Mikel Arteta believes “everything clicked” at Arsenal following their winter training camp in Dubai.
Since the Gunners’ week-long trip to the United Arab Emirates in January they have gone on a run of seven straight Premier League victories, scoring 31 goals in the process.
The camp came after Arsenal had suffered successive league defeats to West Ham and Fulham before being knocked out of the FA Cup by title rivals Liverpool.
Another hard-working session in the sun
Dubai pic.twitter.com/CWSA6a0QSw
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 15, 2024
The north Londoners now sit two points off the top of the Premier League table heading into their final 11 fixtures.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, Arteta said: “It was necessary (the camp).
“We had a tough period before where we played so many games and had some defeats. It was necessary to help us keep improving and demanding of ourselves, especially with the weather and some of the things we had time to work on.
“Everything clicked, we won, we played good and that helps.
“It was really good and it came at the perfect time for us. We built the chemistry around the place. The amount of time we spent together – we enjoyed the time on the field and off the field. It was a really positive trip.”
Arsenal v Liverpool – Emirates FA Cup – Third Round – Emirates Stadium
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will return to the starting XI in place of David Raya who is ineligible for the game against his parent club.
Arteta talked up the mentality of the out-of-favour England international, calling for him to take his opportunity at the weekend.
“He’s trained very well and he’s desperate to play, like all of the other boys, and it will be a great day for him on Saturday,”
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