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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s impressive 6-0 victory over Sheffield United, calling it a fantastic evening. The win brings them just two points behind first-place Liverpool.
The Gunners dominated from start to finish against a Blades team who looked well beaten after Martin Odegaard, Jayden Bogle’s own goal and Gabriel Martinelli had put them 3-0 behind inside 13 minutes.
In the first half, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice scored for the unstoppable London team, giving them a 5-0 lead at halftime. Then, before an hour had passed, Ben White scored their sixth goal.
According to Arteta, his team’s seventh consecutive win in the league made them the first English side to achieve three consecutive away victories by a margin of at least five goals. He added, “It was a fantastic night.”
The way we began had an impact. We had a bold and optimistic approach, showcasing strong skill in the attacking third and putting us in a favorable position in the game.
“Afterwards, we were able to keep up the pace and drive, and that is something I truly admire about this team.”
In the 39th minute, Arsenal scored their fifth goal, making them the first visiting team in Premier League history to have a five-goal lead.
Arteta cautioned his team that they must not lose any points in the remaining games if they want to beat Liverpool and Manchester City for the championship.
According to the Spaniard, our team’s ability to score numerous goals and prevent the opponent from scoring is very promising. However, our main focus is on winning every game.
“That’s the expectations that these two teams have established in the recent years, and that’s the challenge we have in front of us.”
Arteta stated that Bukayo Saka was taken out of the game during half-time because of sickness, and Martinelli was substituted with Gabriel Jesus in the 64th minute due to a foot injury.
There are many players who are injured or not at their best right now.
Arteta mentioned that we will have to be patient and observe how Martinelli’s setback develops. This was the only negative aspect of the evening.
The Blades, who are 11 points behind and at the bottom of the league, have become the first team in the top four divisions of English soccer to allow five or more goals in four consecutive home games across all competitions.
This season, in 26 league matches, their team has allowed a total of 72 goals. Coach Chris Wilder, who came back for his second stint in charge in December, acknowledged that many of his players are struggling and injured.
Wilder said: “It’s been a painful season, a real painful one before me and through my period.
Many players are injured and suffering because of the demands of the league, especially when they aren’t actively playing while their opponents are. Failure to keep up with the competition can make the gap between success and failure seem insurmountable.
Wilder indicated that he may rely on younger players for the rest of the season. Oliver Arblaster, who made his Premier League debut as a substitute against the Gunners, stated that the team will not give up.
Wilder commented that the team improved when the younger players were brought in, and mentioned that their presence will be more apparent going forward.
“Brooks, Osula, and Arblaster have been substituted in. This could potentially change the strategy.”
Source: independent.co.uk
