Last Updated:
When asked about what the North London side could do to turn their fortunes around, Arteta exclaimed that there was no substiture for hard work and victory.
Mikel Arteta reacting to a missed chance on goal during Arsenal’s PL clash vs Chelsea (X)
It’s been a frustrating stretch for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who have been misfiring in the Premier League, and the Spaniard believes that it’s about time that Arsenal ‘show their teeth’ and begin to play with more panache.
Arsenal’s three-game winless streak was extended to four last night as Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea fought it out to claim a gritty 1-1 draw.
Arteta’s hopes of competiting for the Premier League seems to be fading away early as the fourht-placed Gunners already trail league leaders Liverpool by nine points.
When asked about what the North London side could do to turn their fortunes around, Arteta exclaimed that there was no substiture for hard work and victory.
“Win, win and win. That is what we have to do. There is nothing we can change about our position right now,” stated Arteta at a post-match presser.
“When it gets nasty, show your teeth and show how much you want it. When you are in Disneyland, everything is beautiful and everyone is nice to you. When it gets dark and difficult, that is the time to show your courage.”
Lady Luck has not favoured Arteta has well, whose side has been hampered by injuries to Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka among others, with a rash of red cards also unsettling his side early in the season.
A faint promise of better times to come arrived though in the form of club captain Martin Odegaard, who finally returned from the ankle problem that kept him out of Arteta’s starting line-up since August 31,
“I am just going to pray that after the international break I have all my players available,” he said.
“It has been an absolute nightmare for eight weeks. Issue after issue with players not being able to play and train in certain moments.
“Physically and mentally, to be connected with the team in that way was incredible for Martin today.”
After the international break, Arsenal will next take on a fiery Nottingham Forest side, who are hot on the Gunners’ heels at fifth place, tied with the North London Reds at 19 points in the Premier League table.
