Mikel Arteta wants misfiring Arsenal to play with more freedom in the Premier League and make Emirates Stadium a fortress – starting with a clash against Wolves on Sunday.
The Gunners have scored just nine goals in as many top-flight games this season, only finding the back of the net once in their last five – and that was a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty in the win at Manchester United.
Arsenal have had no such trouble in the Europa League, scoring 10 goals in their previous three matches to cruise into the last 32.
The London club eased to a 3-0 win at Molde on Thursday to make it four group-stage victories from four, but they are languishing in 12th place in the Premier League ahead of a home encounter with Wolves.
In the @EuropaLeague this season…
Games:
Wins:
Goals:Sleep well, Gunners! pic.twitter.com/TepzSm1qng
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 26, 2020
Arsenal boss Arteta wants to see his side entertain and be ruthless in order to climb the table.
The Spaniard said: “After the disappointing last result we had at home [a 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa], we have to make the Emirates a fortress.
“Playing at home without fans is never the same, but it is what we have at the moment. We need a win on Sunday for sure.”
He added: “In the Premier League teams are winning games by very small margins. We’ve competed in all of the games apart from probably the last 20 minutes against Aston Villa.
“The boxes are defining what we do in games. In the opponent’s box we haven’t been as ruthless as we have to be.
“In the Europa League we have found ourselves with more flow, more creativity in the final third. More ‘let’s go for it and express ourselves’. Some days it’s not the same, but that’s something to look at.
“We try to encourage them to play with that freedom, we have our rotation in the team for many different reason – for injuries or some because of the performances.
“Also with the challenges we’ve faced against big teams in the Premier League over the first nine games. That’s something we have to improve obviously and we are trying to do so.”
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.