Arsenal will face Crystal Palace at home in the ninth round of the Premier League. Before the game, Arsenal coach Arteta attended a press conference.
Odegaard, Madueke, Havertz, Jesus injuries
Arteta: "The recovery progress of all of them is very good. They have started certain activities and are super willing to come back as soon as possible. But none of them can be included in the match list in about a week."
Arsenal's impressive defense...
Arteta: "We hope that what we are creating will eventually be able to Bring trophies and the honors we want. The more records we set, the closer we are to achieving our goals. Our defensive record is very good, but we need to maintain consistency. It is only the beginning of the season and our goal is to continue to improve with what we can do."
Crystal Palace
Arteta: "It is an important game for us because last year we were in They lost some points. This is our fourth straight game this season against an opponent that cost us points last year. We have been able to beat them this season so our focus is to continue that. "
Eze vs. old club
Arteta: "For Eze, we know it will be a very special game considering what he has done for Crystal Palace, but the focus is on the team. "
Crystal Palace cost Arsenal points last year
Arteta: "If we want a different result, we'd better do something different, especially in these games. We know what Palace are doing, what Glasner has done for the club and how they have achieved results. It will be a tough game, but we are confident that as long as we perform at our level, we have a good chance of winning. ”
How difficult is it to have such a large lineup?
Arteta: "There are two sides to this. One is the emotional connection I have with each individual, each person. I would love to have everyone on the field, but on the other hand, I would rather be in this situation than in the situation in the past few years when we were very short-handed. We have created A very strong environment, a competitive and supportive environment, hoping to be competitive and challenge every game. This is the goal, what we want to achieve, and we are all working towards this."
Why is Arsenal so good at set-pieces?
Arteta: "It's about work. First of all, it's about building a culture and giving this part of the game the attention it deserves. At the same time, understanding that football is evolving and the way opponents target us, we have to maximize those situations that happen frequently. Things that happen frequently are of great value to us, so we try to maximize their value and improve efficiency."
When did you decide to focus on catching set-pieces?
Arteta: "I don't divide football into open play and set pieces. I look at the game differently. We give this part the attention it deserves. We have to maximize the resources we have and be efficient. 10 years ago, I started with a vision, I implemented a set of methods and decided to surround myself with the best people to make it happen."
Are you trying to replicate the success Wenger achieved with a strong back four?
Arteta: "When I look back at the history of football, most of the time the team with the best defense usually wins the league, except for the past three seasons...the statistics are actually not in our favor. But the stronger our foundation, the better the chance."
The importance of fans
Arteta: "This is one of the most important things. I love them because we don't want the fans to just come to the stadium to watch the game. We want to They play with us. Kick-off at 2pm on Sunday, it's a big test. How will we appear after an important Champions League game? We want to do something that we didn't do last season. That's what I want to see."
Arteta: "Obviously, you have a special feeling in your stomach. A lot of emotion, a very close relationship. In my opinion, once you get out there and have that mentality, you have a greater desire to win. Because, again, you make decisions to succeed, to achieve something else in your career. I'm sure Eze will be ready for this. "
Rice's position
Arteta: "I have seen his remarks about his position changing a bit this season. I don't agree with this because his position has evolved and he is becoming a comprehensive player. A complete player has to be able to do as many things as possible, and he has the ability to do that. So that's how you develop players to evolve and start to bring something else to the team, especially when it comes to scoring goals, and he's made the evolution of that position even better and he's been key in the improvement of that part of our game. "
How to restrict Matta?
Arteta: "Well, first of all, it's the overall way they play as a team and their organizational level. They have a lot of ability when they want to attack. When in one-on-one situations, they are very successful."