Mikel Arteta is still only in the infancy on his managerial career, but the Arsenal boss is already being leaned on for advice. However, the 40-year-old hasn't been passing on his wisdom to other football managers.
Instead, he's been swapping notes with and helping England Rugby coach Eddie Jones. Arteta's Premier League table-toppers have been incredibly impressive so far this season, racking up nine wins from their first 10 games, but there's one thing in particular about Arsenal's game that Jones has admired.
Fast starts have been a feature of the Gunners' start to the campaign. They have scored first and scored in the first half in 80% of their games so far this season. Arsenal's explosive starts to games under Arteta is one of the main reasons as to why they currently lead the way by four points at the top of the table.
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Arteta got to know Jones last year when the Spaniard visited the England rugby camp and they are now in a WhatsApp group with Green Bay Packers NFL coach Matt LaFleur and a couple of NBA luminaries where they can share their coaching problems and tips.
Jones revealed he has been picking Arteta's brains over Arsenal's fast starts and has claimed that he has learned a lot from the young head coach.
"In rugby 75% of test matches are won by the team who score the first try," said Jones. "We’ve been good at it at times and not so good at other times.
"Mikel is a super bright young coach, a brilliant young guy. What have I learned from him? How fast Arsenal get out of the blocks. Every game they’re at it. They play with energy, they know how they want to play, they put the opposition on the back foot."
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