After Fulham’s failure, Arteta advises Arsenal to be more harsh.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta chastised his team for failing to kill off 10-man Fulham, who struck early and late to earn a 2-2 draw at the Emirates on Saturday. After Fulham’s failure, Arteta advises Arsenal to be more harsh.
Andreas Pereira put Fulham ahead in the first minute, capitalizing on a weak ball from Bukayo Saka.
Arteta’s substitutions appeared to have changed the game, as Fabio Vieira won a penalties, which Saka scored, to tie the game before teeing up Eddie Nketiah to put Arsenal ahead 2-1.
Fulham subsequently lost Calvin Bassey to a second card, but Joao Palhinha scored in the 87th minute after taking advantage of more sloppy defending.
“We must demonstrate a higher level of commitment and desire.” “You can’t concede a goal with 10 men,” an irritated Arteta stated.
“Right from the start, we gave away an incredible goal.” You make life difficult for yourself, but the team responds admirably.
“We dominated the game, created countless chances, and should have easily scored five, six, or seven goals.” And, once you’ve accomplished the most difficult task of regaining the lead against a well-organized opposition, you must defend your box from one corner.
“It’s the only chance they have, and you get punished.”
Arsenal are looking to win the Premier League for the first time in 20 years after nearly missing out on the treble last season to Manchester City.
The acquisitions of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz appear to have given the Gunners better depth this season.
It showed when Vieira and Nketiah came off the bench to make significant contributions, while Oleksandr Zinchenko shone on his return from injury as a substitute.
“The game was transformed by all three replacements. “Fabio was involved in everything we created, and I am very happy about that,” Arteta added.
“It’s the same with Eddie.” It’s my fault Fabio hasn’t played more, and today he offered me reasons to do so.”
Arsenal’s first dropped points of the season saw them miss out on top spot in the Premier League to north London rivals Tottenham on goal difference.
Both sides have seven points from their opening three games, but could be usurped by City, who are in action at Sheffield United on Sunday
