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Tag: arteta

  • Arteta admits Arsenal was stung by a virus before bashing Brentford 3-1

    Arteta admits Arsenal was stung by a virus before bashing Brentford 3-1

    Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal’s preparations for their 3-1 win at Brentford were hampered by a virus that stung his squad.

    Several of Arsenal’s stars were struck down by the illness on the eve of the crucial Premier League clash on Wednesday.

    German forward Kai Havertz was sent home with the bug, while England midfielder Declan Rice was only able to come off the bench in the second half.

    Martin Odegaard reportedly struggled with the virus ahead of kick-off and although he was able to start, the Arsenal captain made a mistake that led to Bryan Mbeumo’s opener and was replaced in the second half.

    But the Gunners recovered impressively at the Gtech Community Stadium as they ignored the illness outbreak to climb back into the title race.

    Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli ensured Arsenal would not be derailed.

    “It affected players on the pitch and off the pitch,” Arteta said after second-placed Arsenal moved within six points of leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

    “It is nothing serious. But it wasn’t the ideal situation. In relation to the symptoms, with Kai it was obvious. He wasn’t feeling well at all. He had very clear symptoms so stay away from it, put him in a car, and go back to London.

    These things happen. In this period, there are always things thrown at you, infections, viruses, so I try to delay the line-up as late as possible because you can get up in the morning and unfortunately have a surprise like this.”

    Arteta is hopeful the virus will have abated for his side’s trip to Brighton on Saturday.

  • Nwaneri, Porter proved they can be trusted – Arteta

    Nwaneri, Porter proved they can be trusted – Arteta

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his young players are earning their senior place on merit.

    Ethan Nwaneri, 17, scored twice in last night’s Carabao Cup win against Bolton Wanderers, with 16 year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter between the posts.

    Arteta said: “It’s much better when they earn it and they’re here for the right reasons and they’ve done it.

    “They did it by proving they could compete at this level in pre-season and that’s why today we trust them to get the job done.

    “They need to see the door is open, the possibility is there. It’s achievable and hopefully that message gets across. Big credit to everyone involved in the academy. They contributed and gave us these players in the manner that they are, so I think a positive night for the team as well.”

  • Arteta reacts to Raya’s Champions League performance

    Arteta reacts to Raya’s Champions League performance

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lavished praise on goalkeeper David Raya last night.

    The shot stopper ensured that the Gunners did not lose to Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday.

    Despite a poor overall display, Arsenal got a 0-0 draw thanks to Raya’s double stop from the penalty spot and thereafter.

    Arteta stated post-game: “We started the game really well. I think in the first 20-25 minutes we were really dominant against a man-to-man team which is very very specific and difficult to play against. I think we read the game really well and were on top of the game.

    “Suddenly we started to be very very inconsistent with the ball. We started to give every ball away, very simple balls, and we lost control of the game. We didn’t suffer defensively at all, but in one action we conceded a penalty and we needed two of the best saves that I’ve seen in my career from David to stay in the game.

    “The work with the goalkeeping coach, Inaki (Cana), he knew (which way to go) and they did the job and the execution of that first one was unbelievable. But the second one, I thought the ball was in so it was really similar to the Villa one.

    “We signed him when he was already exceptional, but then you have to do it at this level and especially in the context of when he came in, it wasn’t easy at all, but he’s showing the kind of person he is and his role as a leader in the team. That’s very important.”

  • EPL: Arteta upbeat on Odegaard injury scan

    EPL: Arteta upbeat on Odegaard injury scan

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was not too pessimistic regarding star midfielder Martin Odegaard.

    The Gunners were rocked when Odegaard suffered an ankle injury on international duty.

    While he may be out for a few weeks, Arteta admits that Odegaard is pushing to return soon.

    He told reporters: “We need some more tests. Let’s see what happens in the next day or so. This afternoon probably. Let’s see the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back. Martin wants to be here every day but we have to wait and see.

    “I leave that to the doctor. He’s willing and he wants to be present in every game. We need to make sure we know first how good he is or not.

    “Players with 48 hours are always available. Let’s see what happens.”

  • EPL: Arteta ‘amazed’ at Rice dismissal in Brighton draw

    EPL: Arteta ‘amazed’ at Rice dismissal in Brighton draw

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was “amazed” to see Declan Rice sent off in his side’s 1-1 draw against Brighton after “inconsistency” from referee Chris Kavanagh.

    Having already been booked for an earlier foul on Brighton’s Joel Veltman, England midfielder Rice received a second yellow card four minutes into the second half for kicking the ball away as the Dutch defender tried to take a free-kick.

    Nine minutes later Joao Pedro equalised a Kai Havertz opener to continue Brighton’s unbeaten start to the season and end Arsenal’s 100% record.

    “I was amazed,” said Arteta. “Amazed, amazed, amazed because of how inconsistent decisions can be. In the first half, there are two incidents and nothing happens.

    “Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan [on the back of his leg], he turns around, he doesn’t see the player coming and he touches the ball.

    “By law, he can make that call, but then by law he needs to make the next call, which is a red card so we play 10vs10. This is what amazed me. At this level it’s amazing.”

    The match swung in Brighton’s favour after Arsenal went down to 10 men and the Seagulls had 19 shots to three and an expected goal statistic of 1.9.

    Arteta believed his side “deserved to win the game” and that Brighton forward Pedro should have been booked for a kicking the ball away once the whistle went in the first half.

    But visiting boss Fabian Hurzeler said you cannot compare the incidents and Rice deserved to be sent off.

    “For me, clear red card,” he added. “He shoots the ball away, it’s wasting time.

    “You can’t compare the two situations. The first with Joao it is clear it is a free-kick and a static situation. The other one is much more like a dynamic situation.

    “Please never compare these situations, because in football two situations never are the same so we can’t compare these situations.”

    BBC

  • Mikel Arteta calls for more signings at Arsenal

    Mikel Arteta calls for more signings at Arsenal

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits he wants to see more signings arrive in the final week of the summer market.

    Mikel Merino is due to arrive from Real Sociedad.

    And after victory at Aston Villa, Arteta said: “We are a little bit short.

    “Iif we can do something we will do it.

    “We need good availability from everybody, we don’t have 23 outfield players and normally you have to be equipped like that.”

  • I speak to Mikel Arteta sometimes – Wenger

    I speak to Mikel Arteta sometimes – Wenger

    Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has opened up about the club’s current manager, Mikel Arteta.

    Wenger has always been keeping an eye on his old club as they moved up the Premier League table in recent years.

    While they have not won a trophy in a few seasons, Wenger is impressed by Arteta’s work and the fact they nearly pipped Manchester City to the Premier League title last term.

    “I speak to Mikel sometimes,” Wenger stated to the Daily Mail about his former player in an interview at the Olympic Gala Of Champions.

    “I believe in life, you have to do as well as you can and give it all when you are somewhere in a place and after, when it’s finished, take a distance and let other people move.

    “And that’s what I do. And I think you want to leave the place well in a good position where you can do, continue to do well and do even better. And that’s all you can do.”

  • Mikel Arteta explains sale of Arsenal midfielder

    Mikel Arteta explains sale of Arsenal midfielder

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting Edu have explained a recent sale.

    The Gunners have parted company with academy graduate and fan favorite Emile Smith Rowe.

    The Englishman has left on a permanent deal to go and sign for fellow London club Fulham.

    “Emile’s commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him,” Arteta said as quoted by Arsenal’s official website.

    “He came into the first team and was instrumental during a difficult moment for us. He created an important impression, with his strong performances making our supporters proud.

    “I’m sad that Emile is leaving us, but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly. Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham.”

    Sporting Director Edu added: “Emile is loved by us all at the club. He has been with us for many years, and we are so proud that he has developed through our Academy system into our first team. It has been a positive collaboration to find the right place for Emile, where he will continue to grow and make his mark on the Premier League.

    “We have completed an important and positive deal for everyone. We thank Emile for everything he gave to Arsenal and we wish him well in the next stage of his career.”

  • I really thought Son would score against City – Arteta

    I really thought Son would score against City – Arteta

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits he really thought Tottenham captain Heung-min Son would score against Manchester City.

    Son was denied by City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega with a one-on-one chance, before the visitors won 2-0 in midweek.

    Arteta said: “My kids running around the table and going like this [head in hands]. You can imagine. That is magic as well, to have the opportunity to be living it, next to your family and next to your colleagues. Being part of that.”

    He added: “If I had to pick a player in the Premier League for that moment, it probably would be him. Michael Jordan explained it many times, how many times he had the winning shot. It was always him. Sometimes yes, sometimes he did not manage to do it. This is the beauty of sport, as well. What can you do?

    “The hope was there and it didn’t happen. Now we have to do our job which is going to be tough because Everton are in a good moment. It’s one of the biggest weeks for sure for many of us. Certainly now is the most important moment. Can’t wait for Sunday to be in front of us. Very optimistic for the possible outcome.

    “So we have to prove again that we can be better than the opponent and win the game. We have to wish for the best and wish for West Ham to have a really good day and help us to fulfil our dream.”

  • Why I was insistent on Raya deal – Mikel Arteta

    Why I was insistent on Raya deal – Mikel Arteta

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits he’s delighted with David Raya’s impact this season.

    The goalkeeper has spent the campaign on-loan at Arsenal from Brentford and will be signed permanently this summer.

    Arteta told ESPN Brasil: “We wanted to improve in this role, bring other qualities to the goalkeeper role.

    “If you want to improve you have to raise your level and make a decision!”

    Raya kept another clean sheet for Sunday’s win at Manchester United.