Arteta claims Arsenal performance was far from 'normal standard' in Prague
Arsenal held on for a 2-1 win away at Slavia Prague in the Champions League, but Mikel Arteta was in no mood to celebrate afterwards, taking aim at his side's second half display in Czechia.
Speaking after the match, Arteta said his team's performance fell well below their usual level once the hosts pushed back into the contest. The Spaniard was blunt in his assessment, telling Sky Sports that his side's performance was far from their 'normal standard'.
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What Arteta said
The win keeps Arsenal's unbeaten European run intact, but Arteta made clear he was not satisfied with how the second half unfolded, even with three points secured on the road.
Arteta's comments suggest frustration with a drop off in intensity and control after Arsenal had built a lead, a pattern that has occasionally crept into performances away from home this season.
A result that still counts
Arsenal travelled to Czechia looking to maintain momentum in the competition, and leaving with all three points in a difficult away fixture is a positive outcome on paper regardless of the manner of the performance.
Slavia Prague pushed Arsenal throughout the second period, and the home side's goal will have given Arteta's players some uncomfortable moments before the final whistle.
Arteta's willingness to publicly flag below par performances, even after a win, has been a consistent feature of his management, and it points to the standards he continues to demand from his squad as Arsenal push for success on multiple fronts this season.
Attention now turns to how Arsenal respond in their next fixture, with Arteta likely to address the issues raised from the second half showing in training before the squad's next outing.
