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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has candidly revealed the doubts that crept into his mind as his team narrowly avoided a comeback from Tottenham Hotspur in a tense North London derby, leaving the Spaniard sweating over the result.
The final minutes of the match tested Arteta’s nerves as Arsenal’s grip on the game loosened with Spurs clawing back two goals. However, despite the late scare, Arsenal managed to hold on, maintaining their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
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The match started in Arsenal’s favour, with the Premier League leaders cruising to a 3-0 lead in the first half. Goals from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (an own goal), Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz provided a comfortable advantage. However, a defensive lapse resulting in David Raya’s error allowed Cristian Romero to capitalise and narrow the deficit. Declan Rice’s foul then presented Son Heung-min with an opportunity, which he duly converted.
Arsenal win back-to-back league games against Tottenham away from home for the first time in 35 years.
Mikel Arteta does something Arsene Wenger never managed to do.
✅ Spurs 0-2 Arsenal
✅ Spurs 2-3 Arsenal pic.twitter.com/7t1hMXqD1a— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) April 28, 2024
Reflecting on the match, Arteta expressed his faith in his team but admitted to moments of doubt as the clock ticked down on Sunday. Despite the challenging period, Arteta emphasised his team’s readiness to compete, highlighting their determination to improve.
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“Yeah definitely [I have faith]. In the last few minutes, I was doubting it a bit. But they give me no reason [to doubt],” Arteta stated. “Emotionally it’s been a very demanding month, but yesterday I had to stop them in training because they wanted more. That’s a good sign.”
Arteta sees the ability to convert such results as progress from the previous season when Arsenal struggled under the pressure of a title challenge. He acknowledged the fine margins but believes his team can handle the pressure that comes with such high-stakes matches.
“I think so. When you win it’s always the case,” Arteta commented. “Last season we didn’t, because we went to West Ham and we missed a penalty, and against Liverpool, we conceded in the 91st minute and then you’re not capable.”
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