Mikel Arteta has called for Arsenal fans to “stick behind the team” after his side were knocked out of the FA Cup after a 2-0 loss at home to Liverpool.
Arsenal spurned several chances during the game, particularly in the first half with Kai Havertz, Reiss Nelson, and Bukayo Saka missing key opportunities to open the scoring. The home side were eventually punished first by an own goal from Jakub Kiwior and then a late goal from Luis Diaz securing the victory for the away side.
However, despite the early FA Cup exit, the third consecutive defeat in all competitions and second consecutive home defeat, the 41-year-old Spaniard has called on Arsenal fans to stick behind his players through this difficult period.
He said: “What I beg from the supporters is that they are behind the team like they have been in difficult moments. Stick behind the ones that we have. They are incredibly good. If not then they don’t do what they’ve done today and in Anfield. Stick by them. That’s exactly what they need.
“Then they feel important and supported. With their attitude, they don’t deserve anything different. That’s my opinion. It is frustrating but what can we do? I can’t tell them ‘play bad, don’t shoot, and Liverpool is going to score an own goal and win the game’. I don’t know how to create a game plan like this. It is a very difficult moment, but if the team is getting hammered and not playing well and not deserving to win football matches I’d be much more worried.
“I haven’t seen a team in the past six months that has generated what we have done against them in the last two games. We haven’t capitalised. Not just today, but in the last few games as well. That’s why we’re not winning games. Merit-wise there is no question that we deserve to win the games but the results are very different. But when my team plays with that courage and attitude against probably the best team in Europe right now in terms of momentum what can I do but stick by them and support them?”
One of Arsenal’s biggest issues during this run has been their failure to convert their chances. The north London side have outscored their opponents in their last three games in terms of xG, but have fallen to three frustrating defeats.
When asked if the missed chances are starting to become a psychological issue for his side: Arteta said: “Probably it has. Especially after today, more than it was against Fulham or West Ham before that. That’s why I think we need to reset. This break is good. It comes in a good time.
“We’re going to as well feel how we feel and how I feel about them in difficult moments. Hopefully I can see that from other people too. When things are going well they jump on the train. Now things are difficult, let’s see where they stand.”
Arsenal, who have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions, are next in action against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on January 20.
(Getty Images)
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January 08, 2024 at 03:15AM
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