Arteta: It’s probably the best time to play derby – Arseblog News

Having gone nine months without a home defeat, losing twice at the Emirates in the space of a week is hardly ideal preparation for a North London derby.

Seven days ago the Gunners were fighting for silverware on four fronts, but after painfully dull performances against Newcastle and Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup respectively, there is little choice but to turn their attention to chasing league leaders Liverpool.

Given the injuries affecting key players – the club confirmed this afternoon that Gabriel Jesus will need surgery on an ACL injury – it will be incredibly tough, but ever the optimist, Arteta is looking forward to the clash with Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Perhaps sensing waning faith in the fanbase, he also issued a call to urge Arsenal fans to back the team as it looks to get back to winning ways.

“It’s probably the best game of the season to watch because of the atmosphere, because of what it means to our people, what it means to us and everybody involved in the game,” he said.

“It is something that e.g. lies in our hands. Let’s create the best atmosphere we’ve played at the Emirates, that’s our aim.

“It’s something we control, the players, the staff and everyone who turns up tomorrow. It’s something we can do, so let’s do it.”

Asked about the need to rebuild their home form, he continued: “I certainly understand that it was a long period (without defeat) and that was something that gave us so much confidence.

“The fact that we lost two games the way we did is painful.”

Reflecting on the injuries, he continued: “This is a more challenging period that we’ve had, especially as we’ve lost very important players at crucial moments, but I don’t know, things happen for a reason in life.

“We’ve got to adapt and with everything that’s happened, see how the team performs. OK, we didn’t win the other day, but if you’re going out of a competition, let’s go out like this, when you have been infinitely better than the opponent, and on Wednesday we have another one.

“It’s probably the best time to play because we know what that game means to all of us. So let’s face it, the circumstances are where they are, let’s embrace them and let’s make the best of it of that, because even with all that, look at how the team is playing.”

While Arsenal have five players unavailable – the aforementioned Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori – it appears the Sp*rs could be without nine first-team stars (per Premier Injuries_. Arteta feels for his opposite number). for the way he has handled their situation.

“That’s our job, it’s very difficult to predict that those things will happen, but how we respond, that’s something that’s in our hands,” he said.

“You can be upset with yourself and start making excuses or face it. Ange (Postecoglou) has done that and last year they also had some difficulties and he handled it the same way, so I really respect that. “

If there is a positive on the injury front for the Gunners, it is that Jorginho and Jurrien Timber should be available – they were replaced against Manchester United on Sunday due to cramp – and Ethan Nwaneri is on the mend.

“He’s good” Arteta said of the teenager. “He’s already started working on the field. He’s developing well, he’s young, he’s healing very, very quickly, so hopefully we can get him soon.”