Arsenal drew 1-1 with Brentford in the 26th round of the Premier League, once again feeling how small details can affect a big result. After the match, Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta gave a full assessment of the game and openly explained why the team missed out on victory.
According to Arteta, the Londoners failed to start the match with the expected level of pressure and dominance. In the first minutes, it was not enough to take control of the game, reliably pass the ball and “lock” the opponent in their own half. However, over time, the team found a rhythm, the action came to life and scoring opportunities began to appear.
The second half began with an almost ideal start for Arsenal. The team came out much faster, more aggressive and more confident after the break: a goal was scored, control of the game was taken, the pace began to be controlled in a way that suited Arsenal. But it was from that moment, as Arteta said, that order broke down on the field - "chaos" arose.
According to the coach, if you give such an opponent the opportunity to use set pieces or throw-ins, the game will instantly "break down". Brentford is one of those teams: they can bring the ball into the penalty area from any point on the field and create a threat there. In particular, long-range throw-ins have become one of their strongest weapons this season. That is, this is not just a throw-in, but a threat almost equal to a set piece.
Arteta also revealed the main conclusion at this point: Arsenal should not have created such situations in front of their own goal. Stopping the episodes that cause such “bells” early, keeping the ball more, not losing control between attacks - these are the very things that kept the team calm. Because knowing Brentford’s strengths and presenting them with exactly this scenario is tantamount to “dragging” yourself into the game. And getting out of there, as Arteta says, is very difficult.
That is why the feeling of a draw for Arsenal is not just one point - it is two points lost. The coach did not hide that he wanted a victory: the mood in the team also corresponds to this - like a missed opportunity.
However, Arteta put the last point with hope: Brentford is a very difficult opponent, but Arsenal will not stop. The movement forward will continue. The fans took one thing for granted from this game: the team is both scoring goals and controlling the game - the most important thing now is not to "extinguish" this control with set pieces and small episodes. Then the draws will become a "faint" memory, and the wins will become a habit.
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