{"id":1676,"date":"2024-04-07T05:01:18","date_gmt":"2024-04-07T05:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/internationalpulse.net\/?p=1676"},"modified":"2024-04-07T05:01:18","modified_gmt":"2024-04-07T05:01:18","slug":"mikel-arteta-reacts-to-the-moment-that-sums-up-his-arsenal-mean-machine-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/internationalpulse.net\/?p=1676","title":{"rendered":"Mikel Arteta reacts to the moment that sums up his Arsenal mean machine | Football"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

\"Arsenal\n<\/div>

Arsenal kept a club record fifth straight clean sheet away from home following their 3-0 win over Brighton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Arsenal returned to the Premier League summit with a comprehensive 3-0 win at Brighton that suggested they are built to last the pace this season.<\/p>\n

The Gunners surprise title tilt fell apart 12 months ago following a spectacular collapse that coincided with the loss of William Saliba to injury. <\/p>\n

Reunited with his twin tower of power Gabriel Magalhaes this term, the pair are fast cementing a reputation as one of European football\u2019s premier central defensive pairings. <\/p>\n

With Ben White in imperious form in his new-look role at right-back and Declan Rice providing an almost impenetrable barrier in front of them, even the occasional lapses from Oleksandr Zinchenko are currently going unpunished at present.<\/p>\n

And while there was much to admire about Arsenal\u2019s attacking play on the south coast, which yielded goals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Torssard, it is a new-found steeliness and passion for defending that is underpinning a season that could yet end in silverware. <\/p>\n

The desire to keep a fifth consecutive and club-record clean sheet away from home was no better demonstrated than in injury-time when, with the game having been put to bed, Gabriel produced a superb block to deny Joao Pedro a consolation goal.<\/p>\n

Arsenal\u2019s Brazilian centre-half celebrated with a defiant roar and was immediately embraced by a clutch of his teammates, who appreciated the significance of Gabriel\u2019s bravery and anticipation.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

\"Gabriel's\n<\/div>

Gabriel\u2019s late block epitomised Arsenal\u2019s commitment to keeping a clean sheet (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n
\n

\"David\n<\/div>

David Raya produced a superb first half save to deny Brighton an equaliser (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With goal difference potentially set to play the decisive factor in the destination of the Premier League crown, the moment was not lost on Mikel Arteta, whose side boast a significant advantage in that regard.<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s really pleasing for all the coaches to see that reaction from the team at 3-0.,\u2019 said the Arsenal manager.<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s great because that tells you how much they want it, the importance and the focus they put in every single ball, that was an extra bonus today.\u2019<\/p>\n

On what has clicked since the turn of the year,he added: \u2018In the end, it\u2019s about performances. You have to earn the right to win the games in this league and the teams, they ask you a lot of questions and there are a lot of things you have to control in a Premier League match to win away from home. <\/p>\n

\u2018The team seems to be controlling those moments much better and being comfortable in different stages of games, when the teams are demanding all this stuff. That\u2019s the biggest step as a team.\u2019<\/p>\n

\n
\n

\"Kai\n<\/div>

Kai Havertz looks transformed from the player who started the season so slowly (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No player sums up the shift in confidence quite as much as Kai Havertz, who produced a man of the match display to further silence his critics.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, obviously, he\u2019s in a different moment. He\u2019s got some fantastic players around him,\u2019 added Arteta. <\/p>\n

\u2018We have tried to create the right environment for him which I think is very important for any player. We have given him confidence, I think hopefully we\u2019ve given the love that he needs. <\/p>\n

\u2018And after, he has the appreciation from the rest of the players and the staff at the club and now, our supporters for sure.\u2019<\/p>\n

The Gunners still face difficult looking trips to the likes of Wolves, Manchester United and Tottenham to contend with over the course of the final straight, but Arteta refused to look beyond next weekend\u2019s game against Aston Villa at the Emirates. <\/p>\n