London, England – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media following the team’s goalless draw against Nottingham Forest. The discussion covered various aspects of the game, including the performance, player substitutions, set-pieces, and the team’s positioning on the table.
Arteta expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity to secure a victory. He highlighted the team’s energy and effort throughout the match but pointed out the lack of quality in the final pass and shot accuracy. The manager acknowledged the challenge of finding a system to score goals effectively given the team’s lineup.
Regarding set-pieces, Arteta acknowledged the importance of converting those opportunities into goals, especially against a defensively positioned team like Nottingham Forest. He emphasized the need to capitalize on such chances to maintain a threatening offensive presence on the field.
Arteta also addressed the issue of goal-scoring and emphasized the team’s need to find a solution to unlock their attacking potential. He hinted at exploring different tactical approaches to increase offensive efficacy ahead of future matches.
The manager further elaborated on player substitutions, explaining the decision to replace Riccardo Calafiori due to an early yellow card. He also addressed Ethan Nwaneri’s cramping issues, emphasizing the importance of managing player fatigue effectively during matches.
In response to questions about academy players’ involvement, Arteta expressed openness to exploring additional options to strengthen the team’s performance. He emphasized the need for improvement in critical moments, such as the final pass and consistency in attacking plays.
Arteta remained focused on maintaining team spirit and resilience despite the widening gap between Arsenal and leading teams like Liverpool. He stressed the importance of staying competitive in upcoming competitions, such as the Champions League, to overcome recent setbacks and demonstrate progress.
When questioned about individual player performances and possible returns of injured players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, Arteta remained cautious about rushing their recovery. He emphasized the need for gradual integration of players returning from long-term injuries to ensure their readiness for competitive matches.
As the team continues to navigate challenges on the field, Arteta remains committed to finding solutions and maintaining a competitive edge in upcoming fixtures. Arsenal fans can expect continued adjustments and strategic planning to overcome obstacles and elevate the team’s performance in the season ahead.