Mikel Arteta admits his Arsenal side can improve “in many areas” despite returning to the top of the Premier League after a closely-fought 1-0 win over Newcastle at the Emirates.
Eberechi Eze’s wonder strike nine minutes into the match proved to be enough for the Gunners, who leapfrogged title rivals Manchester City into top spot, albeit having played on game more.
But it was far from a convincing performance from Arteta’s side, who rode their luck at times and were unable to extend their advantage against a Newcastle side low on confidence.
The Arsenal boss hailed his players’ mentality but insisted they can improve ahead of a Champions League semi-final and the last few games of a title race that looks set to go down to the wire.
“There were moments [in the game],” Arteta said. “There were moments in the first half, moments in the second half, certainly, where we had so much discipline and courage and great habits defensively.
“But with the ball there are moments that we have to do much better if we want to be much more dominant in the game. We can improve in many areas.”
Arsenal ‘continue to compete’
Next up for the Gunners is a trip to the Spanish capital on Wednesday for the first leg of their Champions League last-four clash with Atletico Madrid.
They then host Fulham in the league on Saturday as they look to retain top-spot in the table.
But they may have to do so without goalscorer Eze, who hobbled off shortly after the break against the Magpies, although the severity of the injury remains uncertain.
However, while the Gunners’ boss acknowledged that has had to contend with injuries to a number of key players during the campaign, he insists his side are still up for the fight.
“We have had to manage a lot of situations this season,” Arteta added.
“Let’s see if we have lost a few players tonight as well, but the good thing is the team continues to compete.”
