Mikel Arteta has held his usual pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Newcastle tomorrow afternoon.
While speaking to the media, the Spaniard made an interesting revelation about how his players reacted to the 4-0 defeat at Anfield.
What’s the story?
Well, Arteta admitted he was ‘really pleased’ to see some of his squad show their leadership qualities in the dressing room, following defeat to Liverpool.
The Arsenal boss said: “I really liked the reaction we had in the dressing room at Anfield and how some players took leadership. This is something that didn’t happen before, I’m really pleased that it is happening at the moment.”
This is great to hear.
A defeat isn’t a defeat if you learn from it, and by the sounds of things, the Arsenal squad may have grown in stature as a result of the 4-0 loss.
If Arsenal’s togetherness, drive and spirit increase as a result of defeat, then Arteta’s group will only continue to mature as time passes.
Which Arsenal players could Mikel Arteta be speaking about?
Well, we’d like to think Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang said a few words at Anfield, as he’s the captain.
Aside from the Gabon international, Alexandre Lacazette is another senior figure who we presume said something in the dressing room.
Aside from them, however, we believe Aaron Ramsdale could’ve piped up.
After all, The Athletic claim that Arteta often lets Ramsdale speak up, and that he, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhães have emerged as leaders.
That is despite the fact they’re all 24 or younger.
To have a young squad, but one full of mature players willing to hold their hands up and learn from their mistakes, is hugely encouraging.
Under Arteta, you can’t help but get the feeling this Arsenal squad will soon become a force – most of them seem to have their heads firmly screwed on.
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