Mikel Arteta has claimed that he found it ‘very interesting’ that Tottenham were asking questions of Arsenal in the second half of their North London derby showdown on Sunday, as he told Sky Sports.
The Arsenal boss was asked about his team showing ‘resilience’ to see of Spurs towards the end, but he made it clear, ‘I wanted 3-0’.
All of the damage was done in the first half when the home team put three past their helpless opponents.
Two of the goalscorers were local lads and academy players in Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
Arteta’s side didn’t score in the second half, but Spurs did through Heung-Min Son, and whilst it didn’t prove to be an issue, in the end, they were testing their rivals, including Lucas Moura’s curling shot hitting the woodwork, albeit it was a bit too late.
Arteta was asked after the game about whether he was happy about his team showing ‘resilience’ after their neighbours ‘asked questions’ in the second half
“For me, no,” said Arteta. “I wanted 3-0. It made the game in the last ten minutes very interesting.”
Even though things are looking more positive for the Gunners, they have merely just turned the ship around, if that.
There is a long way to go for them to go full steam ahead because they are one defeat away from questions being asked of their manager again.
Some will look at their recent opponents – including Spurs who have now lost three London derbies on the bounce and conceded nine goals – that they should be winning these types of games, including Norwich and Burnley.
But, one thing is for sure, Brighton will test them at the weekend because Graham Potter’s side are flying this season.
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