Arsenal’s Impressive Victory: A Strong Statement in the Title Race
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was elated following his team’s 2-0 win over Leicester on Saturday, dubbing it a "statement" as the Premier League title race continues to heat up. The Gunners have now gone unbeaten for 15 consecutive league games, putting them just four points behind Liverpool, who drew 2-2 in the Merseyside derby earlier in the week. "Big win, obviously we hadn’t played a game for ten days now after the break," Arteta reflected in his post-match interview with TNT Sports. "Today is a day, with all the questions that have been raised obviously with the injuries, to make a statement, we’re here and we really want it." This victory not only bolstered their title aspirations but also showcased the team’s resilience and adaptability, especially in the face of recent setbacks.
Two Halves, Two Stories
The match against Leicester was a tale of two halves. In the first 45 minutes, Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm, lacking the urgency and consistency that have defined their recent performances. "We lacked some urgency, we were inconsistent, especially in simple things," Arteta admitted. However, the second half was a different story altogether. The introduction of midfielder Merino proved to be a game-changer, as he scored a quickfire double that turned the tide in Arsenal’s favor. Arteta’s halftime adjustments and the impact of his substitutions were crucial in securing the win. "In the second half we picked it up and we managed to win the game," he noted, highlighting the team’s ability to respond to challenges and maintain composure under pressure.
Merino’s Heroic Turnaround
Arteta’s confidence in Merino paid off in spectacular fashion. When bringing the Spanish midfielder on, the manager told him, "He was gonna score." This bold prediction came to fruition as Merino’s timely contributions shifted the momentum. "The moment they were defending a little bit deeper and we were more established and more set in the final third, we thought that he could deliver those moments, but easier to say that than get it done!" Arteta exclaimed. Merino’s ability to read the game and execute with precision was evident, and his performance has undoubtedly raised questions about his role in the team moving forward. However, Arteta remained cautious, saying, "Let’s enjoy this one, analyse it, and move into the next one." He acknowledged that Merino is "very different" from Havertz but praised his timing, anticipation, and execution, which were key in this victory.
Young Talent Shines
One of the standout moments of the match was the performance of England U19 international Ethan Nwaneri, who, at just 17 years old, provided the assist for Merino’s first goal. Nwaneri and fellow academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly have become indispensable to Arsenal this season, especially given the team’s injury woes. "Unbelievable," Arteta said of Nwaneri’s display. "They [he and Lewis-Skelly] were involved in two of the biggest moments of the game, and every time he goes on the ball, he looked a threat. He put one on the crossbar, one on the post, and he put a beautiful cross for the goal as well." The manager emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent, both on and off the pitch, and gave a nod to their natural abilities, encouraging them to play with confidence and freedom.
Narrowing the Gap to Liverpool
With the gap to Liverpool now just four points, Arteta felt much more optimistic about the title race. "Let’s see what happens now, but we have to do what we can and is in our control. You come to any ground and it’s just a nightmare, it’s a battle, it’s very difficult, you have to be at your best to win. It’s going to be a long run," he said. The manager acknowledged the tough road ahead but expressed his team’s determination to keep pushing. The victory over Leicester not only narrowed the points gap but also provided a psychological boost, demonstrating that Arsenal can still perform at a high level despite significant challenges.
A Message of Commitment
The win against Leicester, coming on the heels of Timo Havertz’s injury, sent a strong message to the league. "That we really want it, that regardless of what happens or the difficulties we’re gonna face, we’re going to give it a real go," Arteta affirmed. The team’s seven to eight months of dedicated work have been paying off, and the manager is determined to see it through. "We have been working on that for a long time. We’re not going to stop and let’s see how far we can go," he concluded. This victory is a testament to the team’s spirit and the manager’s tactical acumen, and it sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season as Arsenal eyes the Premier League crown. Stream the 2024-25 Premier League live on TNT Sports and discovery+ to catch all the action and see if Arsenal can maintain their momentum.
