Mikel Arteta is calling for Arsenal supporters to increase their aggressiveness towards opposing teams at the Emirates throughout the remainder of the season, beginning with a crucial FA Cup match against Liverpool on Sunday. This match holds even more importance due to Arsenal’s recent struggles in the league.
The energy at Arsenal’s stadium was praised for its impact on their performance in the 2022-23 season, which was marked by a string of intense and persistent matches. However, the atmosphere has weakened in recent months and was particularly lackluster during the 2-0 loss to West Ham last week. With three losses in their last five games, Arsenal is in need of a boost and coach Arteta hopes to use the stadium’s energy to wear down their opponents.
“Is it possible for us to adjust it and increase the level of intensity? I believe we are capable,” he responded when questioned about the potential for Arsenal to cultivate a similar atmosphere as Liverpool does at Anfield. “I see it as the next level. We must appreciate all that we have accomplished at our own stadium. This Sunday will be another significant game.”
Jurgen Klopp emphasized the importance of motivating Liverpool’s fans before their Premier League match against Arsenal last month, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, Arteta believes that his players also have a responsibility to create a hostile atmosphere in north London.
He believes the team needs to step up and show more aggression, intimidation, and dominance towards their opponents. He thinks upcoming games in the season and the Champions League will give them the opportunity to take that next step.
Arteta will probably choose a competitive team to face Arsenal’s opponent, who is currently leading the league. They will face each other again on February 4th, which could be a crucial game. If they can avoid a replay, Arsenal will have an extended training period in Dubai during the winter break. While facing a strong opponent may not be ideal, it also presents an opportunity to regain momentum.
According to Arteta, we are left with no other option. Both teams were likely hoping for a different outcome in the draw, but we must face this intense match in the third round and give it our all.
It is uncertain if Oleksandr Zinchenko will be able to play due to his calf injury, which kept him out of the 2-1 defeat against Fulham. Arteta acknowledged that his team did not perform well in that match, but he believes this should not overshadow the overall performance of the team.
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“The current situation has impacted our momentum as we were leading at Christmas but have now dropped to fourth place,” he stated. “It’s easy to get caught up looking at things in detail or with a narrow focus. As a coach, it’s important for me to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, analyzing things from a broader perspective and not letting one performance affect us too much. It’s not just about the outcome, but also the overall performance.”
Source: theguardian.com
