Feeling sick of it already, Mikel? Arteta admits beating Chelsea would be ‘the best medicine’ for ‘hurting and suffering’ Arsenal as they search for first win in eight Premier League games
- Arsenal are only a few more bad results away from a relegation scrap this season
- The struggling Gunners have not won in the Premier League since November 1
- London rivals Chelsea travel to the Emirates for their next game on Boxing Day
- Arteta thinks victory against Frank Lampard’s men could help change things
Mikel Arteta believes victory over London rivals Chelsea could spark a turning of the tide for his struggling Arsenal side, who are desperate for a Boxing Day win.
The Gunners haven’t won since November 1 in the Premier League, were hounded out of the Carabao Cup by Manchester City, have scored fewer goals than Fulham and sit 15th in the top-flight amid a bleak period in north London.
Only Sheffield United, who had two points after 14 games, are on a worse run – something Arteta needs to change against Chelsea to secure his future.
Arsenal are in desperate need of victory on Boxing Day to turn their shocking form around
Mikel Arteta is under massive pressure to save the Gunners from sliding into a relegation scrap
Frank Lampard’s side have more than doubled the Gunners’ scoring tally, banging-in 29 goals to Arsenal’s 12, and victory looks a tough task.
‘At the moment to keep the team alive and to be a team, not a group of players, it takes a lot of energy because when you are losing matches you have to lift them up,’ the Spaniard said.
‘The players are really putting in a lot of enthusiasm to (protect) what we are building. But it takes a lot of energy because we are losing games.
‘Every game is a lot of weight on your shoulders, it’s a lot of disappointment and people are suffering. We are hurting and we have to start believing again and try to push the players, then they respond and are excited for the game.
They face London rivals Chelsea, who have more than doubled the Gunners’ scoring tally
Frank Lampard’s side have impressed this season but Arsenal will hope to find their faults
‘The best medicine, better than anything than can happen outside of our facilities, is to win against Chelsea.
‘I think the next seven to eight days are going to be crucial to see where we are going to be heading in the Premier League.’
Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League, 11 points ahead of the Gunners after 14 games, and rock up at the Emirates having beaten West Ham 3-0 before Christmas –reviving their form after two straight defeats.
Arsenal’s quick-fire Christmas schedule sees them face Brighton on Tuesday amid back-to-back away days, with a trip to West Brom following four days later.
Arteta believes the Christmas and New Year period is going to be crucial for their season
