Arsenal defeated Sevilla 2-0 thanks to goals from Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka, putting the Gunners in a position to win Champions League Group B.
What the players and managers said following the game is as follows:
Mikel Arteta on the win…
I’m really pleased with the performance, and the determination, quality, aggression that we showed today, it was really pleasing to watch. It was a really convincing win, generating a lot and not conceding anything. It was a big step for us.
It’s two games; against Newcastle we conceded one shot and today as well, so that gives a lot of strong foundations to the team. I think attacking-wise, we were a real threat, our wingers were a real threat today, so I’m really happy.
If Arsenal defeat Lens at home on matchday five, the victory will widen their lead in the group and guarantee their advancement as group winners.
He added:
It’s something that we have to earn,” the manager said, “and it’s still for us to do. I will prepare for that game because it will be a huge step.
Sevilla coach Diego Alonso on the game…
Sevilla coach Diego Alonso tried to assess his team’s defeat against Arsenal on the fourth day of the group stage of the Champions League:
Unfortunately we haven’t got the game plan. We were overwhelmed. I cannot blame the footballers for not competing. I think they tried, we were far from the rival goal. Sunday is another game, another story and we will give our best.
On the hard defeat, he added:
The locker room is hurt by the defeat but with our heads up, on Sunday we have a great chance to reverse this in the derby. Let’s give what we have and more. It’s another game and we have to stand up for the club, for the fans and for ourselves.
I accept criticism and self-criticism as well. I understand people. I took this eleven because I understood that they were the best players to compete today. We are looking for a midfield with more energy, we have information on how the players were before the game. I also looked for fresh and young people on the sides. We didn’t do what we wanted to do, making excuses is wrong.
On the Soumare injury, he said:
“There is no news at the moment because we don’t know if he sprained or hit his ankle. We will wait to see what evolution it has.
When asked about his late changes, he added:
our team underwent a transformation when we believed it was the perfect moment to infuse a breath of fresh air and an entirely new energy into our performance. It became abundantly clear to us that the challenges we faced were not merely individual but rather a collective puzzle that needed solving.
Our relentless pursuit of success led us to take proactive measures to support our players as they navigated moments of adversity and grief, allowing them to emerge as even more formidable competitors. We firmly believe that by nurturing their mental and emotional well-being, we are enabling them to take to the pitch with greater confidence and determination, ultimately contributing to a safer and more successful journey in the Champions League and beyond.
On the derby coming up and a message to the fans, he added:
The coach has to be thinking about everything, the state of the players and the number of minutes and how they arrive. The assessment has to do with what we think we could perform here and in the next games.
We have a great opportunity to begin to tip the balance, it is with our people and in our home. It is the game we were waiting for and the one that can help us take the leap.
The Sevilla players showed their sadness at the defeat suffered against Arsenal on the fourth day of the group stage of the Champions League. “We tried and competed,” said Fernando Reges after the clash against the English team. He looked to the future and was clear: “Are you ready for the Derby? Of course, it is a very important game for us and for the fans. We hope to come back and play a great game.” “We had no depth; we were always playing behind, and it was difficult to counterattack. We suffer a lot with players without competition rhythm, and that shows in the Champions League,” said the Brazilian.
Erik Lamela, a starter in the Emirates clash, went through the club’s microphones to give his version of what happened on the field: “It was complicated; that’s how we felt it on the field. They dominated us almost the entire game. It was difficult for us to have possession, and we were always far from the goal. They pressed very well.”
The Argentine attacker insisted on his message: “Personally, I am frustrated, like my teammates. We couldn’t do what we had in mind. They attack very well and lead you to defend so much. After the first goal, it was seen that we couldn’t create opportunities, but we had to be mentally strong and give more. On Sunday, we have to give much more than today, and we know it.”
“From now until Sunday, we are going to kill ourselves.”
José María Del Nido Carrasco, vice president of the club, was clear in his message: We want to apologize, especially to those displaced here. We have not reached this level. The only thing that can be done is to learn from the mistakes made, and on Sunday there will be a beautiful game.
Diego Alonso? We are angry, like everyone else, but we are aware that we trust the squad and the coach. We are convinced that he will move the situation forward. From now until Sunday, we are going to kill ourselves to give joy to the fans on Sunday.”
