Premier League
Arsenal On A High, But Arteta Demands Consistency To Sustain Momentum
Following a disappointing streak of four league matches without a win, Arsenal’s morale has been boosted with impressive victories against Nottingham Forest and Portuguese team Sporting.
However, manager Mikel Arteta emphasized on Friday the need for the team to enhance their consistency.
Arsenal, who travel across London to face West Ham United on Saturday, beat Forest 3-0 last week before putting in a superb display in a 5-1 away Champions League victory over Sporting on Tuesday.
“Really good, winning lifts the energy and the confidence up. They were two big wins for us, now it’s about consistency, taking it further against a good opponent tomorrow,” Arteta told reporters ahead of the match at London Stadium.
“We need to replicate the performance to win the game. It’s every three days now, it’s not what you did yesterday, it’s about the next performance.”
Arsenal’s resurgence has come alongside the return of captain Martin Odegaard, who was sidelined for an extended period due to an ankle injury. Manager Mikel Arteta praised the significant impact the Norwegian midfielder has had on the team since his return.
“The way he prepares himself, the work he put in with the physios and medical department with the importance of the season as well,” the Spaniard said.
“He’s been exceptional since the Chelsea game and been very consistent. He’s so reliable to take the game to the next level. It’s a huge caliber of player.”
Arsenal are fourth in the league with 22 points from 12 games, level with third-placed Chelsea and one point behind Manchester City in second.
With a struggling City traveling to face league leaders Liverpool and Chelsea facing a difficult home encounter with Aston Villa, Arsenal could find themselves in second if they can beat 14th-placed West Ham.
However, Arteta stressed that West Ham could not be taken lightly, pointing to their 2-0 win at Newcastle United on Monday, adding, “(West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui) and I are friends. I have huge admiration for what he’s done in the game.
“He’s from the same area as me in the north of Spain. They’re a team on a high after the good result at Newcastle away, and they’re always a tough opponent.”
Arteta mentioned that he would make a last-minute decision regarding defender Gabriel’s involvement, as the Brazil international left the field with some discomfort in the 84th minute of the victory against Sporting.
