Arsenal’s Manager Calls for Improvement in Game Management
Given Arsenal’s recent success, including a convincing 5-2 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League, manager Mikel Arteta believes his players need to work on their game management skills.
During the match, the Gunners sprinted to a 4-0 lead early on, only to see West Ham quickly respond with two goals, reducing the margin to just two. This dramatic turnaround left the home crowd on the edge of their seats.
However, Bukayo Saka’s penalty kick put an end to West Ham’s brief resurgence, securing the win for Arsenal.
Arteta shared his concerns about the team’s performance during a post-match interview with BBC’s Match of the Day. “The game got a bit too hot to handle. We started fantastically, scoring three early goals, but then West Ham came back strong. We should have stayed focused and composed to see out the win.
The pressure mounted, but ultimately, we managed to close out the game. Having said that, we can still improve our game management to ensure we’re not put under such stress.
Furthermore, the team’s cohesion and flow rely heavily on Martin Ødegaard’s guidance, according to former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
Assigning the Norwegian international the title of “glue” that holds the team together, Redknapp highlighted his influence in the West Ham encounter. Ødegaard’s crucial penalty kick in the 34th minute and his role in maintaining the team’s attacking rhythm made him a key factor in the match.
A further analysis by performance analytics website Sofascore revealed Ødegaard’s exceptional skills, including his ability to deliver two key passes and complete two out of three long ball attempts, showcasing his vision and creativity on the pitch.
“This match is a perfect illustration of Martin Ødegaard’s importance to Arsenal’s success,” Redknapp said in an interview with Sky Sports. “He’s the linchpin that keeps everything together. His bravery in possession, combined with his clever passing, makes him a joy to watch. He always makes the right decision, which is a significant asset for manager Mikel Arteta.
