Mikel Arteta expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance following a 2-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium. The Arsenal manager highlighted the dominance displayed by his players, who secured the win through a goal from Martin Odegaard and an own goal by Georginio Rutter.
Reflecting on the match, Arteta remarked, “I’m very happy with the performance, individually and collectively. We were a big threat, but the margins should have been much bigger.” Despite generating numerous chances, he noted that the game should not have ended at a 2-1 scoreline, especially given Brighton’s first shot resulted in a goal. Arteta praised the resilience of his squad in dealing with injuries, stating, “We lost Jurrien yesterday, and today Calafiori in the warm-up, but Declan stepped up to perform as a full-back.”
He noted the challenges posed by injuries but emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified team spirit. “The injuries bring us together,” Arteta said. “Players like Declan are willing to take on challenges, which is great to witness.”
Addressing the pressure of remaining competitive in the Premier League, especially with Manchester City’s success, Arteta acknowledged the need for more players to return from injury to keep the squad fresh. “Every three days is going to be a challenge, and we are up for it,” he stated.
Arteta has confidence in the quality of his team, believing that their style of play will lead to more substantial victories in the future. He acknowledged the importance of being mentally prepared for unexpected circumstances, such as injuries during warm-ups, and praised the players for their readiness to adapt quickly.
Amidst the nervous energy in the crowd, Arteta recognized it as a manifestation of a strong desire to win. He emphasized the importance of composure and taking advantage of scoring opportunities, noting that missed chances to extend their lead led to a tense finish.
The positive spin from this match is the potential for growth and learning as the team faces each challenge that arises, reinforcing the power of a winning mindset and the collective determination to succeed.