28 November 2023 , 22:30
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Mikel Arteta has insisted he is perfectly happy with his Arsenal side, despite claims they have yet to hit the heights this season.
The Gunners moved to the Premier League summit last weekend, leapfrogging Manchester City with their win at Brentford. But that victory in West London was another one which came after a somewhat laboured performance.
Arsenal huffed and puffed vs the Bees and only sealed all three points through a late Kai Havertz header. And while results can’t be questioned, Jamie Carragher has suggested they are less fluent, with their attacking players struggling for top form.
But Arteta, speaking ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Lens, said their extra solidity has them in prime position. “I take satisfaction from where we are,” he explained.
“We have to find a way to be where we want to be. This is exactly where we want to be. It’s not going to be as fluent, it’s not going to be as hectic because there’s no space to run.
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Arteta added: “When you’re sitting in traffic I want to go 100 miles an hour but I have three buses and 55 taxis and motorbikes around me, so it’s tricky. We need to want to get to where we want to get. In order to do that we have to be really solid - and we’ve been really, really solid.”
The Gunners have conceded a league low 10 goals in 13 top-flight matches, but their 27 goals scored is only the sixth best. And Sky Sports pundit Carragher suggested that unless their attacking stars dramatically improve, they will be unable to go one better than their second-placed finish last term.
"We are only a third of the way through the season but if this is the Arsenal we are going to see this season I don't think they can win the league," he said on Monday Night Football.
Mikel Arteta"So many games are going to the wire and sometimes they can go against you. Those 1-0 wins could easily be 1-0 defeats.
“There isn't the same pace and fluidity, creating chances and I don't think it is anything tactical. Carragher added: "I am still seeing the same things from Arsenal. I just think individually the attacking players have been average whereas they were on fire last season.
“[Gabriel] Martinelli, [Bukayo] Saka, [Gabriel] Jesus and [Martin] Odegaard, who was up there with Kevin De Bruyne last season. I know he has had some injury problems but the stats aren't great."
Arsenal have already secured their place in the Champions League round of 16, but can wrap up top spot if they can beat Lens at the Emirates. Arteta will be without Fabio Vieira for the clash however, after it was confirmed the Portuguese will be sidelined for a number of weeks after going under the knife on a groin injury.