On November 1 at Turf Moor, Arsenal continued their impressive form, defeating Burnley 2-0 to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League.
Following the solid win, Mikel Arteta spoke about the win at Burnley, the need for his team to improve, and how impressed he is with the form of Riccardo Calafiori.
Mikel Arteta Discusses 2-0 Win at Turf Moor
Arteta Praises Italian Defender Riccardo Calafiori
The Arsenal train continues to motor on. Since losing to Liverpool on August 31, the Gunners have won 10 and drawn one in all competitions. Their prowess at set pieces was seen again at Turf Moor, with Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres nodding home a Declan Rice corner that was turned back into the danger area by Gabriel.
The Gunners looked in complete control in the first half and went in 2-0 up at the break, with Declan Rice finishing off a swift counterattack from Arteta’s team.
The Gunners had chances in the second half, but so did the home side, who hit the post late on through Marcus Edwards. Ultimately, another clean sheet for the North London team, who look primed to challenge in all competitions this season.
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Discussing his team’s latest win and the need to improve, Arteta said:
“Extremely pleased because it’s a really tough place to come. I think we were exceptional from the first minute. I think we were so dominant, very fluent, we scored two goals and we could have scored another three or four.
“[We need to] take that energy, that belief, that courage. Understand as well the things that we have to do better, that we could have done better, especially here in the second half, and continue on Tuesday, another one, on Saturday, another one. So the games are coming thick and fast.”
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Italian defender Calafiori endured a difficult injury-hit first season at the Emirates. However, he has established himself as the first choice at left-back this season, giving Arteta’s defence much-needed continuity.
Following the win at Burnley, Arteta spoke positively about Calafiori’s contribution to the team:
“Very good. He’s been really stable, some big performances. He’s a big contributor to what we’re doing defensively as well. He gives us a lot in attack with his position and his threat. He continues to create chaos for the opposition.”
Arteta on Consistency and Connection with Fans
Speaking about his players’ good form and the team’s relationship with the club’s fans, he said:
“Individually, you have to be at your best. We have a lot of players in really good moments, because if we are not, we don’t win that many games in a row.”
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He added: “It was great to witness the chemistry, the energy, that connection that we have built with them. Hopefully, we can give them a lot of nice moments because they fully deserve it.”
At this time, Arsenal look in great shape, and with key players set to return from injury, Arteta’s team will be eager to continue their excellent form.
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IMAGO / Action Plus