Defender Ben White believes there is a change in mentality at the Emirates.
THE LOWDOWN: DIFFERENT ARSENAL
Arsenal have surprised many of their fans, critics and particularly themselves since the season started. It has been one impressive display from the other albeit the Manchester United game.
Mikel Arteta’s side won their opening five games of the Premier League before a blip at Manchester United, since then they have been able to win their past five games in all competitions.
On Sunday when Liverpool came visiting, Arsenal exhibited a strong mentality to edge the Reds in a keenly contested affair at the Emirates.
One player, who has started the season strongly, believes his side have a different mentality this year.
THE LATEST: “THIS YEAR IS DIFFERENT”
Arsenal defender Ben White believes it is a different year at Arsenal following last season’s disappointment
“Obviously playing against Liverpool is always tough. In recent years, we haven’t got the results we wanted. This year is different,” White told beIN SPORT.
“I think all week with the gaffer, we’re ready for everything, tactically we’re ready and any situation that happens, we’re on it.
“I don’t think there’s any fear in our team, we’re all young, we’re hungry to be the best so that’s what we’re trying to do.”
“It’s a process,” he said of the progress the club have made in the space of 12 months.
“We’re a year older all of us, more experienced in the Premier League and it’s going in the right direction.
“This squad is fantastic, I don’t think there’s anyone getting ahead of themselves. You can see that in the training that we do in the week. It’s game by game, we’re not looking too far ahead.”
When asked about Arsenal being title contenders, White was bullish in his response.
“The way we’re going, we’re doing well. Game by game, like I said. Why not?”
THE VERDICT: CHANGE
From the play and reaction in games, Arsenal have changed a lot this season. The comeback win over Fulham and how they dug deep against Aston Villa are examples. The reaction after the defeat to Manchester United was superb. White is spot on with his assertion.
It is now left whether Mikel Arteta’s men will be able to sustain the work till the end of the season, but so far, they have changed and the future is looking good.