Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged the pressing need for a psychological “reset” within the team, followingthe team’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool in the FA Cup third round,
Despite a dominant first half at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners squandered numerous scoring opportunities, with Alisson Becker’s impressive goalkeeping compounding their frustrations.
The late collapse saw Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior inadvertently heading a Trent Alexander-Arnold free-kick into his own net at the 80-minute mark, followed by Luis Diaz securing Liverpool’s victory in stoppage-time.
With just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions and three consecutive losses, Arsenal’s promising start to the season has taken a downturn.
The North Londoners find themselves out of the FA Cup and League Cup, trailing five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Arteta, when asked about the team’s struggles, admitted the possibility of a developing psychological hurdle, particularly emphasized after the recent defeat against Liverpool.
He emphasized the urgent need for a reset to avoid slipping into a mental slump. Arsenal now face a 13-day break before their next encounter with Crystal Palace, and Arteta sees this hiatus as an opportune time for the team to regroup and rediscover their form.
“Probably it has (become a psychological issue). Especially after today, more than it was against Fulham or West Ham before that. That’s why I think we need to reset,” he said.
“This break is good. It comes in a good time. When things are going well they jump on the train. Now things are difficult, let’s see where they stand,” Arteta commented, expressing hope that the break will provide the necessary breather for Arsenal to reassess and rejuvenate.
