
Sun Sep 15 16:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Arsenal Boss Arteta Delighted with “Ugly” Derby Day Win
**London, England** – Following Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby, manager Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the “ugly” win, praising his team’s character and resilience.
Arteta acknowledged the team’s struggles with injuries and the need to adapt their game plan. “We had moments in the game, some really good ones, some others that we have to suffer,” he admitted. “We suffered because we had to adapt a little bit the plan because of the players that we had available.”
Despite the challenges, Arteta lauded his players’ dedication and willingness to embrace the “ugly” aspects of the game. “The people that we have, they have thick skin, they love the game and they love winning,” he stated. “Enjoying doing those ugly things is a big compliment of this team right now.”
He also highlighted the significance of this victory, marking Arsenal’s third consecutive win over Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. “We’ve won three years in a row here,” he said. “I don’t know when’s the last time that this has happened, so that’s a big thing.”
Arteta addressed concerns about the injury status of Martin Odegaard, stating that the midfielder’s availability remains uncertain. He also commended the impact of assistant coach Nicolas Jover, attributing his influence to the team’s ability to find different ways to win.
Despite the win, Arteta identified areas for improvement, particularly in ball possession. He acknowledged the significant challenges he faced in preparing for the match due to late injuries, forcing him to adapt his tactics and plans.
The manager’s post-match comments highlighted the strength and adaptability of his squad, with players like Jorginho and Jurrien Timber stepping up despite limited minutes. He praised their commitment and work ethic, exemplifying the spirit he values in his team.
Arteta concluded his press conference by addressing the upcoming fixture schedule, acknowledging the demanding nature of playing on Thursday and Sunday. He recognized the challenge posed by the next opponent, a “very challenging team that is up there,” but expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and perform.