Mikel Arteta was pleased with the way the boys played after the break, as they showed more purpose after sluggish first half display. We beat Brighton 1-0 at the AMEX Stadium courtesy of substitute Alex Lacazette’s 66th-minute strike.
The boss spoke about the win and how it will affect the team.
On the win…
We know that we’ve been struggling with results recently. The fact we won against Chelsea was a big boost. It was more related to results than performances. To come here, three days later, and get another win is massively important. As well, I think we did it in a convincing way. In the second half, we played much better. At the end [of games] in the Premier League, you have to hang on in the last few minutes. I’m proud of the boys and happy with the result.
On Lacazette’s instant impact…
You always hope [subs make an impact]. Laca is in a really good moment, he’s full of confidence now, he’s playing well and we knew we could use him. We wanted to change the team in the second half and give some freshness and I think the boys who came in did really well.
On his team playing with more purpose after the break…
That [‘purpose’] was exactly the word that we wanted. The actions that we were having with the ball, the spaces we were attacking [in the first half]; we were not a threat in certain areas. We did it straightaway in the second half and looked much more confident and re-energised. We played football much more than we did in the first half.
On there being new energy about the team…
I’ve said it a few times that when you lose the amount of games that we did recently, to maintain the spirit high is a big challenge. I think we have managed to do that. We have made some decisions, of course, you have to in this period. We have some young kids that are helping but as well, I must say the experienced players have been spot on to try to balance the energy and that frustration you get when you get defeats, which can be damaging.
On building confidence…
I said the best medicine is wins. When you win a football match it’s a different world, it’s a different story. The picture looks much better at the moment, we just need to have that consistency and go again against West Brom and try to win again.
On if this year has been different to what he expected…
It’s been entirely different to my whole life. Any managerial career is hard enough and considering the context we are in – the pandemic, all the problems we had recently – it’s been quite a challenge. I’m enjoying it but I’m suffering in some moments. As well, I must say that I have some great people around me. I have a great organisation, a great club which has support for us and I’m really grateful to be here.
On the impact of the youngsters…
I’m not surprised because I know the talent that we have, it’s just to get them in games like we did in the Europa League, like we did in the Carabao Cup and in certain moments in the Premier League. It’s part of the process and now they need the right senior players amongst them to shine. They’ve showed for me the most important quality which is the personality to come to any ground and play with freedom and enjoy being a footballer, it’s all about that.
On sticking with the youngsters…
We have senior players, we have young players, everybody is contributing and helping. They are in the squad because they bring something to the squad and maybe now it’s going to be more talk about them. As well, I would like to be very fair with the senior players who are always pushing, always challenging everybody and helping those young kids all the time.
