Arteta defiant despite seeing Gunners crushed
Mikel Arteta backed himself to turn Arsenal’s dismal form around after their thrashing at Manchester City.
The Gunners crashed to a humiliating 5-0 loss with 10 men, a result which left them without a point – or even a goal – after their opening three Premier League games of the season.
It is their worst start to a season in 67 years and prompted a lot of soul-searching from a manager on whom pressure is now mounting.
Arteta said: “I’m really disappointed with the things that happened on the pitch and the summary after three games, losing all of them.”
Asked if he felt he was the right man for the job, the Spaniard said: “Yes I do, if not I wouldn’t be sitting here.”
Arsenal’s misery began as they conceded twice to Ilkay Gundogan and Ferran Torres in the opening 12 minutes. They then capitulated after Granit Xhaka was shown a straight red card with Gabriel Jesus, Rodri and Torres completing the rout.
Arteta could, as ever, count on the support of the City manager, his former boss Pep Guardiola.
“I love him, we love him,” said Guardiola. “I am pretty sure the moment will come when everything will be back and he will do a job because he is an excellent manager.”
Steve Bruce admitted he had to accept the criticism which came his way as Newcastle saw a first Premier League victory of the season snatched from their grasp by Southampton.
The Magpies turned in a woeful first-half display at St James’ Park and were fortunate to go in 0-0 at the break with their head coach having had to listen to chants of “We want Brucie out” from a section of the home support.
They improved in the second half and after Callum Wilson’s was cancelled out by Mohamed Elyounoussi, they looked to have won the game when Allan Saint-maximin fired home at the death only for James WardProwse to secure a 2-2 draw for the visitors with a penalty in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Asked about the catcalls, Bruce said: “Look, they’re entitled to their opinion. Our first-half performance wasn’t good enough, so I’ll accept that.”
Demarai Gray and Dominic CalvertLewin fired Everton to a commanding 2-0 win at Brighton as the Toffees extended their unbeaten start to the new campaign.
Conor Gallagher scored twice as Crystal Palace held rampant West Ham – who scored via Pablo Fornals and Michail Antonio – to a 2-2 draw.
Jamie Vardy scored and laid on an assist for Marc Albrighton either side of a Teemu Pukki equaliser as Leicester won 2-1 at Norwich.
Ivan Toney’s early goal was levelled by Emi Buendia as Brentford drew 1-1 at Aston Villa.