Mikel Arteta Admits He was Aware of His Arsenal Squad’s Deficiencies Before the Season.

MIKEL ARTETA recognizes that his Arsenal squad fell short in depth to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title.

Nevertheless, the Gunners manager reassured fans of significant summer investments following a fifth consecutive season without silverware.

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Arsenal is set to acquire Real Sociedad’s midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as well as a new striker. Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are among the top candidates, while they also seek a major addition in Bilbao’s left-sided star, Nico Williams.

Arteta commented: “Several factors are involved. We acknowledged at the start of the season that our squad had notable limitations.

“Due to the smaller squad size, many players faced a heightened risk of injury, especially considering their past records.

“We recognized this issue, and there wasn’t much we could do about it.

“Nevertheless, we will work towards improving the team, particularly for our existing players.

“This discussion isn’t new for us. If we were only starting these talks now, it would indeed be too late.

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“We will explore every opportunity in the market to increase our prospects for success.

“Throughout the season, various elements need to align favorably for us.

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“In crucial moments, will the ball hit the post and bounce out, or will it go in? Those are the fine margins we face.

“We aim to expand those margins. The greater the margins, even during those pivotal moments, the more difficult it becomes for the rivals.

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“We must stay true to our path. It’s vital to uphold our values, beliefs, and strategies.”

The effect of injuries has been significant for Arsenal this season.

Only William Saliba and Declan Rice have featured in more than 30 Premier League matches, while four others – Jurriën Timber, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard – have collectively appeared more than 30 times.

In contrast, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Mo Salah combined have started in 104 out of 105 matches, alongside another seven players appearing over 30 times each.

Arteta acknowledged, “This consistency is essential for claiming trophies, and they executed it extraordinarily well.

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“They managed to maintain that consistency, supported by a committed coach, a solid structure, and a stadium generating an incredible atmosphere.

“Winning the Premier League requires a combination of various elements.

“This season, our consistency was disrupted by our challenges.
“I don’t intend to use that as a justification.

“We have the best league in the world, don’t we?

We acknowledged at the start of the season that our squad had notable limitations.

Mikel Arteta

“However, we were the only team from this league in the Champions League semi-finals. That’s the standard we are striving to achieve.”

Arteta dismissed any suggestion that if they win the Europa League, Tottenham could claim their season was more successful despite flirting with relegation.

He quipped, “I’m solely focused on my own garden.”

However, today it’s Liverpool’s garden that he will be evaluating, with Arteta admitting: “What Arne executed was quite astute.

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“He took over a well-established platform – a team that has been winning trophies for the last decade. His role was to build upon this solid foundation.

“He has instilled his own values while retaining many effective aspects. His significant contributions have proven beneficial as well.

“The crux is that he has consistently maximized the potential of his players.

I genuinely desire this because it’s what this club requires and has been so close to accomplishing. Now, we must turn that into reality.

Mikel Arteta on winning trophies

“The players expected to make a difference have consistently delivered. This is essential for winning any major trophy.

“We aspire to celebrate in the same way they do, on a grand scale. Observing their victories exposes our own shortcomings.

“I earnestly want this because it is what this club needs and has been so close to achieving.

“We must now ensure we make it a reality. We’ve discussed it endlessly and will keep pursuing it with the same intensity – if not greater – until we reach our goals.