Mikel Arteta was in philosophical mood when he faced the media on Sunday after our Mind Series defeat to Tottenham.
Our manager was asked about the performance, our attacking options, Joe Willock and more.
This is what he said:
on the performance...
It was a great test to play that type of game before starting [the season]. I think the game had different phases, 10 minutes when we had some problems with our high press and we were a little bit disorganised, after that we got control of the game and dominated it. We had some big chances but didn't score and they had one big chance and they didn't score. Second half it was very interrupted with the amount fo substitutions that happened so to get a flow in the game is more difficult and the game was decided in an action where we made a mistake and we got punished.
on Joe Willock and Rob Holding not being in the squad...
Two different reasons. With Rob, he was not available, he wasn't fit enough to play today. With Joe, we will explain the reasons when we can.
on whether it means Joe is leaving the club...
It's all I can say now, when I can say more I will let you know.
on whether we need to add more in our attack...
What we have is what we have to maximise, and worrying about things that we don't have at the moment, there is no point. My energy is only on the players we have, make them better, and make them a better threat and win matches.
on whether we will get a back-up goalkeeper by Friday...
I don't know, I repeat myself. We train with the players we have available, we are trying to do the right things to improve the team in the areas that are needed. At the moment we have come so far and the window is still open.
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