Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to regain ruthless streak against 'energetic' Leeds
"They've been working together for a few years now, they've developed the squad the way they want it, so I was expecting them to be a little bit higher," Arteta said about Leeds; watch Arsenal vs Leeds United live on Sky Sports Premier League from 4pm on Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm
Sunday 14 February 2021 09:54, UK
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have lost their ruthless streak after back-to-back defeats but is confident the Gunners can turn things around in Sunday's match against Leeds, live on Sky Sports.
Arsenal have dropped into the bottom half of the Premier League table after defeats to Aston Villa and Wolves, with the north London club managing just two wins in their previous eight matches.
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Arteta has not been impressed by the recent sloppy performances and is urging his squad to improve ahead of a tricky fixture against Leeds.
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"We are lacking ruthlessness, at the moment, because we gave a goal away, and we gave another two big chances away ourselves against Villa," Arteta told Sky Sports.
"We gave the game away against Wolves. We had the chances to put the game to bed and even when you make a mistake you have to try and correct it and be ruthless in the opponent's box, and we didn't do that either.
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"So then you're not going to win football matches.
"Leeds are a really brave, dynamic and energetic team that goes for the three points all the time - constantly attacking, constantly a threat, constantly pressing.
"First you have to match and improve their energy levels, and then you have to play your game and try to take it where we want and not where they want. If you do that you have a good chance to win."
'We're lucky to have Bielsa in PL'
Arteta has been impressed by Marcelo Bielsa's work but admits he thought Leeds, who are a point ahead of the Gunners with a game in hand, would have been higher up the table on their return to the Premier League.
"I think he is a fantastic manager, and we are really lucky to have him in the Premier League," said Arteta.
"He offers something different, a very particular style of play. A very special character as well and I think we can learn and enjoy from him.
"In my opinion, they should be higher up the table for what they've done and some of the games they lost in an incredible way.
"I was expecting them to be very high because they've been working together for a few years now, they've developed the squad the way they want it, and they are a really competitive side, so I was expecting them to be a little bit higher."
'Best way to cope with online abuse? Stay away from it...'
Arteta revealed earlier this week that his family have been threatened on social media, following a spate of online attacks on footballers and death threats for referee Mike Dean.
The Arsenal boss does not see online trolls going anywhere any time soon and advised those struggling with the abuse to ensure they have a solid support system or to steer clear of social media altogether.
"For me the best way is to stay away from it," said Arteta.
"If it's going to affect you in a negative way and create uncertainty, insecurity, fear - stay away from it.
"Get people around you who can support you and give you guidance on how to deal with it in the best possible way. You have to know it's part of the industry we live in, we have to live with it and learn."
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