Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal’s 3-2 Emirates Cup final defeat to Borussia Dortmund was irritating however believes there have been nonetheless loads of positives to take from the efficiency.
The Gunners have been crushed on the Emirates Stadium regardless of producing a number of encouraging attacking moments, with Arteta pointing to defensive lapses and set-piece points as the important thing causes for the defeat.
“Effectively, upset that we misplaced the sport,” Arteta mentioned.
“Clearly, attempt to perceive and provides some context to the sport by way of how we performed, how we competed after which who competed within the sport and for the way lengthy as properly.
“And bearing all that in thoughts, I believe there have been some poor moments the place we weren’t very recognisable, particularly in set-pieces and defending actions and timings that we’re usually very environment friendly in.
“Another very, very constructive attacking mixtures, huge possibilities that a few of them didn’t end in something due to the ultimate go as a result of they have been fully open.
“However, general, upset since you need to win the video games in any context and at the moment, we haven’t managed to do this.”
New signings impress
One participant who continued to impress was summer time signing Christos Tzolis, who registered one other help to make it three objective contributions in as many pre-season appearances.
“Actually robust,” Arteta mentioned when requested concerning the Greek winger.
“I believe he appears match, he appears assured, he appears sharp.
“He made the help, he created a penalty, he had one other two or three excellent moments.
“His work charge is unbelievable to date – excellent issues.”
New arrival Bruno Guimaraes additionally acquired a heat reception from supporters earlier than kick-off following his transfer from Newcastle United, and Arteta believes the Brazil worldwide will deliver extra than simply high quality on the pitch.
“You possibly can see the instant response,” he mentioned.
“I believe he describes himself as a warrior.
“I believe he’s a warrior with an incredible high quality as properly and instinct and management and charisma that’s going to assist us, that’s going to actually ignite one thing totally different within the group.
“I believe he’s going to push everyone contained in the group as properly and that’s the kind of participant that we want.”
Gunners World Cup stars to return
Arteta additionally confirmed that Arsenal’s World Cup internationals will all return to coaching on Monday.
“Tomorrow, everyone’s again,” he mentioned.
“A few of them have been two days early and a few of them have been again at the moment simply in the direction of the sport, which was nice.
“So tomorrow we begin once more, we now have everyone again so I can’t wait.”
Looking forward to the ultimate levels of pre-season, Arteta is happy with the progress of his squad, whereas singling out Ethan Nwaneri for reward.
“It’s a difficult factor,” he added.
“A few of them now have good masses. It’s true that we now have been coaching laborious and on prime of that enjoying some minutes, particularly on this warmth at the moment that you can discover, particularly the second the sport opened up a bit bit.
“However a few of them had some actually good video games.
“I believe Ethan has been sensible all through pre-season and I’m actually proud of him.”
