The result of the 1-1 Arsenal versus Chelsea game, as per Mikel Arteta was a proper derby in London which was not flowing but rather aggressive. Very intense, said he, every duel, every action has something on it, a lot of restarting, free-kicks, yellow cards that strangled the game. Arteta’s post Chelsea verdict after the game reflections, injuries and resilience.
Arsenal did not find it easy to settle, although Caicedo in Chelsea was carded red after 32 minutes. Arteta had praised a great goal and big chances but regretted to not have had any details in the attack and transitions, and considered it a point won and a game lost, which is one of the lessons to his team.
Grueling Week Amid Injury Crisis
The Gunners’ schedule—derby, Bayern Munich midweek, and Chelsea—tested depth, with Arteta calling it “immense difficulty.” Losses included Gabriel Magalhães (hamstring, “some weeks” out) and William Saliba (knock, 50/50 for Wednesday’s Brentford clash after Tuesday’s test). Kai Havertz (knee) and Leandro Trossard (muscle) are doubtful, forcing an untested back four. “The captain is still not here. The nine is still not here,” Arteta noted, highlighting the “headache” of missing his center-back duo for the first time in years. Positively, no fatigue excuses: “We played every two and a half days… but that’s the beauty of it.”
Squad Depth and Mental Fortitude
Arteta lauded his team’s mentality amid post Chelsea scrutiny. “Extremely proud… not many clubs had the opportunity to play the games we have,” he said, emphasizing spirit over perfection. Depth, “tested since pre-season,” held firm despite absences, with players “so willing to connect.” The draw left disappointment—”standards we set for ourselves”—but underscored hunger: “We will overcome everything.”
Forward Focus: Brentford Beckons
No major decisions emerged, but Arteta urged preparation: “Prepare very well and Wednesday try to be better than Brentford.” It’s a positive week overall, fueling title ambitions.
