For moments like the unexpected defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup, Mikel Arteta now has his own process. Even, people have caught the Spanish coach trying to change facial expressions before talking to the media or players, to express a desired mood.
Many people often joke that he had to get used to such moments. However, it was because of the noise surrounding the club that Arteta wanted to immediately shape the reactions. He knew that the criticisms would be very harsh and any ridicule would be multiplied many times over. Therefore, it would not be necessary to let his players continue to worry about that.
Feel that pain, feel that emotion, and use it to become better and more progressive" - Arteta said. Arteta's main purpose is to dispel all doubts and remind players of the great goals to strive for.
We have tried very hard to get this position" - Arteta reminded his players.
Four cups can quickly become two, but there is still only one cup that is really important. Arteta and the club are both aware that the entire season ultimately depends on the Premier League title.
Winning means everything else will no longer be important. Failure means everything will collapse, worse than ever, perhaps except for the UEFA Champions League.
The Champions League now suddenly takes a strange place in Arsenal's season. This most prestigious club-level tournament is known as what Arteta really desires, because his biggest ambition is to become the coach to bring that prestigious cup to Arsenal.
It can't be bigger than this anymore" - he said in Lisbon. There is still a possibility that Arteta will do the same as Liverpool in the 2018-2019 season, which is to win the Champions League after failing in the domestic league.
However, currently no one wants things to happen like that, especially when Arteta is aware of the close emotional connection between these competitions.
Arsenal seems to have lost form, or at least their form has stagnated since Max Dowman's goal against Everton. The defeat in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City has shown a significant psychological change.
Pep Guardiola's team scored easily and enjoyed the match, while Arsenal felt increasing anxiety. The away trip to Sporting fell right into that emotional vortex.
The Gunners probably don't think so, but this is a clear opportunity when they avoid big teams like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in this round. However, the problem is not just psychology. Experts say physical condition is the key factor.
The Gunners" have almost no rest since August last year, with a dense schedule that makes many players close to the "red zone". Declan Rice almost missed the Carabao Cup final, while Bukayo Saka had to rest to recover.
If the key players do not reach 100% fitness, Arteta's high-intensity pressing system will be broken, leading to psychological suspicions. Internal sources say that if they can maintain good physical condition and only focus on the Premier League weekly, Arsenal will play with higher confidence.
However, top football does not allow that. A team must overcome all pressure if they want to win the championship. Now, the big question is whether international breaks are enough to help players like Rice or Saka recover.
In a volatile season, Arsenal is facing an important turning point - where everything can become a stepping stone for glory or open a chain collapse.
