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By Martin Graham | sixteenth Sep 2024

Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta admitted to sleepless nights after dropping key gamers forward of the north London derby, however expressed delight in his workforce’s means to grind out a hard-fought win over Tottenham. The Gunners, lacking a number of essential squad members, managed to safe a 1-0 victory due to Gabriel’s header, maintaining them within the chase behind Premier League leaders Manchester Metropolis.

Harm setbacks for Arsenal

Arteta revealed the difficulties his workforce confronted going into the derby, dropping each captain Martin Odegaard and defender Riccardo Calafiori to accidents sustained whereas on worldwide obligation. Their absence was compounded by the suspension of Declan Rice, which compelled Arteta to rethink his technique within the days main as much as the sport. “We ready for 5 days, then abruptly we misplaced two key gamers,” Arteta defined. “I didn’t sleep a lot, however the workforce needed to modify.”

Regardless of these challenges, Arteta praised his gamers for his or her resilience. “There have been no excuses, no complaints. The squad confirmed nice dedication, and generally, you must embrace the much less glamorous features of soccer to win.”

Successful by means of set-pieces

The decisive second got here from a well-executed nook, as Gabriel discovered the again of the web, persevering with Arsenal’s dominance in set-piece conditions. For the reason that begin of final season, no Premier League workforce has scored extra targets from dead-ball conditions, with Arsenal netting 24 targets from set-pieces.

A lot of that success could be credited to Nicolas Jover, the membership’s set-piece coach, who joined from Manchester Metropolis in 2021. Arteta acknowledged Jover’s affect, saying, “I made the choice to carry him on board at each Metropolis and Arsenal. He, together with the remainder of the employees, has instilled the idea that set-pieces could be decisive, and this recreation was proof of that.”

Arsenal’s rising starvation

Arteta emphasised his satisfaction with the workforce’s rising dedication, particularly in tough circumstances. “Daily, I see the starvation within the gamers rising. They love the sport and perceive that generally, you must win by doing the powerful, gritty issues,” Arteta mentioned. The victory retains Arsenal inside putting distance of Manchester Metropolis, with the Gunners demonstrating their means to adapt and succeed, even when key gamers are lacking.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author