The defeat that does not extinguish faith
Mikel Arteta does not give up. After losing 2-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad, the Arsenal coach sent a clear message: his team believes more than ever. And he said it with a conviction that is contagious.
“I believe it today, I believed it on Wednesday, I believed it a week ago,” Arteta said. “Because I see them every day and I know the level we have.”
But it went further. According to him, if anyone was doubtful before the match, they should be sure now.
“But today, if they need to be more convinced, I think they are more convinced now. They were talking about it in the locker room,” he revealed.
The difference was in the areas
Arsenal had their opportunities. Gabriel Magalhaes and Eberechi Eze crashed the ball into the boxes. Kai Havertz missed an incredible header in added time. It was a game of details.
“We show that we are there,” said Arteta. “The reality is that today there was a difference (in) the two areas. And that was what the party decided.”
Now the table tightens. City are only three points behind and have a game in hand. Pep Guardiola’s experience, with six titles in eight years, weighs a lot. But in London they don’t plan to give up.
“Now it’s a new league… there’s still everything to play for,” added the coach.
No need for motivational speeches
Best of all is the mental state of the locker room. Arteta was forceful about this.
“If I have to raise the spirits of the players to win the Premier League, with five games to play, depending on us, and being in the semifinals of the Champions League, I think I should be at home,” he said without hesitation.
His final message was clear: there is no time for regrets.
“So it’s not the case. It’s not necessary. It’s never been necessary, not even in difficult times. So we try again.”
The season is alive. The title is decided in the mind as much as on the grass. And at Arsenal, after a tough defeat, faith seems intact.
