MIKEL ARTETA has done an incredible job taking Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table.



And the contributions of a certain 27-year-old have been key to the Gunners' title charge. But it's not one of his players. Instead, coach Carlos Cuesta has played a major role in the stellar season so far at the Emirates. The 27-year-old is Individual Development Coach at Arsenal and works with stars on a one-to-one basis to help further their game. The Spaniard joined the Gunners back in 2020, shortly after they won the FA Cup. And he is an invaluable member of Arteta's coaching setup. Cuesta holds a Uefa Pro Licence, having began his coaching badges aged just 18.

Incredibly, Cuesta can speak SIX languages; English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French and Catalan. That means he is still able to communicate with players effectively if English is not their first language. Left-back Nuno Tavares, currently on loan at Marseille, previously praised Cuesta for the part he plays at the Emirates. In Arsenal's 'All or Nothing' fly on the wall Amazon documentary, Tavares said: "Carlos can understand the players because he is also young. He helps me get better and better." Cuesta's focus is on the technical and tactical side of the game - something that has come on leaps and bounds at Arsenal this season. 

The Gunners have marched to the top of the table playing an attractive brand of football, with Cuesta playing his part in that. Cuesta would have had his work cut out this week, ahead of tonight's mouthwatering FA Cup forth round clash against Manchester City. Arteta and Co are currently five points clear of City at the top of the Premier League, with a game in hand. But tonight's meeting is the first of three between the two sides in the next three months, where Cuesta is sure to have his methods put to the test.