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Mikel Arteta discussed a number of topics in his post-match press conference after Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 win against Everton on Saturday night
Mikel Arteta following Arsenal's 1-0 win against Everton
Mikel Arteta following Arsenal's 1-0 win against Everton
Everything you need to know about Mikel Arteta's press conference after Saturday's win at Everton...
Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 victory and reclaimed their position at the top of the Premier League table. Head coach Mikel Arteta expressed immense satisfaction with the result, especially as it moved the Gunners back above Manchester City.
The match against Everton was described as a high-pressure encounter against a very well-organised opponent. Arteta praised his players post-match for maintaining control and preventing the game from becoming chaotic under intense stress.
Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres showed leadership by taking a penalty usually reserved for other star players, including Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. Arteta loved seeing this level of ownership, noting that the player decided for himself to take the high-pressure shot.
Captain Odegaard’s performance improved significantly during the second half of the match. The manager highlighted how Odegaard became more "vertical" with his passing, which helped the team find crucial spaces in the attack and create more opportunities to score a second goal.
Arteta admitted some frustration that the margin of victory was not larger than it actually was. He felt the team had enough chances to decide the game much earlier and avoid a tense finish.
The team’s consistent level of performance throughout the season provides the manager with great confidence. He noted that maintaining such high standards in a league this difficult is a major achievement for his squad, even if his side's last two victories have come by just a one-goal margin.
Arsenal has successfully navigated several difficult away grounds and high-pressure moments recently. Arteta believes that dealing with these challenges effectively is what keeps them in the hunt for the title.
Looking ahead, the Spanish emphasised the importance of enjoying the winning process while staying focused. He urged his players to maintain their spirit and energy as they prepare for the next set of demanding fixtures, with Crystal Palace to come up next in the Carabao Cup.
READ MORE:Everything Mikel Arteta said after the Everton win