Mikel Arteta’s Insights from Post-Wolves Press Conference

Mikel Arteta, the head coach of Arsenal, faced the media following a tense 2-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The match had its ups and downs, particularly in the final moments. In his post-match press conference, Arteta reflected on several key topics, including lessons learned, the team’s performance, and injury updates.

Mikel Arteta’s Insights on Team Performance

Arteta described the mood in the dressing room as a mix of relief and understanding. Despite the victory, he stressed that the margin of victory should have been larger. The team had generated numerous chances in the first half but failed to capitalize, which was a point of frustration.

Defensive Concerns

• Arteta noted that, after a promising start, the team displayed passive defending.
• The coach emphasized that conceding a goal on the first attack from Wolves, who had previously not registered a shot, was unacceptable.

Positive Resilience

While acknowledging the grit shown by his players, Arteta insisted that the source of their issues should have been addressed earlier in the game. He commended Wolves for their efforts, recalling their past performances against other teams.

Preparation for Upcoming Matches

Looking ahead, Arteta outlined his plans for the week. The team will take a brief period to decompress, followed by a long week of preparation. He pointed out that not training can lead to a decline in performance habits, which is crucial as they approach the demanding Christmas schedule.

Learning from the Match

Arteta emphasized the importance of learning from each match. He reiterated that winning in the Premier League is always a cause for celebration, yet highlighted the need for improvement. The team must not make victories harder for themselves.

Avoiding Defensive Errors

Addressing the issue of deeper defending, Arteta stated that the team needed to maintain a proactive approach with the ball. He expressed the necessity of improving the level of activity and ensuring that players remained engaged throughout the match.

Injury Updates

On a concerning note, Arteta provided updates on Ben White’s injury, suggesting it may be hamstring-related. He mentioned that further assessments would take place in the coming days.

Reflections on Offensive Performance

The coach also expressed frustration over the team’s lack of shots on target during the first half. He highlighted that precise execution is essential, particularly in crucial moments of the game. Making these errors only increased the difficulty of securing a win.

Arteta concluded his remarks by addressing the atmosphere in the stadium, noting the fans’ support during the match. However, he stressed that the team must strive for consistent performance throughout the entirety of each game.