Mikel Arteta has pointed out what is driving Arsenal’s sudden resurgence since the international break in November, after enjoying impressive back-to-back wins.
The Gunners had been faltering before the recent club football break, dropping points in four consecutive Premier League games and with just two wins in seven games in all competitions after the international break in October .
But since the last set of international matches, arsenal have convincingly defeated in-form Nottingham Forest and inflicted Sporting CP’s first defeat in almost four months in some style
Asked what has changed after the declaration of demolition work in Lisbon, Arteta he said, “A lot.”
And it has everything to do with most of their players recovering from injury layoffs.
Martin Odegaard is the most obvious example, pulling strings in the last two games after missing 12 in all competitions with an ankle problem. But Bukayo SakaRiccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Rice DeclanMikel Merino and others have been missing at some point. Now, only Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are absent due to confirmed injuries.
“We were training with 11-12 players for a long period because they couldn’t train and play, and suddenly almost everyone is fit and available,” explained Arteta.
“It is true, we are still managing some players, but their level is rising. I have no doubt that we have the right ability, we will be a very good team.”
However, there was a slight blip on Wednesday night in Portugal’s capital. Center back Gabriel was taken off just minutes before the end due to a possible problem.
In the immediate aftermath, Arteta was unable to offer any details on the exact issue other than “some discomfort.” But for now, it makes the Brazilian a doubt for the weekend’s short Premier League trip to London to face West Ham United.
