John Terry recently pointed out a notable shift in Arsenal’s performance that he claims he hasn’t seen in a long time. Currently on an unbeaten streak, Arsenal continued their strong form by defeating Southampton in a Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium just before the international break.
In that game, Arsenal fell behind when Cameron Archer scored for Southampton in the 55th minute. However, just three minutes later, Kai Havertz, in excellent form, equalized. The Gunners took charge when substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 68th minute, and Bukayo Saka sealed the win with a goal in the 88th minute.
This resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks has been a hallmark of Arsenal’s recent performances. Against Manchester City, they initially trailed but fought back to take the lead, ultimately ending in a draw. They faced a challenge from Leicester City, who equalized late, but Arsenal responded with a last-minute victory.
In the Southampton match, Arsenal’s brief setback lasted only three minutes before they regained control, ensuring a comfortable win by full-time. This capability to recover from difficult situations has garnered praise from John Terry, the former Chelsea defender, who noted a quality in Arsenal he hasn’t observed “in many years.”
On *Final Score*, Terry commended what he called a more “gritty” and “horrible” version of Arsenal. He highlighted that the team now exhibits a determination and resilience reminiscent of past great teams, which has been lacking in recent years. Terry believes this newfound toughness is what distinguishes them: “They’re all happy to dig in and fight for the result. They have heart, and they’re clearly motivated by the disappointments of previous seasons.”
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, has also been recognized for nurturing this mentality. Football writer Miguel Delaney noted Arteta’s satisfaction with how his players managed their emotions during the Leicester match, where they almost squandered a 2-0 lead but maintained their composure to win. Arteta views this emotional regulation, along with tactical discipline, as crucial for transforming setbacks into successes—an area where Arsenal previously struggled but now appears to excel.
In summary, both Terry and Arteta are impressed with Arsenal’s capacity to confront adversity, showcasing a strength and determination that could be vital for their ongoing success this season.
