The longed-for breakthrough did not materialize, and the English league race is gradually taking place without Arsenal. Coach Mikel Arteta was clear after the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
It’s obviously annoying for Arsenal when Manchester City lose four games in a row, but you can’t take advantage of it when you’ve only played four league games without a win. It’s even more annoying from the Gunners’ point of view when their big rival of the past two seasons is possibly not the team to beat in the Premier League right now.
While City and Arsenal are stumbling, Liverpool FC are doing extremely well in the first year since Jürgen Klopp. Because the Reds won again while the Gunners could only manage a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the city derby, Arne Slot’s team have already opened up a nine-point gap on their London rivals. No wonder Mikel Arteta is getting restless.
“You have to show that you really want it”
In view of the missed escape before the international break, which also meant that Arsenal have now already conceded eight points after taking the lead, the head coach publicly took his players to task. With clear words: “When the going gets tough, you have to show your teeth – and show that you really want it.” Harsh criticism from the Spaniard, who has not been able to win a Premier League away game with his team since mid-September.
“When everything is like Disneyland, when everyone tells you how beautiful you are, then it’s easy,” Arteta continued. ‘But when it’s dark and difficult, when you’re being questioned, then I want to see the people. That’s when I look around carefully. Who’s going to lead?’
Key players like Bukayo Saka or Declan Rice were no longer able to do that in the final phase against Chelsea, instead leaving the field battered. Arteta also had to deal with the physical condition of his charges, which is why he is turning to his faith: “I have already prayed that all players will remain injury-free during the international break.”
Two months ago, Martin Ödegaard, who only returned to the pitch this week, was injured while playing for the Norwegian national team. Despite his assist for Gabriel Martinelli, he was unable to prevent Arsenal from falling back to fourth place at Stamford Bridge. Just one point ahead of ninth-placed Aston Villa.
