Mikel Arteta told what he must do at Arsenal as rival issues verdict | Football | Sport
Arsenal are currently in great form, leading the Premier League and performing well in the Champions League. Plus, one of their expensive summer signings has found his goalscoring boots again.
Viktor Gyokeres ended his seven-match goal drought with a quickfire double in Arsenal’s 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Gabriel opened the scoring with a header, sparking a scoring flurry 14 minutes after halftime. Gabriel Martinelli added a second goal in the 64th minute before Gyokeres scored the third and fourth goals, leaving Diego Simeone’s side stunned. Next on the agenda for Mikel Arteta’s side, who are three points clear at the top of the Premier League, is an away game against Crystal Palace. Express sports brings you the latest news and views from North London’s red side…
Arteta said what he had to do
Former Gunners striker Jérémie Aliadière says Arteta knew he had to bring a trophy to the Emirates this season. Although the Spaniard has re-established Arsenal as a domestic and European force, he has only one trophy to his name so far, the FA Cup in 2020.
Following a significant summer investment, which addressed the club’s lack of squad depth, Arteta has no excuse not to win something, ideally the Premier League and/or the Champions League.
Aliadiere, who played under Arsène Wenger from 2001 to 2007, told WhichBookie: “It’s fair to say that Mikel Arteta has to win a trophy this season and I think he knows that himself. He’s had the support of everyone at the club for years and they’ve given him all the tools and players he needs.
“They fulfilled their end of the bargain, now he has to keep his. When you look at the Arsenal team now, it’s probably the best in the Premier League.
“He spent a few years being so close and finishing second, now he knows what he has to do to win. From what I’ve seen this season, he’s starting to do things differently in terms of team rotation and substitutions to change games.
“I don’t see any negatives at the moment and I think this will finally be the season where Arsenal win the Premier League.”
A rival delivers a verdict in 10 words
Arsenal’s chances of finally ending their trophy drought this campaign look encouraging, especially given Simeone’s assessment. The Atletico Madrid boss delivered a 10-word assessment of Arsenal following his side’s defeat.
Although Atletico recently faced Liverpool and Real Madrid, Simeone said of the Gunners: “They are the best team we have faced this season.”
He continued: “They are so good at competing, their players run and run, and they have quality all over the pitch. They deserved to win today and I want to congratulate them.
“It’s a learning curve. We just have to continue to improve. I thought we competed very well in the beginning. By 60 minutes they were the better team and deserved to win.”