Mikel Arteta issues title race demand to Arsenal players after breathless Bournemouth win
Reiss Nelson’s goal in the 97th minute resulted in exuberant celebrations, similar to those seen during Manchester United’s last-minute victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the inaugural Premier League season, indicating that Arsenal is now prepared to persevere and break their long-standing title drought.
The relief and excitement extended beyond the playing field, as the Arsenal team and staff joyously frolicked, and supporters who had already left hurried back to the stadium and joined in the chaos, creating a true moment in Arsenal’s quest for their first league championship in 19 years.
During April of 1993, Manchester United was losing at home to Wednesday with only four minutes left in the game before Steve Bruce scored two goals, the second one in the 96th minute, prompting comparable scenes of celebration.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad ultimately won their first title in 26 years by a margin of 10 points, ushering in an era of English football domination.
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal used to be the primary competitors of Manchester United until foreign investment altered the landscape of the Premier League. However, over the last ten years, the Gunners have developed a reputation for lacking the tenacity to secure victories when they are most needed.
Nonetheless, Arteta’s recently formed team has achieved remarkable success in the past six weeks, securing last-minute triumphs over Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth, enabling them to maintain a five-point lead over Manchester City with only 12 games remaining.
Thomas Partey, who scored the Gunners’ first goal, said: “I think the spirit of never giving up, the belief that we have in the team, the belief that the fans have in us, is pushing us game after game. I think we deserved every win that we had this season. I think this will raise the spirit of the team and of the fans to keep on supporting. This is the football that we all want to play.”
Manager Mikel Arteta said: “Where does this rank in games that I have managed at Arsenal? Now, the best. Because the emotions are still there. There is nothing like sharing those great moments with your crowd, with your people, your staff and players. That was what makes everything worth it.”
Philip Billing scored a goal for the opposing team just 9.11 seconds into the game, and Marcos Senesi scored another goal for them after 57 minutes with an unmarked header, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead.
Arsenal made a stirring comeback with goals from Partey, Ben White, and Nelson as substitutes, but this shouldn’t distract from their defensive weaknesses or their lack of offensive quality in the final third due to injuries sustained by Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and now Leandro Trossard. Arteta admitted that the team’s performance was “really poor.”
Arteta’s team managed to overcome the situation. Despite only having made three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season due to a thigh injury, Nelson, whose contract expires in the summer, has scored three goals, with his left-footed shot from the edge of the box into the top corner being particularly impressive.
“In the title race that we are in the minute, I think goals like that are the most important for us,” Nelson said. “You saw the whole stadium erupt and I think this is going to just take us all the way. We need moments like this which can change the game.”
With challenging away fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle still ahead of them, it remains to be seen if Arsenal can maintain their momentum until the end of the season and usher in a new era under Arteta’s leadership.
“We want to stay there, but it is going to take a lot of effort,” said the Spaniard. “There are still a lot of games to be played. In the Premier League every game, unfortunately, is like that, but that is the beauty of it.”
Mikel Arteta issues title race demand to Arsenal players after breathless Bournemouth win
