“I think we dominated them, we were the better team in many phases and situations” : Was Mikel Arteta ‘furious’ over the draw at Stamford Bridge?
Just when we thought the Gunners could come back to the title race after Manchester City’s surprising drought, fellow North London club Chelsea was there to stop the fun for Mikel Arteta and co.
After a rather unconvincing yet very open 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal sit fourth in the points table, as the first position seems too far fetched to even think about right now, considering the form Liverpool have been in. Drastic changes are yet to be seen, but the Spainard needs to sort things out quickly in order to stay alive even in the top four, as Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, Newcastle and Aston Villa are literally breathing down their necks.
Speaking of the Spainard, reports have widely suggested that he was ‘furious’ and highly ‘disappointed’ with his players after the draw, but that does not seem to be the case at all.
“I’m very proud of the team with how they reacted” : Mikel Arteta’s words say otherwise
Speaking to Sky Sports after the draw, Mikel Arteta was obviously disappointed, even a bit frustrated perhaps, which makes sense especially after the close call which would have sealed them the win at the final minutes of the game. But it is quite incorrect to say that the Spaniard was in any way ‘angry’.
“I think we dominated them, we were the better team in many phases and situations in the game and after going ahead, very disappointed in the way we conceded. It was so poor. It is not our standards and we don’t accept,” said Arteta.
The Spainard also suggested that the team needs to stop being so disorientated and try to think quickly and effectively to move the ball forward, but not before saying how proud he was of the whole team’s efforts, completely nullifying the reports that state that he was ‘angry’.
“Really proud, but at the end we are here to get the three points and we didn’t. It is a second phase set piece and we were disorganised. We don’t reorganise quick enough and you can’t allow the pass that way.” said the 42-year-old.
“You need the quality of Neto to do it but our standards were not good enough. They are all disappointed as a team. I’m very proud of the team with how they reacted. We wanted the three points and we didn’t get them.” the Spaniard added.
Regardless of how the media has portrayed him, Arteta did also add some good points, addressing that a big change is needed in order to come back to winning ways and a plan is in the process.
“You could see everything was flowing but again it is about winning. We have a clear vision how we can evolve the team. What we find out is that we have to change something big because we have problem after problem. But this team is able to adapt. My biggest fear is physically to get players at their best for 90 minutes. With that I’m fully confident we will have a good season.” Arteta explained.
Luckily for the Spaniard, the international break has arrived right on time for him and his staff to ready the players for a massive title charge come December.
