Arteta hints at Arsenal transfer plans after addressing Mudryk failure; Ramsdale explains Tottenham fan incident
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta cited “discipline” when addressing the club’s failure to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk, while Aaron Ramsdale gave his version of events after being kicked by a Tottenham fan.
Arsenal extended their lead atop the Premier League table to eight points after sinking Tottenham 2-0 on enemy territory.
The Gunners looked men on a mission in the first half, playing at a much faster tempo than Antonio Conte’s Spurs.
Bukayo Saka played a huge part in the game’s first goal, rifling a shot that Hugo Lloris bundled into his own net after a slight deflection off Ryan Sessegnon.
Thomas Partey rattled the post with what would’ve been a goal of the season contender, but the second goal quickly followed through Martin Odegaard. The Arsenal captain’s low drive was perfectly placed in the bottom corner and beyond the full-length dive of Lloris.
Tottenham showed more spirit after the break, though not enough to seriously trouble Arsenal who saw out a 2-0 victory with relative ease.
There was a notable flashpoint at the final whistle when a coming together between Aaron Ransdale and Richarlison sparked ugly scenes.
Ramsdale was visibly angered after being kicked by a Tottenham fan who scaled an advertising hoarding. His reaction prompted both sets of players to converge and will be an incident the football authorities will no doubt take a close look at.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arteta said: “I love the way we played.
“We have a job that can make a lot of people happy and tonight I’m sure we made a lot of Arsenal fans happy.
“Everything that we ask of them [Arsenal players] they are always so willing to try and do it. It’s a terrific group of players.”
On the character his side showed after presiding over Arsenal’s first away victory at Spurs since 2014, the Spaniard continued: “I was here!
“But it shows not only the determination and courage is great, but you need to have belief and the quality to do it against this team. That’s down absolutely to the players.”
Interviewer Geoff Shreeves then praised Arsenal for doing the “ugly” side of the game well.
“We were really aggressive,” added Arteta. “We were really intense in our press, winning so many balls, we won so many duels.
“In a couple of moments they [Spurs] are going to create chances and they’re a very dangerous team.
“But overall we did a lot of good things today.”
Arteta addresses Mudryk miss
Shreeves then addressed the elephant in the room – Arsenal’s move for Mykhaylo Mudryk being hijacked by Chelsea.
The Blues officially confirmed their new capture mid-way through the first half of their 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
Arteta cited “discipline” when explaining why Mudryk did not ultimately join the Gunners. In other words, the move’s final cost (£88m) spiralled out of control and the Gunners did not wish to pay more than what they thought the player was worth.
“I’m very proud to have the players we have,” responded Arteta. “We always want to improve the squad.
“The club is the first one that is doing everything they can to try and improve the players, but we have to have discipline.
“We have to be very consistent in the targets we want, but as well what we are able to do in each moment we can get those players [Arsenal’s current stars] better. So let’s focus on that.”
When asked if he needs further additions, Arteta stressed the club is “willing” and will continue to explore the winter market.
With Mudryk off the table, various outlets have reported talks have opened over a move for Barcelona’s Raphinha. Brighton’s Leandro Trossard has also been offered to the Gunners, per the Independent.
Ramsdale on Tottenham fan incident
Ramsdale also spoke to Sky Sports after the win and gave his version of events regarding the incident at full time.
“The Spurs fans gave me some throughout the game,” said the goalkeeper. “I was giving some back.
“The people I did give it to greeted it in sportsmanlike terms but one fan tried to give me a little punch on the back.” [Author’s note: It was actually a kick, but Ramsdale’s back was turned so he won’t have known]
“It is a shame as it is just a game of football at the end of the day. Both sets of players tried to bring me away but thankfully nothing too drastic happened.
“It is a sour taste but I’m sure we will enjoy it when we go back into the dressing room.”
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