Arsenal’s demeanor has been questioned following their loss to Aston Villa, and they might find value in reflecting on a passionate speech delivered by Pep Guardiola last season.
Arsenal’s aspirations for the title took a significant hit as they suffered an unexpected loss to Aston Villa at the Emirates over the past weekend.
The defeat saw Arsenal concede their top spot as goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins secured Manchester City’s victory over Luton, propelling them into the lead. Pep Guardiola’s team now holds a two-point advantage over both Arsenal and Liverpool as they enter the final six matches of the season.
This marks the second consecutive season that Arsenal has found themselves in contention for the Premier League title. However, similar to the previous season, they face challenges as City maintains a relentless pace towards the championship.
Manchester City’s ascendancy to the top spot, after having last held it in November, intensifies the pressure on Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp’s squads. The Arsenal camp may already be feeling the effects of frustration creeping in.
During their match at the Emirates, Villa forward Watkins hinted that the Gunners’ body language spoke volumes. According to the 28-year-old, his side gained confidence from observing Arsenal’s demeanor on the pitch.
Watkins: “We could see from their body language that they were getting tired and definitely getting frustrated and I think we used that as momentum and motivation really.”
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Arsenal’s lack of league success is often contrasted with Manchester City’s achievements. However, Guardiola, despite his team’s success, has faced similar challenges in the past.
After a Carabao Cup loss to Southampton, he delivered a cutting speech in the dressing room, offering straightforward advice to his players.
He told his team in January 2023: “Honestly, do you think it’s normal what today we have done? For this club? Do you think it’s normal?! For the guys who travel, who don’t have money to pay their heater at home, to come here to follow us to perform in this way? Do you think it’s normal? ….WOW.
“My team is not like that. We’ll be in trouble. We’ll be in trouble. I don’t accept that [wagging his finger]. Sport, life is body language. How you approach life, how you approach the game. This is body language, and when you make a bad pass and the other complains like this [turning away] you can start bad but you have 80 minutes left to play, how do you react?
“‘Ah they scored a goal, ah a second one, oh it’s here, it’s there’. You want to play? You want the ball? You wanna move? You wanna fight? As a brother? Down to the earth, everyone guys. Work harder, work better. Be humble, be ambitious. Otherwise, the academy is ready.”
Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly hope his team maintains composure on the field as they strive to revive their title aspirations. Arsenal takes on Wolves on Saturday evening, while Liverpool visits Fulham on Sunday, and City contends with Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday.