Arsenal

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Arteta clears up Jesus concern with stern referee demand, lauding ‘phenomenal’ Arsenal in Aubameyang nod

Mikel Arteta, October 2022

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has eased any concern over Gabriel Jesus, claiming the striker is having a rest after a gruelling few weeks.

The Brazil striker has proved a brilliant signing for the Gunners following his £45million arrival from Manchester City. He has netted five goals and assisted four others in the Premier League.

In fact, Jesus has only failed to provide a direct goal contribution of either kind in two league games for Arsenal.

However, he has not travelled with the group which will face Bodo/Glimt away from home in the Europa League.

Speaking before Thursday’s clash in Norway, though, Arteta insisted Arsenal have allowed Jesus the night off.

“We thought that with everything he has been through in the last few weeks we thought it was better that he was staying there,” the Spaniard told his pre-match press conference.

He insisted that referees must step up and protect players who want to be physical by nature.

“I don’t know how other coaches and players approach the games against us,” Arteta said.

“Obviously, Gabi is a player that gets involved in a lot of physical contact. It is the way he plays, that is in his nature. It is up to the referees to protect the players.

“I’m really happy how our players are performing and that’s the most important thing. Then it’s up to the referees to protect them.”

Arteta in Aubameyang nod to Arsenal

Arteta was also asked for comment on quotes earlier this year from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang which surfaced this week.

The Gabon international claimed shortly after his January arrival at Barcelona that Arteta could not handle big players.

The pair reportedly had a breakdown in relations, with Aubameyang involved in disciplinary matters on occasion.

Arteta said: “People are free to discuss what they want.”

He added on the current make-up of his dressing room: “Phenomenal. I’ve never been in a better dressing room. [It’s] more enjoyable, more hard working, [a] better relationship with the staff to players and it’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of this group.”

Gunners have brilliant blend

Arteta has suffered a rocky road at Arsenal since taking over in December 2019.

The criticism on him hit a high point at the start of last season. The Gunners lost their opening three games of the Premier League season.

But, Arsenal backed him and continued to back him after they missed out on a top-four Premier League finish to north London rivals Tottenham.

And that backing has come off, with Arteta adding Jesus and other top signings to his team to have them competing with Manchester City at the top of the table in the early parts of the current campaign.

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