Tribal Football

Arteta admits his side must show "desire" and "hunger to win" ahead of Fulham test

Arteta admits his side must show "desire" and "hunger to win" ahead of Fulham test
Arteta admits his side must show "desire" and "hunger to win" ahead of Fulham testAction Images via Reuters

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has addressed the media ahead of this weekend's clash with Fulham.

Arsenal are sitting three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the standings following last weekend's 1-0 win over Newcastle United. 

Advertisement
Advertisement

The Gunners could go six points clear before City face Everton on Monday night, potentially handing Arteta a major boost in the title race. 

Are nerves getting to Arteta and his side?

With few games remaining to secure the title, Arteta sent a message to fans and spoke on the nerves that may be getting to him as he looks for hunger in his side who continue to be inconsistent.

“Let’s keep doing what we have been doing all season, and bring that energy. That passion and together we can make it happen." 

“Emotions for sure we have to manage in the right way. But I want to put more emphasis on showing that desire, that hunger that we have shown all season. We have only four games left and everything to play for, so it doesn’t get better than that. 

“Focus on Fulham and hunger. Hunger to compete, hunger to play, hunger to win. Hunger to be closer to achieve our dream." 

 On what he sees when he looks his players in the eyes: “Hunger. Hunger to win, that’s it. To achieve, to prepare." 

Havertz and Timber are out

He next confirmed that Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber are out of Saturday's match, revealing that Havertz being out once more this season is a huge loss.

“It’s been a huge miss. We are talking about one of the most important attacking players that we have and he has been out for seven or eight months (in total) and he hasn’t been the only one, unfortunately, regarding players that we have missed through injury. 

 "We have shown an incredible capacity to overcome these scenarios and be very, very competitive." 

Fulham won't be an easy 3 points

Finally, Arteta praised Fulham boss Marco Silva whose side will have had a full week to prepare after the 1-0 victory over Aston Villa last weekend. Arteta knows it will be a tough game where 3 points are imperative.

"Marco (Silva) is doing a remarkable job, and I have said many times that in my opinion he is one of the best managers in the league.

"The way he sets up his teams and what he’s done for the club is incredible, which is why we know we’re going to have a tough game tomorrow." 

Related Articles