Arsenal managed to get their season back on track in just a few weeks after their disastrous defeat to Manchester City, and Mikel Arteta has revealed how the Gunners did it.
Declan Rice celebrates with Mikel Arteta (Image: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta knew that even though Arsenal were at rock bottom, they had the determination and grit to turn their season around. Gunners midfielder Declan Rice said on television after Arsenal’s disastrous defeat to Manchester City last month: “It’s not over yet.”
As a result, Arsenal’s season is on the brink of despair, with three days to go they will be out of the lead in the title race and suddenly face the possibility of their season ending empty-handed.
However, the reaction was amazing and proved to be a real game changer as they won two consecutive games against Newcastle and Fulham and also reached the Champions League final.
It could be Arsenal who put title rivals Manchester City under pressure again and win the two biggest trophies of what will be an unforgettable season.
After defeating Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, it’s no surprise that Arsenal go into Sunday’s big game against West Ham in a completely different mood, but still on a high.
read more: Mikel Arteta retracts West Ham ‘no chance’ statement, Arsenal double injury updateread more: John Terry criticizes Arsenal star for celebrating too much again after Champions League win
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Arteta remembers that clip from the Etihad, and he says it was the message that got across the dressing room and was the basis for their success.
Gunners boss Arteta said: “I think that was the beginning of a statement. I don’t think it’s over yet and we’re confident that we can get through it. That’s what they felt in the dressing room, needless to say, but I felt it right away.”
“All that remains for us is to perform at the highest level on Sunday and win that group. If we can do that, we will get even closer and that is our only focus.”
“Over the last three or four seasons we have shown what we are capable of in terms of performance and consistency, but now it is important that we perform in the most important moments.
Declan Rice devastated after Arsenal vs. Man City defeat (Image: Getty Images)
“I think we’re in a really good time. You can feel the energy the night after the game. We feel every day how much we want it here and those are very, very positive factors and we’ve got to take advantage of them to go out there on Sunday and win the game.”
Arsenal are in very good form at the moment and although Arteta insists they are out of form, they are determined to get the job done. Asked if he had ever seen his players so motivated, Arteta said:
“I think we talked about how we handled this situation three or four months ago and that’s exactly what happened. The players have responded very well to it and are coming into the game knowing the importance of the game. What drives the team and really pushes it is an incredible will to win.”
“I think we’ve got to channel that energy in the right direction. I think it’s also very, very strong. I think they’re confident, I think they’re confident, and they’re really looking forward to playing on Sunday. That’s probably the best part of this game.”
Rice’s message to his teammates after the game went viral (Image: Getty Images)
“We have to stay here, live in the moment, prepare and show the same level of energy, hunger and drive that we’ve shown all season, if not more, because like you said, we’re getting closer and closer and everything we do now will be important in whether we win or not.”
Arteta admitted there are no new injury concerns for Arsenal after Atletico’s win, but Mikel Merino and Julian Timber face a race against time to play again this season.
Arteta added: “They don’t have a chance at the weekend. I don’t know beyond that, but there’s still quite a bit of work to do, so if we want to have any chance of playing, everything has to happen very smoothly and quickly.”
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