Arsenal managed to beat rivals Tottenham Hotspurs 0-1 away from home on Sunday coutesy of a brilliantly set up defense.
The Gunners had a massive task on Sunday to play against their fierce rivals at their home without some major names in the team. Captain Martin Odegaard missed out with injury and Declan Rice was suspended. It was tough ask for Arteta to set up for a huge match like this without his two usual starters. However Arteta and co came out victorious with a slightly tweaked lineup and in his words to do ‘the ugly things’ to get over the line. Ofcourse it was not without controversey as Arsenal defender Jurien Timber was involved in some harsh tackles but was lucky to nto get marching orders. This win also caught the eye of some pundits who hailed Arsenal for their brillaint defensive display.
AS THE MATCH HAPPENED
Arsenal went into the match with some major names like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice sidelined. Despite the losses in midfield they came out with maximum points from the Tottenham Hotspurs stadium. The home side had a strong start to the game with Arsenal keeper denying Dejan Kulusevski midway through the first half. New signing Dominic Solanke also sent a looping header just past the post. The chances were at a meager for both sides but Arsenal made their chance count. Brazillian defender Gabriel Megalhaes rose up higher than Cristian Romero before heading a Bukayo Saka corner home. It was the brilliant defensive display that helped Arsenal come out with a significant victory.
Except the final long range attempt from Kulusevski in the final moments of the match, Spurs coundn’t manufacture any chances in the second half. This was courtesy of a brilliantly set up Arsenal defense. Arteta came up with a slightly changed lineup which actually pictured as a 4-4-2 with wingers Martinelli, Trossard and Saka interchanging positions at the top end of the pitch. whereas Kai Havertz who naturally played the striker bit was compromised to a deep role. Bukayo Saka and Trossard who were nromally praised for their attacking provess was actualy hailed for their defensive display on both the flanks on the day. A third consecutive victory at the home of their fircest rivals. That’s obviously a good ring to the ears of Arsenal fans.
This makes us remember an old saying, ‘Attack wins you games, defense wins you titles’. It was said by noe other than legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Arsenal had the best defense in the Premier League last season (29 goals). Again this year they are joint best alongside Liverpool with only a solitary goal conceded.
ARTETA A PROUD FATHER
Arteta came out praising hit team’s fighting spirit. The boss was full of words as he hailed his team for doing in his words, “the ugly thing” to get the result over the line.
“The people that we have are harder, they have thick skin, they love the game and they love winning,” said Arteta in his press conference. He said that it is a compliment for this team that they can enjoy doing this ungly things and win.
So Arteta sounded like a proud father here parising his sons for their brilliant achivement. Gunners were without their captain and one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the Premier League for the game. And the even the reinforcement in midfield that they bought in (Mikel Merino) also got injured before making his debut.
GARY NEVILLE ON ARSENAL DEFENSE
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville came out with huge praise for Arsenal’s golden boy Bukayo Saka. Normally praised for his attacking display this time hailed for difensive part. Saka lineup in the right flank as usual but this time he had some defensive duties, which he acomplished well. As per The Standard, Neville named Saka as the best ‘defensive wide player’ in the Premier League.
Arsenal need to keep doing this, keep fighting as they face Atalanta as the UEFA Champions League gets underway. Before they face title challengers Man City next weekend.
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