When talking about the preparation for the match against Tottenham in round 4 of the Premier League, Mikel Arteta shared that he did not have much time to sleep. The "Gunners" captain admitted that it took 4-5 days to plan for the North London Derby last weekend. The Gunners' biggest problem has been a series of key players' injuries that have effectively ruined Arteta's original plans.
In such a difficult situation and having to play away, Arsenal won convincingly with the only goal by Gabriel Magalhaes. That header did not have any luck factor, it was the result of many hours on the training ground. The Brazilian centre-back marked the Gunners' 42nd goal (the most in Europe) from corners since Nicolas Jover - Mikel Arteta's tactical assistant appeared.
Starting from the start was Jorginho, who had only played the full 90 minutes 3 times since the beginning of the year. Alongside him was Jurrien Timber, who has just returned from an ACL injury for more than a year. There were times when 4 young players from the Hale End warmed up outside the pitch but in the end everything was fine.
In the pre-match tactical meeting, Arteta asked his players a lot of questions. All were taken seriously and then solutions were proposed. The match against Tottenham was the time when The Gunners had to find solutions and could not falter in the face of difficulties due to the uncertain situation of the force.
Without Declan Rice, Mikel Arteta was forced to return to the classic 4-4-2 formation for Jorginho and Thomas Partey to share the burden in midfield. In addition, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were assigned to participate in more one-on-one duels. In midfield, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard had a relatively effective working day without being trampled on each other.
However, the Gunners' stronghold for success in this match was still their defense. On a day without Declan Rice, the couple William Saliba - Gabriel Magalhaes had many storms. In addition to Jurrien Timber's strong and continuous smash, it was the harmony between all factors that contributed to keeping David Raya's goal from being penetrated.
When Havertz, Trossard, Martinelli or Saka could not score, the solution from the defense named Gabriel was announced. Arsenal showed that it was their careful preparation in every situation that helped the team get results. This is the third consecutive time the Emirates team has won at the home ground of their great city rivals. In addition to maintaining a chasing position for Man City, this victory is very meaningful.
"While not playing, Jorginho still practices hard. When he was asked to play 90 minutes, even though he had not done it for many months, he still met the requirements.
The same thing happened to Timber, who hasn't played a full game in about a year. However, Timber has worked very hard for the club. As for Havertz, he didn't even have much time to prepare before the start of this season. However, his recent performance on the pitch was beyond imagination.
Arsenal have strong and experienced players, all of whom are hungry to play and love the feeling of winning. To get 3 points, sometimes you have to accept a slightly ugly performance" - Mikel Arteta shared.
Arsenal's early-season schedule is considered the heaviest in the Premier League. In the first 5 rounds, they have to face Aston Villa, Tottenham and then Man City, interspersed with the opening match of the Champions League with Atalanta. Having gone through half of the journey with 2 wins, Arsenal are very confident and aiming for as many clean sheets as possible.
This week when they have to face Atalanta in the Champions League, Arsenal will need new pieces to face the Serie A representative - the reigning Europa League champions. If they continue to face difficult problems, Arteta and his team are confident that they can find a solution.
