Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would have learned a lot about his players in last night’s 1-0 win over Leeds in the FA Cup third-round tie. They were not at the races in the first half and let Marcelo Bielsa’s side run rings around them.
However, the Gunners were a different team in the second half, and asked what inspired the improved display, Alexandre Lacazette revealed that Arteta’s angry half time team talk played a key role:
“The manager shouted a lot (at half-time). He was not happy because we knew they’d play like this and we didn’t respect what he had said.”
Fans on Twitter are happy to see that Arteta is prepared to challenge his players:
Arteta unleashed his inner Sir Alex Ferguson with the "hairdryer treatment" ?. Are you guys okay ??. Just keep Arteta away from the shoes and you guys will be alright ??.https://t.co/0xGUYpUgke
— Aisha (@aishamusic) January 7, 2020
They need to start listening
— Olatomide? (@tbamzzy) January 6, 2020
It really is that simple
— Mathingu Mavuti (@MMathingu) January 7, 2020
Truedat first half you looked casual
— Moze Serugo (@Mozeserugo) January 6, 2020
You guys should start listening to him. Dude is outside seeing everything that’s happening
— Hassaniiiii?? (@HassanSodiqOlu1) January 7, 2020
So glad Lacazette was truthful
— #LuxxFootWears (@kvng_kac77) January 6, 2020
He had to thank Reiss Nelson for the goal. Because Arteta would have skinned them alive
— mathieu bitok™ (@itsbitok) January 7, 2020
thank you nelson for the goal, otherwise we were to be in deep soup with the coach
— Ssewanyana Crispus K (@cri6s25) January 7, 2020
The fact is, though, you shouldn’t need a rocket from the coach at half time to perform at your best. There is a complacency among some of the players that Arteta will want to stamp out quickly.
The Spaniard is looking to set a certain standard in terms of both work rate and performance and the first half against Leeds was below what he expects. Hopefully, he won’t need to resort to the hairdryer treatment on too many occasions in the future.
