Mikel Arteta, whilst recovering from COVID at home, delivered a passionate team talk ahead of his side’s clash against Manchester City.
Throughout the 21/22 season, Arsenal were followed by cameras as they became the latest subject in Amazon Prime Video’s ‘All or Nothing’ documentary series, which will give fans a behind the scenes look at everything that went on at the club during that campaign.
Arsenal were gearing up to face City at the Emirates on New Year's Day but were without their manager after he tested positive for the virus for the second time.
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Despite not being able to be present in the dressing room, Arteta gave an epic pre match team talk through a Zoom call and it was captured by Amazon cameras. You can watch the footage here.
During the team talk he said: “I am really sorry I cannot be there because we are going to go to f*****g war, today.
“One thing guys, be yourselves, I want a game with you face to face [with City]. I want to see [our] players confronting them.”
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The Gunners boss then drew on their last outing against City to motivate his men.
He added: “When we were at the Emirates, remember what they did...Three-nil down and with 10 players and they went f*****g putting [Riyad] Mahrez and [Raheem] Sterling on the pitch to humiliate you.
“Let's f*****g go for it, guys. We are a completely different team and to go from the first minute, think forward, act forward and play forward… every f*****g one of you.
“I am proud of you. Let's go out there and win this f*****g match.”
Arsenal went out and produced a stellar first half performance as Bukayo Saka gave them a 1-0 half time lead.
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However, things began to unravel in the second half, Granit Xhaka was penalised for a foul on Bernardo Silva in the box, which meant City got their equaliser after Riyad Mahrez slotted in the penalty in the 57th minute.
Two minutes later, Arsenal centre back Gabriel was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Despite being a man down, Arteta’s side showed tremendous determination, as the game approached the 90th minute, it looked like they would be able to hold on for a draw, but Rodri had other ideas.
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City’s midfielder managed to poke the ball home in the third minute of stoppage time to sink the Gunners, City won 2-1 and Arsenal’s efforts were in vain.
The first three episodes of the eight part series are now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. With episodes four to six due to be released on Thursday August 11.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have had a decent start to their 22/23 campaign after a 2-0 away win against Crystal Palace. They will host Leicester City at the Emirates this weekend.
Featured Image Credit: Amazon Prime VideoTopics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Premier League