It could be a tactical ploy by the Arsenal management, but while most managers shield their players before a crunch game – taking the spotlight completely off them, Arsenal seemed to have players protecting their manager.
In the run-up to today’s crunch game with Tottenham Hotspur, it was Mikel Arteta and Robin van Persie who were doing all the talking to the press.
In fact Arteta went so far as to absolve Arsene Wenger of any blame for the inconsistency that has plagued Arsenal’s season.
A strange comment before such a crucial game.that
Spanish midfield player Arteta insisted, “It is us who are to blame, not the manager.”
“In Milan we collapsed,” he admitted. “It was very frustrating. We talked after the Milan game. We were frustrated and we were gutted. You get upset with yourself after a result like that. We knew we can’t keep doing this or that. Mistakes had to stop.
“As for the manager, I owe him a lot. He gave me the chance to join this club.”
Arteta, speaking at an EA Sports FIFA Street event, also pointed to the list of injuries with which Arsenal have had to contend this season. “I just want to see us judged when we have everyone fit and we have the first 17 or eighteen players available. Players have to play out of position on many occasions.”
Then there was Robin Van Persie issuing his clarion call in an exclusive in the new Sun on Sunday (https://bit.ly/yXxbIN).
“I realise there is lots of speculation about my future at the moment.
But, rest assured, the only thing in my mind right now is to get Arsenal Football Club back on track and finish the season strong.
I'm just thinking about Arsenal right now and nobody else. I'm thinking about beating Tottenham at home.
“I'm thinking about a top-four finish to ensure there is Champions League football for Arsenal yet again next season. That would be great.
“And I'm thinking about an early goal against Milan and trying to pull off the improbable. That would be incredible.”
It would. Now if only Wenger shared your optimism.