After Arsenal’s Champions League first-leg defeat to Porto, Mikel Arteta emphasized the need for his team to become more “tricky” and “streetwise” in certain situations. He mentioned that the ball was only in play for around 50 minutes during the match, indicating that Porto’s tactics had unsettled his team. Declan Rice also echoed the sentiment by urging his teammates to show more “savviness” in future games. Arteta highlighted the importance of players being smart and taking advantage of every situation on the pitch. He acknowledged that developing these qualities is crucial for success, as the best players possess these traits.
Arsenal has been putting up impressive performances in the league, scoring 21 goals and conceding just two in 2024. The team has secured five consecutive victories, bringing them closer to the top of the Premier League table. A win against Newcastle would narrow the gap between Arsenal and league leaders Liverpool. Despite their strong form, Arteta believes that his team is seen as outsiders in the title race. He expressed excitement about being in contention for the league title and emphasized the importance of maintaining their position in the Champions League.
In December, Arteta was cleared of a charge by the Football Association for his criticism of officials during Arsenal’s match against Newcastle. He had described the VAR decision that led to Newcastle’s winning goal as “a disgrace.” However, Arteta noted that refereeing decisions have improved since then. He emphasized the importance of expressing his opinions within the boundaries of the law and accountability. Arteta’s straightforward approach to addressing refereeing decisions reflects his commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in the game.
Arteta provided updates on the fitness of key players, indicating that Thomas Partey is “very close” to returning from injury. Additionally, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko may also be fit enough to be included in the squad for the upcoming match against Newcastle. The potential return of these players could provide a boost to Arsenal’s squad depth and tactical options. As Arteta focuses on building a competitive team, the availability of key players becomes essential for maintaining consistency and performance levels.
Arteta’s emphasis on developing tricky and streetwise players, maintaining consistency in form, addressing refereeing decisions, and managing the squad’s fitness reflects his commitment to improving Arsenal’s game strategy. By addressing these areas effectively, Arteta aims to elevate Arsenal’s performance and competitiveness in both domestic and international competitions. The critical analysis of these aspects highlights the continuous strive for excellence and success within the club.