This afternoon we welcome Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad to St. James’ Park.
Mikel’s teams are always very well coached and extremely competitive as a result. Each match against them last season in the league and cup was closely-fought, and we know what a challenge it will be once again today.
We approach today’s match in a good place after an excellent performance and result earlier in the week against Bradford City in the Third Round of the Carabao Cup. Approaching the game, we knew it would be difficult given Bradford’s excellent start to the season. They arrived top of their league and in full confidence, so we knew we needed to match their effort and intensity.
The players deserve credit for how they approached the game. As the Premier League side playing at home, there is always an expectation to score early and go on to dominate, and when that doesn’t happen it can change the dynamic of the match and create pressure. The players remained patient and we took a well deserved lead on 17 minutes through Joelinton, and within a few minutes Will Osula scored to double our advantage.
After the break we maintained the pressure and intensity, added a third goal through Joelinton, before a second from Will made the game safe and booked our place in the Fourth Round of a competition that is very important to us. Awaiting us in the next round is another tough match against Tottenham Hotspur, although it’s always a big boost to be at home once again.
The Bradford match once again highlighted the big role that each member of our squad will have. Fast turnarounds, limited time to rest and prepare and travel to Champions League matches are all a standard part of our season, and a challenge and opportunity we are of course very happy to embrace. But it does mean that irrespective of the team we select, every player is going to need to be mentally and physically ready to perform.
That’s why progressing to the next round of the Carabao Cup was such a boost. Despite having made changes to the line-up, the quality and hallmarks of our team remained, and it was just as pleasing to score four times too. The challenge for all players is to take the opportunity when it’s given to them, and we really believe we have a squad talented and hungry enough to do that.
Today we return to Premier League form against a team we respect a great deal. We’ll need to hit our best levels and will once again rely on your incredible support to help us to do so. Please help create another special atmosphere, and in return we’ll give everything possible to reward your loyalty.
