Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has emphasized the importance of his team mastering the art of being “tricky” and “streetwise” in certain game situations. Following their Champions League first-leg loss to Porto, Arteta highlighted the need for his players to exhibit more cunning on the field. This call for greater savvy comes after statistics revealed that the ball was in play for only around 50 minutes during the match, indicating Porto’s tactics were effective in disrupting Arsenal’s gameplay. Declan Rice echoed Arteta’s sentiments, urging his teammates to display more astuteness in future games.
When questioned about whether his players are capable of adopting a more aggressive approach on the pitch, Arteta responded by emphasizing the importance of being smart and seizing opportunities. He noted that becoming more “streetwise” is a skill that needs to be cultivated by the players, citing that the best players possess this quality. Arteta’s focus on tactical awareness and strategic play suggests a shift towards a more sophisticated style of football at Arsenal.
Arsenal’s Premier League Aspirations
Despite their recent success in the league, with an impressive goal-scoring record and a string of victories, Arteta feels that Arsenal is still perceived as underdogs in the race for the Premier League title. A potential win against Newcastle could bring them within touching distance of league leaders Liverpool. While there is internal excitement within the team, Arteta acknowledges that external expectations may differ, with Liverpool and Manchester City being viewed as the frontrunners for the title. This underlines the need for Arsenal to continue performing at a high level to prove their worth as contenders.
Reflecting on past controversies regarding refereeing decisions, Arteta highlighted the improvements in officiating since his public criticisms. He was previously cleared of charges for comments made about a VAR decision in a match against Newcastle. Arteta’s outspokenness on the issue has led to a noticeable enhancement in the accuracy of refereeing decisions, with a majority of calls now being deemed correct. While he stood by his initial comments, Arteta expressed satisfaction with the progress made in this area.
In terms of player fitness, Arteta provided updates on key players, revealing that Thomas Partey is nearing a return from injury. Additionally, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are on track to potentially join the squad for the upcoming match against Newcastle. The potential return of these players could strengthen Arsenal’s lineup and provide Arteta with more options for team selection.
Arteta’s emphasis on developing “tricky” and “streetwise” tactics at Arsenal signifies a shift towards a more strategic approach to gameplay. With a focus on enhancing player awareness and seizing opportunities on the field, Arteta is leading Arsenal towards a more calculated and sophisticated style of football. As they continue to chase success in the Premier League, Arteta’s guidance and the team’s commitment to tactical growth will be vital in their pursuit of glory.
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