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Arteta: Scoring from set pieces is very important. We must take advantage of the opportunities we create from set pieces.

8:16pm, 20 October 2025【Football】

In the 8th round of the Premier League on October 19, Arsenal defeated Fulham 1-0 in an away game and led the standings by 3 points. After the game, Arteta attended the press conference and talked about the victory, Trossard, Eze and his views on VAR penalties.

Talking about winning in tough away games

Our past record here has not been good for us and we hope to change that, just like we did at home against Newcastle and West Ham, which is another step forward, you know, having that mentality and ability to win games against strong opponents and tough away games, especially in the first 10 to 15 minutes of the game. It took us a while to get into the flow and there were some very unusual mistakes that led to some counterattacks. After that, we gradually dominated the game and performed better the rest of the time. We thought the key against this team was to beat them thoroughly, they were very well organized, especially when the score was close, and as the game went on we got better and better and ended up winning the game.

Talking about Arsenal's failure to allow their opponents to shoot on target in two consecutive Premier League games

In fact, this did not completely reassure them. After all, the stadium felt smaller and the opponents could quickly approach the penalty area. But they didn't create any real threatening chances, especially in the first half, which felt a bit tense due to some mistakes. Fortunately, we have many skilled players in the frontcourt and our defense is solid enough.

Talking about how important this victory is

Yes, we have to perform our best according to the opponent and the game situation. The best strategy against Atletico Madrid will be different to today and we need to make sure we can steer the game in our favor to increase the likelihood of winning. We will also continue to work hard to improve ourselves.

The third away win in the Premier League this season. How important is this victory?

Yes, it is important, we have to perform at our best depending on the opponent and the game situation. The situation against Atletico Madrid will also be different from today. The key is to ensure that we can steer the game in our favor and increase the possibility of winning. We will continue to work hard to improve ourselves.

Talk about the challenges Eze currently needs to face

He used to be more accustomed to attacking open areas and quick counterattacks, and advancing with the ball when there is space. He did that very well and with ease and I thought he had some great performances today as well, he created good chances for Jocles on a number of occasions and if those chances could have been converted into goals it might have been different. I'm very satisfied with his current performance. We can flexibly deploy his position. Today we let him play this position and we will continue to train him accordingly.

When you first started coaching Arsenal a few years ago, people generally believed that the team sometimes appeared weak. Now under your leadership, does the team have the ability to win tenaciously?

I don’t like to look back on the past, but if you ask me how to describe this team and the players now, I would say they are very tough and full of fighting spirit.

Talking about the importance of scoring set-pieces

It is very important. We have created a lot of set-piece opportunities, so we must make good use of these opportunities. When the opponent defends low, we can create opportunities by putting designated players in designated positions, executing designated tactics, and then making the most of it. We could have converted our chances in different ways today, but we ended up scoring from a set piece, which is nice to see.

Talk about Gabriel getting into the game as soon as he recovers

This is what I admire most about him. Gabriel started with confidence and showed good form. He has just experienced some difficult moments. I know that his standards, his reactions and the sense of security he conveys are mature performances and the mentality that the team needs. This is a very good example and I will definitely use it as a good example.

Talk about the upcoming Champions League match against Atletico Madrid

We are very aware of the current situation. You will see that some players, not only our players but also the opposing players, may have some injuries. The intensity of this schedule is like this, so we need to make adjustments accordingly. At this stage, all the top teams are using larger lineups to cope with the intensive schedule. We are all facing the same problem. We must manage the players well, not only taking care of their bodies, but also ensuring that they can perform at their best during the game.

Talk about the penalty kick being cancelled

Regarding the penalty kick, I was a little emotional at the time, because it was obviously a penalty kick, and the referee needed to intervene, and the whole process took too long. I asked Anthony Taylor why it was taking so long, and he explained that it was because of a problem with the equipment, not the process itself. I thought it was probably not a penalty, they made the right call, I was just unhappy with the whole process.

Talking about Trossard scoring another key-moment goal

He has this quality and creates these magical moments when the team needs him most. He has great instincts and is always in the right place at the right time, which is a big advantage for the team and a huge asset for us and it’s really great to have him. I think he's been really good in recent weeks and now we have a lot of players who are in great shape, which is great to see.