Arteta reveals ‘most disappointing’ aspect at Arsenal despite ‘positive year’

Under-fire Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained which factor has disappointed him the most this season after having a “positive year.”

The Gunners head into Saturday’s Premier League match at Everton languishing in 15th place following the 1-1 draw against Southampton.

Arsenal’s winless Premier League run now stretches to six matches, with the club enduring their worst start to a top-flight season since 1974-75. Arteta, though, insists the “project” is all about the long haul, as he closes in on one year at the helm.

The ex-Everton midfielder revealed which aspects of his time as Gunners boss were the most enjoyable and most regrettable since arriving at the Emirates.

He said: “I would say the highlights of the year are the two trophies that we have won together, and the most disappointing thing is that we haven’t had our fans with us to take us through this difficult moment.

“I think it could have been a really, really positive year, but the recent form in the Premier League is taking the gloss off what we have done in the calendar year.

 

 

 

“But we have to accept that our Premier League form in recent weeks is not good enough for this football club.”

The Spaniard recovered from contracting Covid-19 at the start of the pandemic, and went on to guide Arsenal to FA Cup glory with victory over Chelsea at Wembley on August 1.

“I think it has been one of the most challenging years in the club’s history for many, many different reasons,” Arteta said. “I think we have made a lot of progress and implanted a lot of positive things that have worked really well.

“We have gone through structural changes right across the club that has obviously shaken the club, big time.”

 


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No ‘quick fix’ for current Premier League crisis

Arteta maintains everyone at the club knew there would be no “quick fix” as he looks to get their campaign back on track.

“I said it from the start that I felt really supported by the owners, by the board, the technical director, and then by everybody at the club,” said the 38-year-old, who took over following the departure of Unai Emery.

Arteta.Arsenal.TEAMtalk

“At the end of the day, it is the feeling that I feel with the staff, with the coaching, with the players, which is the most important – what chemistry do you have? What understanding do you have? Will they follow you? Do they believe in what you are trying to do.

“And I have to say thank you because I have not seen anything that goes against what we are trying to do – but it is like anything in this industry, you need results.”

Arteta continued: “After a big shake-up, we need to find the stability, and in order to do that, we need time.

“We all knew, at least the people who made the decision with me to start this new project, that this was not a quick fix and it was going to take time. When you are shaking things up, things can take a while.”

Arsenal will look for their fifth win of the Premier League season against Everton this weekend.