WE HAVE NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD SAYS ARTETA Two defeats in a week.. but Mikel thanks his lucky stars
MIKEL ARTETA has told his players they should feel lucky to be where they are.
Most people are viewing it as a week to forget for titlechasing Arsenal, after losing to Aston Villa last Sunday and crashing out of the Champions League on Wednesday.
But manager Arteta refuses to see it that way, especially as a victory at Wolves tonight will put them back on the Premier League summit.
He said: “I think the players are all very lucky to have had the week we’ve had.
“Because these are the weeks we want, and have been seeking for many years to have at Arsenal.
“You have to deal with that. If you want to be in this position you have to go through it – it’s going to be tough.
“Against those opponents the margins are minimal. But maybe even if you are better you don’t win.
“Like what happened at home against Bayern Munich and Villa. Are you ready to react to that? If not, you’re not ready to be living these kinds of weeks. Don’t feel sorry for yourself.”
Manchester City and Liverpool were also knocked out of Europe this week.
Arsenal are younger than their two rivals – and Arteta is adamant they still have enough juice left in the tank.
He said: “I’m sure the players are going to squeeze every drop of energy and effort that they can.
“There is still so much energy in this group. That’s not going to be a concern.”
Arteta is pleased that FA Cup replays will be scrapped next season.
He said: “I understand every point of view. Ours and mine is to protect our players.
“When I looked at how many minutes and games they’ve played in the last two years with no breaks, how many they’re going to have to play in the next two years, that’s not healthy. Somehow, somewhere we have to reduce the calendar.” Arteta also paid tribute to Sir Chips Keswick, who has died at the age of 84
“To his family, very grateful,” Arteta said. “He was chairman when I was captain.
“He’s very well respected and loved around the football club.”
Wolves defender Matt Doherty sent a warning to Arsenal, saying: “It will be another tough game for them. Wolves have always taken scalps. We’ve beaten Chelsea twice this season and we’ve taken Man City, Spurs twice.” Although on the face of it Wolves have little left to play for this season, the 32-yearold said the notion that Gary O’Neil’s side are ‘on the beach’ is far removed from the truth.
He added: “I think that’s a myth. I don’t know if that has happened to anyone, mentally.
“I don’t know of any club or management staff that would ever allow that.”