is still another level from him.
"He's surrounded by incredible players but something has changed in him. You really sense that confidence in him.
"Now he's putting it in games and he's winning matches, which is great. He's an attacking midfielder, he's a nine, you don't know where he is.
"That's his football brain. His focus is, 'I'm going to win the game, I'm going do it'."
Bayern won't block Kane's departureBayern Munich would not stand in Harry Kane's way should the striker decide to return to the Premier League in the summer, according to a journalist.Vini Jr's ' entourage 'strongly deny' new contract is close at RealVinicius Jr's entourage has 'strongly denied' that a new contract is close at Real Madrid as he reportedly demands a Cristiano Ronaldo type deal.Arse...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Just 1 more point Nooo Jack Vini Jr lol Matheus Cunha responds to an Arsenal fan asking him to join Arsenal on Instagram. Lamine Yamal misses a 1v1Barcelona fans: Lamine Yamal's dribbling, playmaking & finishing. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, RudigerRunning, PL__O...
Jakub Kiwior got the party started for Arsenal on Wednesday evening during their must-win game with Crystal Palace to stop Liverpool winning the leagueArsenal needed all three points on Wednesday evening to avoid sending the Premier League title to Merseyside for the first time since 2020.And just a couple minutes into the clash, up stepped Jakub Kiwior - powering his header home. The Polish defen...
The sport award ceremony took place in Madrid and there were some familiar winners on show.Thiago Alcantara and his wife Julia Vigas stunned on the red carpetHigh jumper Mondo Duplantis and Simone Biles scooped the top prizes of Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.While Lamine Yamal was named the breakthrough star and Team GB's Tom Pidcock won Action Sportsperson of the Year after claiming gold ...
Arsenal have intensified their pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, aiming to secure his signature ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider.The 26-year-old Swedish international has been in prolific form, netting 47 goals and providing 11 assists in 46 appearances this season.His exceptional performances have attracted interest from several top clubs, but Arsen...
Barcelona winger Raphinha is at the center of transfer speculation, with Premier League clubs Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea reportedly interested in the Brazilian international.Raphinha has been in exceptional form, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s success this season.The Spanish giants are in the semifinal of the Champions League and favourites to win the league title under the l...
Bayern are set to resume talks with SanePer Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich are all set to resume contract talks with star winger Leroy Sane's representatives as they are determined to extend the player's contract. Bayern chief Max Eberl is reportedly willing to offer a deal that runs until 2028, and the total pay package for the player will be in the region of €14–16 mi...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Ipswich 0-4 Arsenal Man Utd 0-1 Wolves Hojlund vs Wolves Calafiori & Zinchenko now Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle lol It all makes sense now Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, PL__OOC)...
Liverpool have turned their attention to new contract talks following agreements with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, sources have told Football Insider.Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O'Rourke revealed that the futures of Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota will be the next to be decided at Anfield.The star trio have al...
LEGENDARY Portuguese footballer Luís Figo and his stunning Swedish model wife Helen Svedin have reportedly separated, according to Spanish media.The former Real Madrid and Barcelona star, 52, and the 50-year-old blonde beauty, who tied the knot in 2001, have ended their romantic relationship.Helen Svedin has three children with Luis FigoLuis Figo was so good he won the Ballon D'orFigo, who ha...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga