Rosencrantz
Very well known Exeweb poster
Over time he did albeit in a different era. He took over from Bruce Rioch very early in the season (via caretaker duties for Stewart Houston and Pat Rice as he saw out his contract in Japan) and was able to bring in Patrick Viera and Nicolas Anelka that (transfer window free) season to add to the already present Bergkamp, Platt, Wright etc. Hardly starting from a low base. Arsenal came fifth in the previous season and improved under Wenger by five points to third, still some way behind Man Utd and Newcastle.I don't think its so much Matt's style of play that is the issue, more the quality of his leadership skills and ability to motivate people.
Look at how Arsene Wenger managed to be accepted by, and then improve, George Graham's established back 4. I would argue that Caldwell was also able to gain the confidence of a squad he had not recruited fairly quickly. Taylor is clearly struggling to do the same and his public musings on the problems within the squad are, to put it mildly, not helpful.
The following summer he was able to add to the squad with players that more fitted his style, particularly Petit and Overmars. Where he was smart was that he didn't mess with what worked, the defence. The difference he made to them was off the pitch with diet and training methods. But we are talking about already elite players in that defence.
A manager does need some buy in from his players, GC certainly has got that, but also they need time to mold their own squad.