Mikel Arteta has urged his side to be more ‘ruthless’ and bemoaned the ‘small margins’ in the opening four games of the season, which has seen them pick up 10 points from a possible 12.
The Gunners have started the campaign with three wins and a draw but have been unconvincing, with their wins over Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace coming by just one goal, while a late equaliser cost them two points at home to a 10 man Fulham side.
Against Manchester United, they needed two stoppage-time goals to ensure three points, though they eventually ran out 3-1 winners in what has proved their most convincing scoreline so far this season.
A hero is born!
Declan Rice scores his first Arsenal goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time to put them 2-1 in front.#AFC | #MUFC | #ARSMUN
🎥 @SkySportsPL pic.twitter.com/EBxvRAde5Q
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) September 3, 2023
Now faced with a trip to Goodison Park to take on an Everton side that have taken just one point from their season start but where the Gunners have not won since 2017, Arteta has revealed that he wants his side to be more ruthless and put games to bed earlier to avoid nasty surprises like the one they got against Fulham.
Asked by Sky Sports to rate his season start out of 10, the Gunners boss explained:
“I would say if we had 12 points then I would give it a 10, but there are always things that we have to improve and we have to do better.
‘There are always things we have to improve. 💭
Mikel Arteta rates Arsenal’s start to the season out of 🔟 pic.twitter.com/RAjiSUqs4d
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 17, 2023
The Gunners can move to within two points of current leaders Manchester City should they win at Goodison Park despite their sluggish start to the campaign, though unless they win by five goals they will remain below both Liverpool and north London rivals Tottenham for another week.
