The final whistle had barely sounded at Villa Park, signaling a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat for Arsenal, when Mikel Arteta faced the press. His demeanor, however, wasn't one of despair, but of measured assessment and quiet pride.
Arteta spoke of a team steadily building momentum, a side finding consistency even amidst fierce competition. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, acknowledging the long, arduous journey of a 38-match season and the challenges that inevitably arise.
“We are really being consistent, and through it we achieve points,” Arteta stated, his voice carrying a resolute tone. “I am so proud of how we are, taking the challenges we give them.”
The sting of Emi Buendia’s injury-time winner was palpable, yet Arteta refused to dwell on the loss. Instead, he highlighted the team’s current strength and their ability to navigate difficult moments.
The immediate focus, he explained, is a swift return to action – a Europa League clash against Basel. The message to his players is simple: one game at a time, savoring each moment of the journey.
A surprising note emerged when questioned about Aston Villa’s title credentials. Arteta didn’t dismiss the possibility, acknowledging Unai Emery’s team as genuine contenders.
“They are,” Arteta affirmed, his assessment direct and respectful. “The way they play, they have beaten some big teams, especially at home. At the moment they are where they are, and we are there as well.”
He pointed to the demanding nature of the Premier League, where every team will eventually face each other, suggesting that Villa’s strong home form makes them a formidable opponent. The league, he implied, is wide open.
Arteta concluded by emphasizing the importance of rest and recovery, urging his players to reconnect with family and friends before refocusing on the challenges ahead. The defeat, while disappointing, hadn’t diminished his belief in the team’s potential.
