Mikel Arteta responds to ‘bottlers’ jibe as Arsenal look to get back on track
Mikel Arteta insisted the word ‘bottlers’ is not in his vocabulary as he denied Arsenal were wasting another chance to win the Premier League.
Arsenal surrendered a two-goal lead to bottom-of-the-table Wolves on Wednesday to hand the initiative to title rivals Manchester City.
Advertisement
If Pep Guardiola’s side win their remaining 12 matches – including a crucial game against Arsenal at the Etihad in April – they will be crowned champions.
Despite losing two points at Molineux, Arteta’s side are still five points clear at the top, despite having played a game more than City.
But Arsenal, who travel to Tottenham on Sunday, bear the scars of their second-place finish for the past three seasons. And after their 2-2 draw against Wolves, the club are facing fresh accusations of being ‘bottlers’.
Advertisement
However, responding to the claims, Arteta said: “It’s an individual opinion, and you have to respect it.
“You lose two points against Wolves the way the game went, and you have to take them on the chin. That’s it. That’s part of our role.
“But it’s not in my vocabulary and I don’t see it that way because I don’t think anyone would want to do that with intention. I wouldn’t use that word.”
Arsenal are through to next month’s Carabao Cup final and the Champions League last 16 after also winning all eight of their group matches.
Advertisement
Arsenal were unable to hold on to a two-goal lead against lowly Wolves (Nick Potts/PA)
(Nick Potts)
They are also hot favorites to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a fifth round tie at Mansfield in March.
But with just two wins in their last seven league matches, Arteta’s side are increasingly under scrutiny for their form.
Arteta added: “When we haven’t been up to our standards, I take full responsibility for that. I don’t think I’ve ever pointed the finger at a single player or the team.
“I can talk about standards, yes, and in the second half (against Wolves) we were not up to our standards, which is normal when we play the number of games we play as well, but if there is anyone who is responsible, it’s me.
Advertisement
“We have a very clear instruction. We must live in the present, and the present is beautiful.
Martin Odegaard (left) and Kai Havertz could return for Arsenal (Bradley Collyer/PA)
(Bradley Collyer)
“We are exactly where we want to be in every competition. So, staying calm, keeping your eyes open, your ears open and understanding what the players need to perform at their best.
“What I’ve seen (from the players) is a tremendous reaction. And I’m not surprised at all.
“What I’m very interested in is the next chapter, what we are made of and how we write our own destiny from here on.”
Advertisement
Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz were both absent at Molineux due to injury, but both have an outside chance to face Spurs.
“We have to wait until tomorrow but there is a good chance they will be available,” Arteta added.