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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes that Boxing Day opponents Chelsea have the “strongest team” in the Premier League as they look to guide their team to a first national victory in nearly two months.
A 1-0 win at Manchester United on November 1 was the last time Arsenal had a taste of success outside of the Europa League and they have only collected two points in their last seven league outings.
Such poor form of form means that Arteta’s team heads into the holiday matches in a humble 15th position, just four points from the relegation zone.
It was a different picture in August, when Arsenal came back to beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final, giving Arteta his first silver medal as a manager less than eight months after taking the reins.
But while the Spaniard refused to compare the purchasing power of the two teams heading into the Emirates match, it is Chelsea who have added much more to their squad since the Wembley final.
The Blues spent around £ 220 million to land Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Edouard Mendy.
In contrast, Arsenal’s weaker financial base meant they nearly doubled their summer expenses when they paid £ 45 million for Thomas Partey on the day of the transfer deadline.
Chelsea are now fifth in the Premier League, 11 points ahead of Arsenal, and advanced through their Champions League group without losing a game, and Arteta is clearly impressed.
“Obviously Chelsea always have a great squad of great players,” he said.
“The team we faced a few months ago was one of the best. Right now, you’re probably talking about the strongest team in the Premier League.
“They are doing a very good job, Frank (Lampard) is doing a very good job.
“They have a team full of faith and confidence, and although they had some defeats, it is a team that is surely going to be fighting for the top spot in the league.”
Lampard has previously rejected suggestions this season, particularly from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, that Chelsea have the strongest team in the division.
After Chelsea’s strong start to the season led many to label them title contenders, Lampard objected that comparing his squad of young, new players to Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League winners was “ridiculous.”
As Arteta continues to answer questions about his future, he maintains that he will take all the criticism for Arsenal’s current woes as he seeks to defend his players.
When asked if he will continue to take responsibility for protecting his squad, he replied, “I have to.
“I will keep doing it when I see that they are really trying, and trying to do their best. Mistakes, mistakes, whatever happens, I will support them until the last day.”
“This is the way I think I have to do it. Of course they have to play on the court and do the performances.
“We are here to help them as much as possible, and we have to accept that at the moment it is not enough.
“The best medicine when you are in this situation is to win a soccer game. Every loss is another painful moment, another moment of disappointment, another moment when you have to get up and that’s what we have to do.
“I think the medicine for all of us would be to come here against Chelsea, beat them and then move from there. It’s exactly what we all need.”
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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