Arsenal’s 1-0 win over West Ham United last week was more than exhausting for everyone involved, as VAR once again dominated.
This time, the decision went in the way of the Gunners but with so much anger and debate after the game, it threatened to overrule what was, in fact, a massive three points for Arsenal.
With a Champions League final to look forward to as well, Mikel Arteta knows he is facing the biggest few weeks of his managerial career so far.
Nevertheless, it seems that Arteta is doing all he can to manage the situation. And according to journalist Miguel Delaney, that included a surprise break for the players.
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Mikel Arteta allows Arsenal players days off after beating West Ham
You would think that any sort of time off at this stage of the season would be strictly off limits. Especially for a team like Arsenal competing at the very top.
However, Arteta obviously felt different and according to Delaney, he afforded his players three days of rest.
“After the emotional exhaustion of Sunday, Arteta did something he hasn’t allowed too often this season. He loosened his grip. The Arsenal players were given three days off, before a planned barbecue on Thursday,” Delaney wrote in his weekly newsletter.
“It’s a rare chance to just get their heads clear and then relax together as a group, before gearing up for this final push to make history. The club are now just three games from more glory than Arsenal have ever experienced.
“Win three games and they end their longest ever wait for an English title and claim their first ever Champions League. That’s a lot to take in.”
Clearly, Arteta is looking to manage the mental load of things for his players more than anything here.
In the end, it could well be a masterstroke.
Allowing players to have a few days to reset, spend time with families or simply doing something they enjoy away from football, is key to keeping morale.
This has indeed been a mammoth season for Arsenal not only in terms of games played, but the pressure that comes with it.
Arsenal are three games from glory. And if it comes off, this move from Arteta will be hailed.
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