Arsenal has delivered two impressive performances in their last two matches including beating Sporting Club 5-1 in the Champions League, but manager Mikel Arteta believes this success is not solely down to an improvement in the team’s character. The Gunners have been one of Europe’s standout teams recently, consistently demonstrating why they are considered one of the continent’s elite clubs. However, Arteta insists their recent victories are rooted in efficiency rather than a sudden change in mentality or character.
Arsenal’s form has been solid overall, but they faced challenges in certain games before Martin Odegaard returned to the lineup. Some fans and pundits have credited his return with the team’s resurgence, pointing to the struggles they faced in his absence. However, Arteta suggests that the team’s issues earlier in the season were not about personnel but about missed opportunities and inefficiency in front of goal.
Speaking ahead of their next Premier League game against West Ham, Arteta addressed the perception that character was a deciding factor in their victories. As quoted by Arsenal Media, he said:
“I don’t link character to winning. This team showed unbelievable character against Inter and we lost, showed unbelievable character against Chelsea, we were the better team, we didn’t manage to win. Same players, same intentions, being more efficient and winning matches, that’s the difference.”
Arteta’s perspective highlights the importance of efficiency in football, especially in the tightly contested Premier League, where small margins often determine outcomes. The Gunners have showcased their ability to capitalise on chances in their recent games, which has been crucial to their success. Efficiency, rather than just determination or character, is a vital ingredient for any team aspiring to win titles. Arsenal’s focus on this aspect will be critical as they aim to sustain their momentum and maintain their challenge across all competitions.
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There is no doubt, Liverpool have impressed in this first part of the season, but it remains to be seen if they can last the pace under Arne Slot
Efficiency is character certain dudes lack.
One or 2 injuries to LFC and they’ll fall off they haven’t really had tough games in blocks either.
Unlike us where we had Villa (a), Brighton, Spurs (a), Atalanta (a), Man Cheaty (a) when they had a bit of form. Then more recently Liverpool, Newcastle (a), Inter (a), Chelsea (a) and Forest (who were level on points with us so a tough team to beat this year) Sporting (a) plus we have the Hammers (a) and United (h) to come, our arrangement of fixtures have been tough.
Plus with red card suspensions to Rice, Saliba and Trossard coupled with injuries to Odegaard, Timber, Zinchenko, Gabrielle, Saka, Rice, Merino and White to name the senior players it’s been a rough start of the season.
Now we’re getting those players back and match sharp well hopefully go on a bit of a run to put pressure on both City and the perennial victims in well everything Liverpool.
Were still in November we’ve been poor and nowhere near where we are capable of and are still in the hunt. LFC have been at they’re best and very lucky with injuries. They have drawn and lost silly matches so there is evidence to suggest they let everyone back in the race despite the 9 PT gap.
Kanote, Liverpool’s defender is now out for 6weeks at least
Mehn.
Martinelli was scared of that guy.
Possibly, but I’d take issue with a couple of points.
First, despite what we like to think, Liverpool have had injuries as well. Their first-choice keeper (Alisson, generally considered to be one of the best) has been out for many weeks now. How well would Arsenal have coped without Raya, I wonder? Injuries aren’t a purely Arsenal problem (City’s are worse, for example) although you could get that impression sometimes. After all, it’s what squads are for at the end of the day, isn’t it.
The red cards are surely down to Arsenal’s foolishness (to put it politely). The phrase “shooting yourself in the foot” comes to mind. Liverpool has no red cards this season so that suggests their overall discipline is better than ours – so far, anyway – doesn’t it?
I think Arsenal needs to concentrate on getting into a run of good performances and results, and maintaining discipline, as they appear to be doing now and not looking for the next “reason” why they aren’t leading the EPL. Most of these things even themselves out over a season, you just have to get on with it.
Favoured teams gain undeserved points from the swindled ones with match officials as facilitating agents:
that’s the way they even out.
Chances weren’t taken so that was part of the problem. Red cards which were totally avoidable were a stain on that period of the season when injuries were piling up. Counting Timber as a new player who was still not fully recovered and Merino and Califiori being out wasn’t great for integrating them into the team.
Silly me, and here’s me thinking it’s scoring goals. (My bad).😂🤣