Arsenal have managed to get their season back on track just a matter of weeks after a devastating defeat to Manchester City and Mikel Arteta has revealed how the Gunners have managed to do it
Mikel Arteta knew at Arsenal’s lowest point they had the determination and spirit to turn their season around. Gunners midfielder Declan Rice was seen mouthing on TV “it’s not done” after Arsenal’s devastating defeat at Manchester City last month.
That left Arsenal’s season on the brink of despair as they lost the lead in the title race three days later and suddenly it looked a real possibility they could finish empty-handed.
But the response has been nothing short of remarkable and a real game-changer as they have had two straight wins against Newcastle and Fulham and also reached the Champions League final.
They have put the pressure back on title rivals Manchester City and now it is Arsenal who could end up winning the two biggest trophies in what would be an unforgettable season.
It is no wonder that Arsenal go into Sunday’s huge game at West Ham in a very different mood and still on a high after they beat Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Arteta remembers that clip from the Etihad and says that was the message throughout the whole dressing room - and he says it has provided the foundations for success.
Gunners boss Arteta said: “I think that was the start of the sentence. I think it’s not done and we’re more confident that we’re going to do it. That was the feeling without them even needing to express it in the dressing room but I felt it immediately.
“What is in our hands is to perform at the highest level on Sunday to win that group and if we can do that then we will be even closer and that’s the only focus we have .
“We have shown throughout the last three or four seasons what we are area capable of in terms of performances and consistency and now it’s about delivering when the moment matters the most.
“I think we're in a really good moment. You could sense, the energy the night after the game. I see every single day, here, I know, how much we want it, and, those are elements that are very, very positive, and we have to use them, to go there on Sunday, and win the game.”
Arsenal are now on a real high and Arteta insists they are not getting carried away - but they are determined to finish the job. When asked if he has ever seen his players as motivated, Arteta said: “Motivated, I don't know, as happy, and emotional, and loud, probably I haven't, because that was, a brilliant moment.
“I think I said it three or four months ago when I said about handling this situation and it’s been exactly like that. The players have responded really well to that, we go there understanding the importance of the match. What is driving and really pushing the team is that incredible will to win.
“I think we have to channel that energy in the right way, I think it's, again, very, very powerful, I think they feel confident, I think they are convinced, and they are really, looking forward, to play on Sunday, and that's, probably the best part of it.
“We must stay present, live the moment, prepare, and show the same level of energy, hunger, and desire that we've shown all season, or more. Because, as you said, we are closer and closer, and everything that we do now is going to matter to win it or not.”
Arteta said Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns after the Atletico win but admitted that Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber are both facing a race against time to play again this season.
Arteta added: “They have no chance for the weekend. I don't know beyond that, there's still a fair bit to do so everything has to be so smooth and quick if they want to have a chance to play any minutes.”