Mikel Arteta: Arsenal players may depart if they are unable to manage the ‘noise’ in the championship competition.
Mikel Arteta has instructed his title-contending players to consider joining another club if they are unable to cope with the “noise” and “bullets” associated with competing for the Premier League.
Arsenal is set to face their fierce rivals Tottenham on Sunday, with their championship aspirations at stake after they relinquished a two-goal advantage to draw with last-placed Wolves.
Arsenal’s fate is still in their own control following a predominantly strong season, as they prepare for the short journey across north London while sitting at the top of the table.
However, Arteta’s team, who have finished second for the last three seasons, have been labeled as “bottlers” since dropping points against Wolves—a claim Arteta quickly refuted.
Nonetheless, Arsenal has secured only two victories in their last seven league matches.
In response to suggestions that external pressures might become too intense for his players, Arteta stated: “You pose them the question: Do you wish to be part of the noise? Or not? If not, go and pursue something else.
“Join a different club or do you want to be Arsenal? For 10 years, 15 years, everyone has been demanding that we return to this position [contending for the title], and now we are here, and now what? You don’t want the noise?
“Noise is an integral part of it, and the bullets are part of that, and we strive to manage it appropriately and achieve our objectives.
“We must do what is necessary. I don’t believe it will change for anyone. Ultimately, you need to win the next match, and if you accomplish that, you will be in a significantly stronger position, and that is the only aspect we can control.”
An injury-plagued Martin Ødegaard has participated in only 45 minutes across Arsenal’s last five matches.
However, the Norway international may be fit to lead his team against Tottenham.
Ødegaard’s performance has been a subject of considerable discussion. He has netted just one goal this season and only twice in the league over the past year.
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Nevertheless, his playing time has been limited due to various injuries.
“The percentage of time he [Ødegaard] has been available to us has been far from ideal,” Arteta remarked.
“Once again, he has been part of this year’s journey, dealing with numerous injuries, and with many key players sidelined as we currently have, the team has performed exceptionally well to maintain that standard.
“Injuries are the most challenging aspect of our profession when a player experiences a significant series of setbacks, and I understand how much Martin wants to contribute to the team; it is difficult.”
