SM
Spurs vs. Arsenal: 11 hrs 11 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Hector Bellerin defends Mikel Arteta amid recent criticism

:Headline: Hector Bellerin defends Mikel Arteta amid recent criticism: ID:425047: from db_amp
Mikel Arteta is approaching a year in charge of the Gunners but results of late have increased speculation over the Spaniard's future.

Hector Bellerin believes speculation over the future of Mikel Arteta is "unjust" as he insists the Arsenal boss cannot change the fortunes of the team overnight.

Arteta is approaching a year in charge of the Gunners and has already guided them to FA Cup and Community Shield success.

But he has now overseen their worst start to a league campaign since the 1981-82 season, with Arsenal losing half of their first 10 Premier League games – including three in a row at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta has seen his side lose five of their opening 10 Premier League games this season (Andy Rain/PA)

Sunday's loss to Wolves came a year to the day since his predecessor Unai Emery had been sacked and the result saw Arteta questioned on whether he had any concerns about his position.

The Spaniard insisted he was not worried and compatriot Bellerin has backed the former Arsenal captain and said he needs more time to turn the club back into the force it once was.

"So unjust. So unjust," the full-back replied when asked by beIN Sports about speculation of Arteta being sacked.

"We have to, as players, take responsibility for this because I think we all know that Mikel and his coaching team give us all the tools that we need to win all the games.

“He's not trying to make changes just on the pitch but outside of it, this isn't something you can do overnight.”
- Bellerin on Arteta

"When you lose a game it's always very easy to blame the coach. But also when the coach gives us the tools we have to be the ones to step up.

"The way that Mikel plans these games, all the knowledge that they give us before we step on to the pitch is second to none.

"Sometimes it's not that easy, depending on the opponent, but that's why football is beautiful. If you play the games on the tactics board, then it will be a completely different game."

Next up for Arsenal is a tricky trip to north London rivals Tottenham, who sit top of the table heading into the weekend's fixtures.

Bellerin and his Arsenal team-mates will be looking to win at rivals Tottenham on Sunday (Michael Regan/NMC Pool)

Arteta's side could fall 11 points behind their neighbours if they lose on Sunday, but Bellerin is urging patience as the manager implements his far-reaching plans.

"I have to say that when you are planning on doing something big – and that's what he's doing, changing the identity of the team, of the club, change the behaviours – he's not trying to make changes just on the pitch but outside of it, this isn't something you can do overnight," he added.

"I feel the team has improved massively in so many areas of the game that needed improvement. Even though we're not doing so great in others, it's all part of the process."

amp_article__425047 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-12-04 14:00:55:
html db last update - 2021-03-11 03:43:01 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Mikel Arteta

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Manchester CityMan City33237380324876
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
11Bournemouth34129134960-1145
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton331111115254-244
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .