Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta has delivered his full post-match response after the Gunners had been held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The fiercely contested derby swung dramatically late within the first half when Moisés Caicedo acquired a purple card for a heavy sort out on Mikel Merino, however regardless of the person benefit, Arsenal had been unable to take all three factors.
Softfootball earlier reported that centre-back Gabriel Magalhães picked up an harm whereas on worldwide obligation with Brazil, leaving supporters annoyed through the break. Hours earlier than kick-off towards Chelsea, Arsenal suffered one other setback as William Saliba additionally sustained a minor harm, ruling each beginning centre-backs out of this significant conflict at Stamford Bridge. Their absence compelled important reshuffling inside the defensive setup.
In an announcement shared through the membership’s official X deal with, Arteta opened his post-match remarks by describing the bodily and emotional depth of the derby saying;
To begin with, I believe it was a correct London derby. It was actually tense, and you might sense from the start that each duel, each motion, has one thing on it. Two groups very prepared to win, and never a lot soccer. Plenty of stops, free-kicks, yellow playing cards, so not quite a lot of fluidity. However clearly after the sending-off of [Moises] Caicedo, we wished to settle the sport. We didn’t handle to do this – we had 4 extra yellow playing cards, and people gamers had been clearly focused with a purpose to even the sport when it comes to numbers. And at half-time we stated, let’s push it now, get what we have now to do, and we had been very clear on our intention and the way we had been going to dominate the sport within the first motion. Lengthy ball, free-kick, nook, and we concede from a set-piece. So then, the momentum shifted, and in the end the staff should react to that. We managed to get some good spells with out having an excessive amount of momentum and we rating an awesome purpose, and after that, we had two or three large probabilities however lacked sure element, particularly within the method we attacked, and particularly in sure positions, Robert [Sanchez] had the ball in his fingers.
The Arsenal boss admitted the demanding fixture schedule could have performed a job within the staff’s efficiency ranges, he stated;
We performed each two-and-a-half days, so we had one much less day than Chelsea to organize, and on high of that, we misplaced gamers. However that is the schedule – now we’re going to should play Wednesday, for certain. It drives you on, there was quite a bit at stake and we had two very intense matches. However, that’s the fantastic thing about it as effectively. Not many groups have the chance to play the video games we have now performed this week, and I’m extraordinarily pleased with the staff.
Regardless of the frustration of dropping factors, Arteta insisted there have been positives to take from the efficiency, he acknowledged;
That’s the sensation that we have now, and the requirements that we set to ourselves. In all probability it’s due to the spirit, the starvation and the way a lot they need it, that it’s so unbelievable we’ll overcome the whole lot. So many issues have occurred, however we have now to organize very effectively for Wednesday, and attempt to be higher than Brentford.
He then addressed how the last-minute accidents to Saliba and Gabriel affected the staff’s recreation plan and preparation.
It’s been a headache, as a result of we’ve needed to have quite a lot of choices and adjustments over the previous few months for various causes. That one may be very surprising and it occurred yesterday, however the fantastic thing about it’s that you’ve gamers so prepared to play, so prepared to attach with one another, and it makes their relationship even higher. So, it was an awesome match for all of us, and it provides you the reassurance that whoever is there may be going to carry out.
Arteta additionally famous how squad depth continues to be examined because the season progresses, he acknowledged;
To be honest, [our depth] has been examined since pre-season, as a result of we misplaced six or seven gamers consistently out of the squad. However I’ve no doubts with the squad we have now and the mentality each participant has.
Concerning the situation of his centre-backs, Arteta supplied restricted updates whereas confirming additional assessments are underway, he stated;
I don’t know. I believe [Wilo] has one other check tomorrow to see the extent of that feeling, that sensation that he had, then we’ll know extra. With Gabi, there are nonetheless some weeks to go.
To shut out the night, Arsenal will now shift focus to making ready for an additional intense outing in midweek, with Arteta stressing the necessity for effectivity, restoration and tactical precision forward of their subsequent Premier League task. The supervisor believes the resilience proven at Stamford Bridge will function a platform for enchancment because the staff navigates a difficult stretch of the season.
