There was plenty to discuss in Mikel Arteta’s post-match press conference on Saturday. The discussion was dominated by Declan Rice’s red card, but the boss was also asked about the game in general, missed chances, Raheem Sterling and injuries. Here’s a full transcript…
On his thoughts on the game…
It was a very emotional afternoon, for sure. We started the game really well, created three or four chances that we didn’t convert. After that we had a period with some issues, particularly with the ball and we lacked some dominance in that period. We then score a really good goal in a moment when we take advantage of the opponent. Then we go in at half-time, come back and we were really strong. Then the referee makes a decision that changes the course of the game. With 10 men, the team reacted unbelievably well, the stadium reacts unbelievably well and we should have won the game.
On Declan Rice’s red card…
I was amazed. Amazed, amazed, amazed because of how inconsistent decisions can be. In the first half, there were two incidents and nothing happened. Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan, he turns around, doesn’t see the player coming and touches the ball. By law, he can make that call, but by law then he needs to make the next call which is a red card. So we play 10 against 11. This amazed me, at this level.
On whether he’s spoken to Rice…
Yes. Obviously he had a reaction. Anyway, I will repeat myself. By law, you want to do it but you didn’t do it in the first half. And then we have to play 11 against 10. Very simple
On striving to be perfect and our two missed chances late on…
Yes for sure. During this period, how well we controlled the emotional part of the game because it was a really hard one to take. The team reacted and showed a lot of discipline. We adapted to what we had to do, playing at home with 10 men and we don’t want to be sitting deep for so long. We played the game that we had to play and we should’ve been rewarded.
On being without Rice for the north London derby…
This is what happens. We have other players that can fulfil and we can give an opportunity to someone else.
On the process of getting Sterling up to speed…
Yes, we’ll have to see and speak to him on what he’s been doing and how he’s feeling about it. We have to try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quick as possible and him understanding what we are looking for from him and the dynamics of the team. We will use this time to do that and as soon as possible, get him involved.
On how we can improve on inconsistencies in decisions…
I don’t know. This is not in our hands.
On Jurrien Timber…
No, he was I think cramping. He got a kick in the first half and was cramping so we had to take him off.
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