Mikel Arteta sympathises with Manchester City after European competition ban
Speaking in a recent press conference, he said: “It’s very difficult. I want the best for Manchester City, the best for Pep (Guardiola) and the players. The only thing I want for them is positive and good things. I just want to do for Arsenal the best I can. We talked before the game that we wanted to turn draws into wins. The first half it was a little bit slow, but the way they play with low block, you can get frustrated. We improved much more in the second half.”
With the Citizens’ ban, Arsenal could make the Champions League next season by finishing in the fifth spot and they are currently six points behind Tottenham Hotspur for that position. At present, that gap remains a sizeable one with their tendency to draw games but there could be a change in momentum after the thumping 4-0 win over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners were not dominant during the opening half of the contest where the Magpies had a couple of good chances to find the net. However, following the break, they managed to hold superiority with the possession and chances on goal and eventually ended the half with four goals including one for Alexandre Lacazette, who ended a two-month run without finding the net.
As such, there are plenty of positives to take forward, and the forthcoming games are definitely winnable with Everton and West Ham United scheduled to make the trip to the Emirates Stadium. Should the Gunners win both of those matches, they have a genuine chance of reducing the six-point gap to the Champions League spots at present.