Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lauded his team’s resilience following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby. The Gunners entered the match missing several key players due to injuries and suspension, yet managed to secure a crucial win thanks to a second-half header from Gabriel. Arteta admitted he “didn’t sleep much” after learning of the injuries to captain Martin Odegaard and defender Riccardo Calafiori, but praised his side for embracing the challenge.
Despite being without midfield talisman Declan Rice, who was suspended for the derby, and facing an in-form Tottenham team, Arsenal dug deep to ensure they remained within two points of Premier League leaders Manchester City. “Sometimes to win, you have to do the ugly things, and they love to do that,” said Arteta, referring to his team’s fighting spirit in a depleted squad.
Set-Piece Mastery Continues to Deliver for Arsenal
A crucial component of Arsenal’s success has been their proficiency from set-pieces, with the decisive goal against Tottenham being yet another example. Gabriel’s header from a corner marked Arsenal’s 24th goal from dead-ball situations since the start of last season — the most by any Premier League team during that period. This success is largely attributed to Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s set-piece specialist coach, who joined the club from Manchester City in 2021.
Arteta spoke highly of Jover’s contributions, noting that he brought him to both City and Arsenal. “Together with the rest of the staff, they have injected the belief that there are many ways to win games, and this is one of them,” Arteta said. The tactical focus on set-pieces has become a crucial aspect of Arsenal’s play, offering them an additional edge, especially in tight games where open-play chances are limited.
Overcoming Adversity: Arteta salute Arsenal’s Mental Toughness
The victory over Tottenham was a testament to Arsenal’s mental fortitude, as they overcame a string of pre-match setbacks. Losing players like Odegaard and Calafiori so close to matchday could have rattled any team, but Arteta’s squad displayed maturity and resilience. Arteta himself emphasized how quickly the team adapted to the changes, saying, “I prepared for Tottenham for five days, then in one moment I lost one player and in another, I lost another.”
For Arsenal, this result further underscores the strength of their squad depth and their growing maturity under Arteta’s leadership. The manager also highlighted the importance of having players who are not only tactically sharp but also mentally tough. “There were no excuses, no crying. The players have thick skin. They love the game,” Arteta remarked, reflecting the strong mentality instilled in his squad as they chase Premier League glory.
Confidence Boost Ahead of a Challenging Week
The gritty victory against Tottenham couldn’t have come at a better time for Arsenal, who now face a challenging week with back-to-back crucial fixtures. On Thursday, they open their Champions League campaign against Italian side Atalanta before a highly anticipated clash against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday. The win over Spurs not only keeps Arsenal in the title race but also provides a significant confidence boost ahead of this demanding schedule.
Arteta believes that his side is ready for the challenges ahead, stating, “The players believe already. We have won a lot of big games, but this will give us a lot of energy and belief.” With Arsenal sitting just two points behind Manchester City, this run of fixtures could define their early-season campaign, and the victory over Tottenham could serve as a catalyst for even greater success in the coming weeks.
