MX23RW : Monday, December 7 18:50:28| >> :60:293:293:

Hector Bellerin defends Mikel Arteta amid recent criticism

Hector Bellerin defends Mikel Arteta amid recent criticism
© Reuters
Mikel Arteta is approaching a year in charge of the Gunners but results of late have increased speculation over the Spaniard's future.

Hector Bellerin believes speculation over the future of Mikel Arteta is "unjust" as he insists the Arsenal boss cannot change the fortunes of the team overnight.

Arteta is approaching a year in charge of the Gunners and has already guided them to FA Cup and Community Shield success.

But he has now overseen their worst start to a league campaign since the 1981-82 season, with Arsenal losing half of their first 10 Premier League games – including three in a row at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta has seen his side lose five of their opening 10 Premier League games this season.
Arteta has seen his side lose five of their opening 10 Premier League games this season (Andy Rain/PA)

Sunday's loss to Wolves came a year to the day since his predecessor Unai Emery had been sacked and the result saw Arteta questioned on whether he had any concerns about his position.

The Spaniard insisted he was not worried and compatriot Bellerin has backed the former Arsenal captain and said he needs more time to turn the club back into the force it once was.

"So unjust. So unjust," the full-back replied when asked by beIN Sports about speculation of Arteta being sacked.

"We have to, as players, take responsibility for this because I think we all know that Mikel and his coaching team give us all the tools that we need to win all the games.

"When you lose a game it's always very easy to blame the coach. But also when the coach gives us the tools we have to be the ones to step up.

"The way that Mikel plans these games, all the knowledge that they give us before we step on to the pitch is second to none.

"Sometimes it's not that easy, depending on the opponent, but that's why football is beautiful. If you play the games on the tactics board, then it will be a completely different game."

Next up for Arsenal is a tricky trip to north London rivals Tottenham, who sit top of the table heading into the weekend's fixtures.

Bellerin and his Arsenal team-mates will be looking to win at rivals Tottenham on Sunday.
Bellerin and his Arsenal team-mates will be looking to win at rivals Tottenham on Sunday (Michael Regan/NMC Pool)

Arteta's side could fall 11 points behind their neighbours if they lose on Sunday, but Bellerin is urging patience as the manager implements his far-reaching plans.

"I have to say that when you are planning on doing something big – and that's what he's doing, changing the identity of the team, of the club, change the behaviours – he's not trying to make changes just on the pitch but outside of it, this isn't something you can do overnight," he added.

"I feel the team has improved massively in so many areas of the game that needed improvement. Even though we're not doing so great in others, it's all part of the process."

ID:425047:cQx

Click here for more stories about Mikel Arteta

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Ismael Bennacer in action for Milan on March 8, 2020
Read Next:
Arsenal chiefs 'do not understand how Bennacer was allowed to leave'
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Tottenham HotspurSpurs117312391424
2Liverpool117312617924
3Chelsea1164125111422
4Leicester CityLeicester117042115621
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd106131917219
6Manchester CityMan City105321711618
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham115241814417
8Southampton105231916317
9Everton115242018217
10Wolverhampton WanderersWolves115241115-417
11Crystal Palace115151716116
12Aston Villa95042013715
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104241215-314
14Leeds UnitedLeeds114251620-414
15Arsenal114161014-413
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton102441416-210
17Fulham112181121-107
18Burnley10136518-136
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom11137823-156
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd110110518-131

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!