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Friday, 16 October 2026dailybeirut.com
Football
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed criticism of his team's goal-scoring patterns, praised Jurrien Timber's return, and defended Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the Nottingham Forest match.
Criticism regarding how Arsenal scores goals was firmly rejected by manager Mikel Arteta during a pre-match press conference on Friday. The Spanish coach emphasized that the method of scoring is irrelevant compared to the result itself, stating that all goals hold identical value for the club.
Arteta responded directly to observers who have targeted the team’s reliance on set pieces. He argued that such critiques ignore the broader context of the squad’s performance. "Regardless of the way we score, the team is showing a wonderful attacking flow, and we have scored some beautiful goals," he told Sky Sports. The manager insisted that Arsenal must remain capable of finding the net through various means to create difficulties for opponents.
The Gunners have regained momentum following the international break, securing victories against Leeds in the league and Lille in the Champions League. This resurgence comes after a 3-0 loss to Brighton prior to the previous break. Arsenal continues to pursue Premier League leaders Manchester City, who maintain a perfect record.
Jurrien Timber received significant praise from Arteta for his strong return from a cruciate ligament rupture. The defender’s influence on both attack and defense was highlighted as crucial to the team’s current form. "When he is in his best physical condition, he is an incredible player who can really change the way you attack, with the ferocity he has in the defensive side of the game," Arteta noted.
The manager described Timber’s journey back to full fitness as challenging but rewarding. He pointed out that the summer period allowed the player to push himself physically and mentally. "He pushed himself very hard, because he went through some difficult moments, to reach this level," Arteta said, adding that having the chance to play is one of the best things that can happen to a footballer.
Viktor Gyokeres’ limited playing time became another topic of discussion, with Arteta offering robust support for the striker. The manager characterized the situation as merely a phase within a career or season, dismissing any notion that it reflects poorly on the player’s ability. "A striker's brilliance depends on very fine details," he explained.
Arteta acknowledged that scoring changes public perception but affirmed that the coaching staff’s conviction in Gyokeres remains unchanged. He praised the forward’s daily work rate and determination. "What the player is showing is incredible will and determination... This is the Viktor we see every day, regardless of his situation, whether he scores or not, and that is why he always remains an option to play," the manager stated.
Focus now shifts to Sunday’s away trip to Nottingham Forest for matchday seven of the Premier League. Arteta warned that the fixture would be demanding, citing the opponent’s quality and home advantage. "They are a very well-coached team, and we have faced Oliver Glasner in the past," he remarked. The manager expressed readiness for a difficult contest where preventing goals will be as vital as creating them.
Regarding squad depth, particularly at left wing and center back, Arteta admitted that injuries have reduced options. "Obviously, when someone is out for several weeks, the squad becomes less dense," he observed. Despite these constraints, the priority remains ensuring players recover adequately to perform at their best in upcoming matches.
