Arteta: ‘shaken’ Eze ‘wanted to prove something’ against Tottenham
Video credit: SNTV
However, they bounced back with a resounding victory over their rivals, thanks to two goals from Eberechi Eze and Victor Gokeres, and restored their lead to five points.
“When there is a real crisis and people are having doubts, you have to stand up,” Arteta said. “We showed what we’re made of, but then we have to show it again and again. It’s a huge roller coaster.
“I couldn’t be more proud and happy with what we saw there and especially with how we spent the last 72 hours. Looking back, it’s completely inexplicable how that game against Wolves ended in a draw. I feel angry, embarrassed and upset so I have to pick myself up.”
“It doesn’t feel like that when it’s just a job. This is our passion. That’s our purpose. We have to bring everyone together and it was a lot of fun. We said let’s love the players, but we have to do it on the pitch and we were outstanding.”
Asked when he knew his team could react like that to Wolves’ comeback, Arteta told Sky Sports: “Because right after that (result) I saw their reaction and what it meant.
“You don’t react like this when it’s your job. When it’s your passion and you love the game, it’s different. It hurts in a different way, but I know what it means to them and how much they want it. And we’re definitely going to do our best.”
“At half-time we said we’re going to keep playing and we talked about that attitude. What Declan (Rice) did today, his mistake, the way he played after that, that’s the attitude, the attitude of having character and courage and facing difficult moments.”
Meanwhile, Spurs interim head coach Igor Tudor said his team was far from the level of their opponents in his first game.
“There was a big difference between the two teams. Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world. They were too much for us at this moment with the problems we have,” Tudor said.
“Our lack of confidence was obvious. We’re very sad and angry, but in a way it’s also good to understand the situation.
“Right now, at this moment, the team is full of problems. The only key is to train daily and be humble. The silver bullet is for each of us to look in the mirror and seriously try to change our habits.”
