Featured Image Credit: Amazon Prime
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Premier League
Daniel Marland
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta motivated his players with a drawing of a heart and a brain holding hands - but they all looked very confused at first.
The Gunners were followed by Amazon Prime cameras last season for part of their eight episode 'All Or Nothing' series.
Arteta's management was a big focus and in Episode 2, the Spaniard had to prepare his side for a huge clash with north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
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Arsenal lost three of their first five opening Premier League games and Arteta knew he had to get everyone on side to beat Spurs.
What did he do? He decided to hammer home the belief and desire needed to come on top in a derby.
Taking a pen to the whiteboard, he started a drawing of a cartoon brain and heart and explained the needed to work in harmony out on the pitch.
"Guys, we have to play with our big hearts," he says while drawing. "At the same time, we have to play with a big brain. And these have to work together. This is your passion, how your manager wants you to put into the game. How much you want to commit yourself in the game.
"They want to provoke you in the game. [Pierre-Emile] Hojbjerg, Kane, Dele Alli, [Eric] Dier, you are always in control. When you have to make a decision, when you have to play through the gears you cannot play 100,000 miles an hour the whole game."
He then points to Arsenal fans as the most important part of the puzzle, emphasising they will support the players if they see passion and smart decisions being made.
Cameras cut to Bukayo Saka, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, Martin Odegaard, Albert Sami Lokonga and Emile Smith Rowe.
All six look perplexed but to give Arteta his due, the speech worked. Arsenal went on to win the game 3-1 after goals from Smith Rowe, Aubameyang and Saka. They were clearly listening.
Despite the insight 'All Or Nothing' has given to goings on inside the Emirates Stadium, Arteta recently called the cameras in the dressing room a distraction at some points in the campaign.
"The distraction, or attraction, was last year having them here every single day," he said at the docuseries' premiere.
"We tried to work together to make sure that whatever is produced is the reality of how this football club is run.
"The passion of its people, the aims and responsibilities we all have to make it work, how much we care and love the club and how much we want to bring enjoyment to our people."
Arsenal finished fifth in the Premier League and failed to qualify for the Champions League. They return to domestic action on Friday evening against Crystal Palace.