Arsenal vs Norwich: 4 things we’d like to see from Arteta’s side

2. Mental Toughness

It doesn’t always pan out how you’d like. Especially with the current installment of Arsenal.

An all guns blazing start with the wide areas being pummeled and the Norwich players camped deep in their own half is what we’re hoping for. We may get that too, but it may not result in a goal. This is where the resilience of this side will be tested.

Farke’s side will be relishing this. They’ve had a tough start to the campaign but seeing Arsenal on the fixture list, especially on a ground they’ve been desperately poor on for 12 months, will be seen as an opportunity.

Fans are anxious and angry, while the players are nervous. There will be spells in this match where the visitors will have joy in advanced areas so weathering those storms and winning the duels when the game gets bitty could be where this game is won and lost.

If it gets to the 60th minute with the scores goalless it’s going to be a real test of character. The home crowd will be angsty and the confidence will begin to drain as fear of being too forward thinking could prove damaging the at the other end. How long can the self belief last?

Equally, if Arsenal do get their noses in front, perhaps even by just a single goal, the issue of game management comes into effect, as does the strength of Arteta’s much-maligned substitutions. He will need to show a mental toughness to act in the right stages of the match just as the players need to react in line with the flow of the game.

Some mental steel has to be on show, whether the score is level, Arsenal are losing or if their noses are in front.

Continued…