Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his side’s resilience following Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Aston Villa but he admits his players have to get better at taking their chances if they are to avoid more nerve-jangling finales.
Relieved to take the three points, he also underlined just how serious his players are about securing a top four finish that would qualify them for the Champions League for the first time since 2017.
Here’s what the Spaniard had to say when he faced the BT Sport cameras…
On the win and performance…
Yes, we talked before the game that we have to be sharp and we have to be physically and we have to be very clever in what we want to do because we expected them to come at us in the first few minutes. We controlled the game, we totally controlled it, we scored the first one, the issue is that we didn’t score the second or the third one. That’s the difference, when you didn’t do that then obviously you’re going to have to dig deep in the last few minutes.
On needing to score more…
Absolutely and that’s where we have to take the team. In the last 20 to 25 metres, in the opponent’s box, when we have those chances, we have to put them in the net. In the Premier League, you cannot dominate 96 minutes, it’s impossible. But I’m really pleased, the spirit, the quality, the understanding of the game, how we competed in every phase of the play. I’m really proud of the boys.
On being able to sustain the effort to the end given this week’s schedule…
We did and a lot of players that have niggles wanted really to be here. We lost Aaron and we lost Martinelli this week, I’m so pleased for Bernd who has been through a tough time not playing the minutes that he’s used to in his career, for Emile as well, who has had niggles and was sick, he had Covid and he managed to play 90 minutes [for the first time] in a long time and the way he did it. It’s the way the boys prepare.
On his young side showing character…
A lot of character, a lot of intelligence, courage, quality and they transmit it. You see the connection they have with the fans, it’s just phenomenal to watch.
On winning games away…
If you want to be with the top teams, you have to win at home and away because the rhythm and the capacity the other teams have to win football matches is huge. We have to win and we are doing that very consistently at the moment and we need to continue to do it.
On taking a big step towards the top four…
We are there with 10 games to go. We have this feeling that we really want it and I think you can sense it, so we’re going to give it a go until the end.
Good job! Well done lads!
COYG
I was very doubtful about Arteta’s ability to navigate Project Youth II given his own inexperience. But he really is winning me over. Our first half performances against Liverpool and today were top drawer. I hope the Kroenkes understand that they have a real winner here and back him to the hilt with new signings next season
Only 10, 1-0’s to go now.
My heart won’t take 10 more 1-0 finishes but I’m prepared to test it if need be.
Fantastic win. Love our team.
I’m not a fan of villa.
Respect your comment style, no BS, functional. The Rob Holding of comments. Would up vote twice if I could.
Defends his comment box well.
Haha but I thought nobody wants top 4???
Will Arsenal qualify for the Champions League by finishing 4th if West Ham finish below them but win the Europa League?
Yes – Max is 5 per league. The “danger” was United winning the Champion’s league and West Ham winning Europa, which can no longer happen.
The bonus spot for the Europa League winner is already carved out separate from all leagues.
Yes, because Man U are out of Champions League. You can have up to 5 teams from a league in CL, so West Ham winning Europa wouldn’t affect us
Westham won’t win the Europa League. Stand easy.
With ManU out of cl 4th place cl qualification is guaranteed
Yes because we’re finishing above Chelsea anyway
We don’t only want it, we deserve it
Big win today. That’s goal number 9 from our Star Boy Saka, A massive 3points. Keep believing boys and head up high and never give up. Rest well and enjoy the victory at the national Camp and come back stronger.
Common West Ham! Please beat the sp*ds..
We all can do away from the last game week anxiety of qualifying in the Top 4.. Ideal would be to do it GW36 by beating sp*ds at their home!
I’m wondering whether spu*s loosing all three or both them and westham dropping 2 points is the most ideal result for us.
We are competing with the top 3 teams with half the squad, basically…..imagine what we’ll be like next season 👊💥
Cant forget the draiing effect that european foorball has. We have capatalised brilliantly on our situation to transform our plight as a club but we shouldnt unestimate the challange ahead. Will need to build on the foundations.
Still what a position in which to do that
Yeah, and that’s why we’ve cleared the decks so we can move quickly and incisively in the summer. We need another 5 or 6 top quality players to make an elite squad…..which is more than do-able !
Well said and well done Miki, an excellent away day plan that worked to perfection must be very satisfying for him and obviously for us, hopeful we can have no injuries to players returning from the meaningless international break, then we can go again.
Conte man . Appears he was absolutely desperate to face our under-23s back in January. Clearly doesnt rate his side to overcome us in any fair contest. None of the journos have the wit to call him out on his bullshit though.
On hindsight, I have a feeling that we should have played them then. It’s likely this match’s result could have far reaching ramifications for both teams and FA will probably schedule this game right at end of season giving them home advantage.
It could cut either way – us ensuring a st.totteringham day and champions league qualification at their ground would be absolutely cool. But it will be tough and they would have the advantage going in to that match.
Arteta starting to justify Pep’s comments when we signed him from City
So do we Arteta do do we
Who doesn’t?
Do we have to play a 2-legged qualifier for CL if we finish 4th?
no
Looking good at the moment but we can’t keep missing opportunities to finish teams off as we won’t always get away with it. It’s the only thing missing as we are playing superbly
We sense it!!! COYG!!!