It may have been the words of Mikel Arteta following Arsenal’s only defeat of the Premier League season so far that in turn inspired this remarkable Gunners run.
The Spaniard’s side sole league defeat this term came at the home of Manchester United, who ran out 3-1 winners but know that the scoreline flattered them back on that September day at Old Trafford. A second-half brace from Marcus Rashford resigned the Gunners to their fate, but Arsenal dominated proceedings for the overwhelming majority of the clash.
However, the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard and even goal-scorer Bukayo Saka were wasteful in front of goal and as a result were duly punished by the more clinical side on the day in Erik ten Hag’s United.
Casting minds back four months ago, in the aftermath of that contest Arteta spoke openly and honestly about where he felt his side went wrong as he publicly bemoaned the fact Arsenal weren’t as ruthless as he demands.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, the Gunners boss explained: “The game was there for the taking. We haven’t won it because we lacked some discipline in some moments and we weren’t ruthless enough in front of goal.
“If we play with more courage we win the game. It is a big lesson – if you want to win here you have to do everything so right.”
(
Michael Regan/Getty Images)
HAVE YOUR SAY! Did Arteta’s comments following the last defeat by United inspire Arsenal’s fine form? Comment below
Perhaps the defeat against the Red Devils earlier this term stung a little bit more than usual, but Arsenal’s players have followed the instructions of their manager from that afternoon perfectly and are reaping the rewards.
Arteta called on his side to become more ruthless in front of goal and they have certainly listened, boasting the second best goal difference in the league having played a game less than the side with the best in Manchester City.
He urged them to become more disciplined and Arsenal have not received a single red card this season, while from a tactical sense have looked more structurally sound defensively than they have done for many years prior.
Arteta demanded more courage and the table along suggests he got what he was asking from his players there. This is an Arsenal side no longer afraid of a meeting with big-six opposition whether it be away or at home.
Since that loss against the Red Devils, Arsenal have welcomed Tottenham and Liverpool to the Emirates and taken maximum points, while also beating both Spurs and Chelsea on their travels.
Avenging the United defeat though by toppling Ten Hag’s troops at the Emirates on Sunday though, would arguably be the biggest statement possible as Arsenal try to take one step closer to a trophy that has eluded them for so long.
