
Mikel Arteta Hopeful Injury-Plagued Arsenal Can Still Find ‘New Gears’
Mikel Arteta Remains Optimistic Despite Arsenal’s Injury Woes
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains defiant about his team’s chances of success this season, despite being plagued by injuries to key players. The Gunners have suffered a dip in form, missing out on opportunities in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, while also allowing Liverpool to gain a significant advantage in the Premier League title race. However, Arteta still believes that Arsenal can find “new gears” to elevate their performances and push for success in the Champions League and Premier League.
Arsenal Struggling with Key Injuries to Attacking Stars
Absence of Saka, Martinelli, Havertz, and Jesus
Arsenal’s current struggles can largely be attributed to the injury crisis affecting their attacking options. The team has had to cope without their first-choice forward trio—Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz—along with key substitute Gabriel Jesus.
- Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to return in the coming weeks, offering a much-needed boost to the squad.
- Kai Havertz is ruled out until pre-season, meaning he won’t feature again this campaign.
- Gabriel Jesus is facing a long recovery process and may not return until November.
With these key absences, Arteta has had to rely on squad depth and demand more from his available players.
Arteta’s Tactical Adjustments and Confidence in the Squad
Finding Ways to Overcome Recent Poor Results
Arsenal have dropped points in their last two league games, further denting their title hopes. However, Arteta remains confident that his players can find new gears to reach a “different level” in the crucial final months of the season.
Ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 clash against PSV Eindhoven, Arteta discussed how he plans to motivate his players despite recent setbacks.
“[We] try to explain how we’re going to do it and why we do things, and they try to deliver that in the best possible way,” Arteta said.
He acknowledged that while performances have been inconsistent, he has seen improvement in recent matches.
“In the last two results it’s been very different, in terms of performance as well, not getting the right result that we want, but we’ve certainly been better, especially in the last game with the opposition.”
Belief That Arsenal Still Have “New Gears”
Arteta is convinced that even with the current squad limitations, his team can still elevate their level of play.
“The fact we still have gears, even with the players that we have, some of them have gears to take us to a different level. When it comes to that stage, it’s about lifting the level and the standards, every individual has to be at their best.”
The manager emphasized that team unity and resilience will be crucial in overcoming their current challenges and maintaining competitiveness in the Champions League and Premier League.
Arteta’s Mentality: Move On Quickly and Focus on the Next Challenge
Overcoming Setbacks and Staying Mentally Strong
One of Arteta’s key messages to his squad has been the importance of quickly moving on from setbacks and staying focused on the next game. With Arsenal’s next big challenge coming in the form of PSV Eindhoven, Arteta has stressed the need to maintain a strong mentality.
“It’s part of our job. The moment that you have a result, it’s hurting but it has to last 24 hours because then you have to move on and face the next game and the preparation.”
With games coming thick and fast, Arteta insists that both players and coaching staff must be ready to shift their focus and approach each match with renewed energy and determination.
“You cannot get away from that, that’s a big quality of a coach or any player at this level because in three days’ time, you’re going to have another match, and emotionally and physically, you’re going to have to be ready for it.”
Arsenal’s Season Hinges on Adaptability and Squad Depth
Can Arsenal Still Compete for Major Titles?
Despite their injury struggles, Arsenal are still in contention for Champions League glory and remain in the hunt for a Premier League title push. However, much will depend on:
- The return of key players like Saka and Martinelli.
- Squad depth stepping up in the absence of first-choice attackers.
- Maintaining a strong mentality during the final stretch of the season.
Arteta’s Confidence in His Team
Arteta’s belief in his squad remains unwavering, and he has faith that Arsenal can adapt and find “new gears” to compete at the highest level.
“When we do that, with the team that we have and the connection we have between us, we are a really strong team.”
With crucial games ahead, Arsenal’s resilience, tactical flexibility, and mental strength will determine whether they can salvage silverware from a challenging season.
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