Ambitious Mikel Arteta concurs with Arsenal crisis theory
Mikel Arteta says he knows that pressure comes with the territory at Arsenal and believes it is correct that every setback is viewed as a crisis at The Emirates.
After three straight Premier League defeats, without scoring, alarm bells were ringing earlier this month.
Pressure was starting to build on 39-year-old Arteta with some outlets claiming the club were looking at potential replacements.
Since then though Arsenal’s form has taken an upturn with four straight victories in all competitions.
That has led to the mood around the club to be significantly lifted.
And Arteta says he welcomes the pressure to constantly deliver the required performances ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brighton.
“I think that feeling is very necessary at a big club because every defeat is a crisis and it should be a crisis, and you have to deal with that pressure,” Arteta said.
“If you want to be the best you have to cope with that and realise that excellence is the only way and the only thing that is expected. Anything else isn’t good enough.
“It is the history we have. We have a great history because we have that competitive edge.
“We have that mentality as well and that willingness to look further and have that ambition. To achieve that you need to be able to deal with that.”
Despite the euphoria of a return to form in recent weeks, capped by a dominant display over their rivals, Arteta expects everyone to be fully switched on to the job in hand at the Amex on Saturday against a team riding high in sixth and just a point off the top.
“We should enjoy it for a little while. Now put that game aside and all our focus should be now on Brighton,” the Arsenal boss said.
“We have experienced a beautiful day with our people, and want another one at Brighton.
“The best way to do it is just to focus on that game, and there were things we should improve as well.”
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Xhaka’s ‘mentality is top’
Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka, accidentally caught by Lucas Moura has been ruled out for three months. The Spurs forward had been challenged by Thomas Partey and ended up catching Xhaka, who could now not be back in action until next year, although it is hoped the midfielder will not need surgery.
“He has already had a couple of incidents this season with Covid and the suspension and now a long-term injury,” Arteta said.
“It is a significant injury, but he probably escaped an even worse injury in that action.
“He is a strong man and will use this time to focus on other things.
“He is a big player for us. Someone who is really important for us and will be missed, but other players have to step in.”
Arteta added: “His mentality is top. He knows what he needs to do now, hopefully he can escape surgery, which is really important.
“After that, it is just preparing himself in the best possible way, because time flies.”
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