The recent 5-0 thrashing of Chelsea by Arsenal left Mauricio Pochettino admitting that his team “gave up” during the match. The game saw Leandro Trossard scoring in the fourth minute, followed by four goals in the second half from Ben White and Kai Havertz. This defeat marked Chelsea’s heaviest in a London derby since March 1986.
Pochettino, however, sought to defend his players by comparing their off-day to similar situations experienced by some of the game’s greats. He mentioned playing alongside legendary players such as Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Batistuta, highlighting that even top players can have moments where they “give up.” Pochettino emphasized that such situations occur due to various factors like the opponent’s performance, lack of energy, or simply having an off day.
Despite their capabilities for amazing performances, Chelsea has displayed inconsistency throughout the season. Pochettino noted that their standards are not sustained on bad days, resulting in poor performances during such times. He stressed the need to increase consistency for the future, acknowledging the team’s potential when they are playing at their best.
Arsenal’s coach, Arteta, described Pochettino as a “father figure” and sympathized with him for the challenges he has faced. He praised Pochettino’s work with the team and expressed hope for positive outcomes in the future. Acknowledging the efforts of both coaches, Arteta highlighted the deserving nature of Pochettino’s team to secure wins against big opponents.
Looking ahead, Chelsea is set to play against Aston Villa, while Arsenal gears up for a clash with Tottenham Hotspur. Both teams are focused on their upcoming games, with Arteta emphasizing the importance of concentrating on their tasks and waiting to see the results of other top teams like Liverpool and Manchester City. The tight competition in the league requires consistent performances from all teams to secure wins and achieve their goals.
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