Arsenal’s first four games when football returns will be away from home and Mikel Arteta is hoping the lack of home support will play to his side’s advantage.
The Gunners currently sit in ninth place in the table and need all the help they can get if they are to close the gap on the top four and secure European qualification come the end of the season.
After a three month hiatus, the squad travels to Manchester City on Wednesday and then faces Brighton, Southampton and a cup quarterfinal with Sheffield United in quick succession.
Speaking to ex-Gunner Alan Smith on Sky Sports, Arteta said: “I hope it is (an advantage). We’ve good a good thing to measure against in the Bundesliga at the moment.
“It’s going to help. Football is passion and energy and when you lose that, things balance much more in my opinion. But I know how strong they are and what they are able to do if they are all switched on on the day. We need to be really well prepared to go there and try to win the game.”
Aside from Calum Chambers who remains out with an ACL injury, Arsenal have a near-clean bill of health. It’s a state of affairs that Arteta admits is a bonus.
“Absolutely, they have been looking after themselves really, really well during that period [in lockdown],” he said.
“Some live in apartments, some live in big houses and we’ve tried to fulfil [their needs] despite the limitations. Overall, it’s been a really good experience, trying to get to know each other.”
Something about Arteta (maybe his charisma or aura) that makes you feel he’s one of us and connected whenever there’s an interview.
COYG.
Can’t wait for the football to return now! (Though I had mixed sentiments about the pandemic against the football millions, I think we can do with some entertainment after a solid 3 months of boredom)
Could have been worse…. what if it was 3 months of international friendlies (interlull) !
Hopefully, it all works out to our advantage *fingers crossed*
Game at City is a really interesting start back, thinking back to last game against City at Emirates, Arteta’ Body language was one of disbelief, of how bad we were. I don’t expect to much in terms of points, but our attitude is going to be so focused, I believe we can give them a proper game. I keep thinking City have got very little to play for, league gone and maybe banned from Europe. Let’s really enjoy watching the boys give it a good go.
Any idea what’s up with Xhaka? He seemed to be a sub at the Charlton game and did not feature against Brentford.
He’s a sure member of our team
He was probably getting his belly button pierced, so they decided to rest him.