Mikel Arteta was in confident mood yesterday, saying the next two fixtures for Arsenal are crucial and can change the tide for the club. The last two results have been extremely disappointing and enough to see Arsenal plunge into 6th in the Premier League table and rooted to second in the Champions League. the draw with Anderlecht was especially hard to take and makes winning the Champions League group very unlikely, while the Swansea loss sees us lose ground on Chelsea yet again.

Arsenal simply cannot afford any more slip ups, and the next two fixtures will be crucial for the club’s fortunes. United come to town on Saturday before Dortmund follow suit on Wednesday and Arteta feels Arsenal can use this home stand as a springboard.

“We have two games, against Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund, at home and if we get the crowd with us from the start and get the results then it will be a very different story again” he said.

“A week ago, after three wins in a row, the place was getting back to normal with everyone looking happy. Then after two disappointing results, (it is down).”

“It is a rollercoaster at the moment but we need to manage the emotion because this is a long-term situation and we need to be where we want to be in April and May, so let’s be patient.”

He went on to say that disappointment is natural and that he does his best to lift and encourage his teammates.

“For me, the most important thing is to lead with confidence and remind the players how good they are.”

“When you see some faces with disappointment and doubts, it is not good. They are players of the top level, and after one, two or three performances it is natural – you get doubts, you are not happy with yourself, you get a bit down.

“But we cannot allow that to happen here. It is very demanding to play three or four times in 10 days and bad periods are going to affect the team. So you need everyone on their toes and ready to fight.”

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Arteta is man who understands this, and if his teammates share this sentiment, Arsenal should be fine. COYG.

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