Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes that by defeating Chelsea, Arsenal can get back on their feet more quickly – thus a win against Chelsea would serve better.
Arsenal faced a 1-1 draw with Arteta’s first match against Bournemouth since his appointment. Chelsea will see Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday after a 2-0 loss against Southhampton.
“I think energy is everything, in life, in football and sports, and if we are able to generate this [against Chelsea] it will give us a lift,” said Arteta.
“I was really pleased how the fans treated the players [at Bournemouth] and I was happy that the players went to see the fans after the game as well because we need that connection.
“Slowly we need to build that back to what it was because it’s going to be very powerful for us to use that.
“[Chelsea] are a terrific team, so it will be a really good test for us.”
Arteta acknowledged he needs to get the players to buy into his philosophy in order to win over the fans, who have regularly voiced their discontent at performances of Granit Xhaka, Mesut Ozil and the team as a whole.
“First, I think I need the players, and if I convince the players after we can convince the fans, but yeah, I think it’s a very important part of the job,” Arteta said of getting the supporters onside.
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