Ahead of the EFL Cup clash against Bolton on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta addressed tactical decisions and player discipline following Leandro Trossard’s first-half dismissal in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City. It marked the second time this season that an Arsenal player has been sent off, with Declan Rice also being expelled earlier against Brighton. Arteta touched on his approach to handling these moments, injecting humour into a serious topic.
🗣️ “Have you had to remind your players not to kick the ball away in future?”
Mikel Arteta: “For passing the ball you mean? I think so. Don’t touch the ball, we’ll play without the ball!” 🤣
🎥 @SkySportsPL pic.twitter.com/rXKi5j6TIM
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) September 24, 2024
When asked about instructing his players not to kick the ball away in such situations, Arteta responded: “For passing the ball, you mean? I think so. Don’t touch the ball, we’ll play without the ball!” he joked, attempting to alleviate the pressure surrounding the issue of game management.
Reflecting on similar past situations, Arteta recalled a previous red card incident involving Granit Xhaka: “Unfortunately, we’ve been in the same situation in the past… one was with Granit Xhaka and we lost how many? 5-0. We’d better learn. If not, I’d be very thick” he admitted, urging the team to learn from their mistakes to avoid further dismissals.
On the injury front, Arteta provided updates on several players. Oleksandr Zinchenko remains sidelined, and Arteta expects him to be out for several more weeks. “He’s not ready to play yet, and I think he will still be out for a few weeks” Arteta stated.
As for Martin Odegaard, the timeline for his return remains uncertain, with Arteta noting, “It will be a matter of weeks. But I still can’t guarantee when, I can’t tell you more than this. Before October’s international break is unlikely.”