Arsenal boss Arteta buoyed by ‘beautiful and encouraging’ reaction to Manchester United setback

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says the response to Sunday’s shock home defeat to Manchester United has been “encouraging and beautiful” and has called on his players to display “courage and conviction” as they look to secure their first Premier League title since 2003.

The Gunners have had a minor blip in recent weeks, claiming just two points from their last three league games to allow Manchester City and Aston Villa to close within four points.

Much was made of the defeat to United with many pundits claiming Arsenal were showing signs of nerves as they look to go one better than three successive runners-up finishes.

But, speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League game with Kairat Almaty, Arteta looked relaxed and said the reaction in the subsequent days has been impressive.

“It has been excellent,” he said. “We took a moment to bring the temperature down, to pause and to reflect and to ask questions. One is how do we feel? How do I feel? And how do we want to live the next four months?

“And it was so encouraging and beautiful because what came out of there is very simple. We have earned the right to be in a great position in four competitions and – in the next four months – we’re going to live and play with enjoyment, with a lot of courage and a conviction that we’re going to win it.

“And this is the mindset and where we’re going to put the energy. I’m just hoping everyone who is related to this club, especially the supporters, are going to jump on this boat because this is the way we’re going to live the next four months.”

It’s going to be fun – Arsenal boss Arteta relishing run in

There was a feeling of apprehension around the Emirates at the weekend and Arteta reiterated his call for the Arsenal fans to get behind his team.

He added: “I’m encouraging them because it’s going to be fun. Because that excitement, that conviction, that energy, that will is the way you have to live when you want to achieve a dream.

“When you want to achieve something you play for 10 months because out of that some incredible things are going to emerge. Some things that you can’t even imagine.

“And for me that’s the only way to live it because we’re going to give it absolutely everything. We’re going to prepare in the best possible way. And the best chance to deliver what we want is to put all the energy and channel the energy into that direction.”

There is little riding on the game with Kairat with Arsenal having already secured their place in the round of 16 without the need for the playoffs.

Jurrien Timber and William Saliba will miss out due to minor knocks while Mikel Merino is suspended.