Win gives Arsenal belief before tough week – Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his relief and admiration for his team’s performance after winning the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Despite facing several challenges, including the absence of key players due to injury and suspension, Arsenal managed to secure a 1-0 victory.
Adapting to Unexpected Obstacles
Before the match, Arsenal had to cope with the absence of captain Martin Odegaard and defender Riccardo Calafiori, who were injured while on international duty. Additionally, midfielder Declan Rice was suspended for the game. These setbacks forced Arteta to adjust his plans and tactics.
Arteta revealed that he had prepared for the match for five days, only to lose players at crucial moments. Despite these setbacks, he commended his team for their resilience and ability to adapt. The manager admitted that he didn’t sleep much due to these unforeseen circumstances.
Winning Ugly
Arteta emphasized the importance of being able to win in difficult situations. He praised his players for their determination and willingness to do whatever it takes to secure the victory. He stated, “Sometimes to win you have to do the ugly things and they love to do that.”
This mindset reflects Arsenal’s determination to overcome obstacles and highlights the team’s character. It also demonstrates the players’ commitment to the game and their hunger for success. Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the players’ dedication, which he believes grows stronger with each passing day.
Set-Piece Specialists
The winning goal came from a set-piece, showcasing Arsenal’s proficiency in dead-ball situations. Since the start of last season, Arsenal has scored more goals from set-pieces than any other team in the Premier League, with a total of 24 goals. This success can be attributed in part to the work of set-piece specialist coach Nicolas Jover.
Arteta credited Jover and the rest of the coaching staff for injecting belief into the team, emphasizing that there are multiple ways to win matches. The manager highlighted the impact of Jover’s expertise and commended him for his contribution to Arsenal’s set-piece success.
Looking Ahead
The victory against Tottenham marked the beginning of a challenging week for Arsenal. They are set to face Atalanta in their Champions League opener on Thursday, followed by an away match against defending champions Manchester City on Sunday. These fixtures will test the team’s mettle and determination.
Arteta acknowledged the tough schedule ahead but expressed confidence in his players. He believes that the victory against Tottenham has already instilled belief and energy in the team. Arsenal has a track record of winning important matches, and this recent success will serve as a source of motivation and inspiration.
Conclusion
Despite facing several setbacks, Arsenal’s victory against Tottenham is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. Mikel Arteta’s ability to lead the team through challenging circumstances has been crucial in their success. The team’s proficiency in set-pieces and their willingness to do whatever it takes to win further demonstrate their determination and hunger for success.
As Arsenal looks ahead to a tough week of fixtures, their recent victory will provide them with belief and energy. The team’s ability to overcome obstacles and win in difficult situations will be essential as they navigate these upcoming challenges. With the guidance of Arteta and the support of their coaching staff, Arsenal is poised to continue their winning streak and make a strong statement in the Premier League and Champions League.