Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says everyone is surprised at the Gunners’ clear rise to the top five points in the Premier League but is determined that his players should enjoy their current lofty status.
Martin Odegaard’s second-half double in the win over Wolves was enough for Arsenal to make the most of Manchester City’s defeat by Brentford and ensure they go top on Christmas Day for the first time since 2007. Will stay.
It’s a huge achievement for a club that hasn’t finished higher than fifth since 2016.
“Obviously nobody expected us to be where we are now,” Arteta said. “But it’s great to be where we are and we’re enjoying the moment.”
Odegaard headed home Fabio Vieira’s low cross from close range 10 minutes after the restart and then drilled in the rebound after Jose Sa had kept out Gabriel Martinelli’s low effort on 15 minutes.
It meant there was no slip for the Gunners, who watched City’s defeat on the team coach travel to the Midlands and celebrated when Ivan Toney scored in injury time.
“As you can imagine,” Arteta said, when asked about the reaction.
“But that’s how you win this league and that’s the beauty of it. You start doing it in the second game of the season because the competition is so big that you’re always looking at other opponents. It’s something that every The team does.”
More good news came from the Arsenal camp as Arteta revealed that Grant Xhaka’s first-half exit was down to a bout of illness that struck the visitors ahead of kick-off, rather than the Swiss player’s World Cup. The cup should be put in jeopardy.
In contrast, Wolves are now bottom as new manager Julen Lopetegui prepares to take charge.
The former Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla boss was introduced 15 minutes before kick-off at Molineux and watched the game from the stands.
It saw a microcosm of Wolves’ season as the hosts battled hard and created a few chances despite spending much of the game on the backfoot, but a lack of goal threat faltered as He failed to score in the top 15 for the eighth time. Flight games.
Twelve wins and 37 points represent Arsenal’s best record 14 games in a season.
They still have to play defending champions City as their first scheduled league game against them was canceled last month to allow the Gunners to get up to date with their Europa League programme.
They also face in-form Newcastle, but have met all their other ‘big six’ rivals and look very much the real deal.
Odegaard in particular has proved an impressive choice as captain by Mikel Arteta.
The 23-year-old Norwegian does his job with quiet efficiency, clear in his passing and smart with his positioning, making his central role essential.
He is also a goal threat. His first was a poacher’s effort as he eluded the attentions of the Wolves defenders despite being close to the home goal. His second involved brilliant first-touch control as the ball ran to him, then a precise finish.
Much has been made of Erling Holland’s potential impact on City after the World Cup, with the Norwegian’s absence meaning many influential players will be resting while they are in Qatar. The same is true of Odegaard.
