Arteta Confident Arsenal Will Bounce Back Against Chelsea After Tough Run

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains confident that his side will respond positively in Sunday’s high-stakes London derby against Chelsea, following a difficult spell marked by disappointing results and injuries.

The Gunners are without a win in their last three Premier League matches and have managed just three victories in their past eight league outings. Their recent struggles were compounded by a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan on Wednesday, coming on the heels of last weekend’s loss at Newcastle.

Despite their recent form, Arteta believes his players are ready to turn things around after a productive team meeting this week.

“Obviously, when you don’t win, it affects the mood and energy,” Arteta told reporters on Friday. “But today, I had a meeting with the team, and I could sense their hunger and desire. They’re listening, they’re motivated, and they’re eager to work. It’s a joy to coach them.”

Arsenal currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, one place below Chelsea, and trail leaders Liverpool by seven points. Their only wins in the last six games across all competitions came against Shakhtar Donetsk in Europe and Preston in the League Cup.

Another defeat this weekend could deal a serious blow to Arsenal’s title hopes, with the club still chasing their first Premier League crown since 2004.

Injuries and Discipline Issues Hampering Progress

The Gunners’ campaign has been hindered by key absences, including captain Martin Odegaard, who recently returned from a long-term ankle injury. Additionally, suspensions for key players like Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard have disrupted team cohesion.

However, Arteta remains optimistic.

“The problem is quite identifiable and very resolvable,” he said. “Watching the Inter game back twice, I’ve never seen my team dominate like that. You wonder, how did we not win?

“We’re performing 10 times better than we were at this stage last season. But at the end of the day, results matter, and when you don’t get them, the margins get tighter.”

Odegaard made a brief return as a substitute against Inter and could be in line to start on Sunday.

“Having Martin back is a big boost. He’s been incredibly important over the last few years,” said Arteta. “Even when injured, he tried to stay involved. We’re hopeful he can make an impact because his presence changes the dynamic of the team.”

With Sunday’s clash against Chelsea looming large, Arsenal will be hoping to reignite their title challenge and return to winning ways at Stamford Bridge.