Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must find a level of consistency in the final third of the season if they are to have any chance of securing Champions League football via the Premier League.
News that Manchester City are set to be banned from European competition for two seasons because of serious breaches of Uefa’s club licensing and financial fair play regulations has opened up the possibility that a side finishing in fifth behind the reigning champions could take their place.
While it’s likely that City will appeal the ban, which could in turn see it delayed and, or reduced, the carrot of qualification is obviously appealing.
For the moment Arteta, who watched his side beat Newcastle 4-0 at the Emirates this afternoon, maintain his players should focus on themselves.
In his post-game press conference, he said: “A week ago before we went to Dubai and we drew at Burnley everything looked like it was too far and it’s going to take an incredible run to do it, but today it feels a little bit closer.
“But it’s going to depend on us and we need to improve as a team and be more consistent over 90 minutes.
“If we’re able to do that, performances will lead to much better results and if that’s the case, we will be in the mix for the last few games of the season.”
He added: “The ultimate target now is to improve as a team and win against Olympiacos on Thursday and improve on today’s performance.”
Asked if he was conflicted about Arsenal taking advantage of the punishment due to be dished out to his former club, Arteta was quick to make clear that he wishes his former club the best for the future.
“I’ve been in contact with him (Pep Guardiola),” he confirmed. “I wish the best for City, the love and admiration that I have for Pep, the staff and the players.
“I just want to wish the best for them, I know how hard they work and hopefully a positive thing can come for them.
“My first reaction was that I was shocked. Being in contact with Pep and the people at the club that I know to feel for them because I know they are suffering.
“I don’t think we know at the moment what can happen and if there is any further actions to all the clubs, I don’t know, we will have to wait and see.”
Win the next five & see where it takes us. The run after that is difficult but not impossible!!
And a phenomenal collapse by 4 or 5 other teams…just go for the Europa League instead, and if we reach the final, for fuck’s sake don’t play your no.2 goalkeeper.
Well you can usually count on the spunts to collapse
We don’t need 5 teams to collapse at all. Just for them to continue with their current form because no one is putting wins together. Let’s just win games and see what happens because chasing down a gap to 4th place (possibly 5th) is nowhere near as difficult as chasing down the team in first place
Wise words. With you there mate.
If City have nothing to play for, surely they can give us the 3 points at their place?
He’s so cool…. :hearteyes:
working hard is not only enough but team sprite is important
hmm..what a team Fanta, a team pepsi even…
what ^about a..
(goddamn mobile)
We finish 5th, Raheem Sterling joins for $15m.
Who needs sterling when we got Saka.
Okay I mean whoever’s supposedly had close relations with Arteta and wants Champions League football.
As much as I think arsenal will do better under MA, I do feel like we’re not probably going to reach absolute heights of the peak Wenger era. The whole management team top to bottom has missed a trick, in this modern day game, the amount of effect data analysis and implementation has had on the result is amazing. I was reading up an article about how in-depth data can help even the tiniest aspect of the game can turn the odds in your favour, Liverpool has done so exceedingly well at this, I do wonder however Arsenal being one… Read more »
Are you seriously suggesting that this in-depth data is what separates us from top two in PL?
Yes. Data analysis in recruitment policy, scouting, tactics, player energy levels etc will bring out the best in any team that’s willing to adopt new systems and technologies
It seems Mikel’s Saudi Arabia worked better than Unai’s paintball day.
The knock-on effect is that 8th in the league could now qualify for Europa League (if the 2 domestic cups are won by teams in the top 6).
Great Stats from Andrian Clarke:
Xhaka :105 passes 92%accuracy
Ceballos : 91 passes 96%accuracy
Ozil : 49 passes 96%accuracy
(Ozil and Ceballos each with 7 scoring chances created)
Saka : 6 succesful dribbles + 7 crosses
Pepe : 3 shots + 7 key passes
Mustafi : 9 clearances + 88% aerial duels won.
We need to win. Simple.
Chalk up the points, we need concrete signs of improvement and we are in the results business.
Doesn’t matter who it is, we need the 3 points.
Even Liverpool, they are due a beating, we should not roll over and let down the Invincibles. We need to beat them.