MIKEL ARTETA fears Arsenal’s misfiring attackers now have “psychological issues”.
The Gunners were knocked out of the FA Cup by Liverpool — failing to score again despite now having 48 shots in their last two home games.
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And Arteta is on his worst run since taking over in 2019, with just one win in seven.
Asked if missed chances are becoming a psychological issue for his toothless stars, the manager admitted: “Probably it has, especially after today.
“That’s why we need to reset. Merit-wise there is no question that we deserve to win the games but the results are very different. If the team is getting hammered I’d be much more worried.
“But when my team plays with that courage and attitude against probably the best team in Europe right now in terms of momentum, what can I do but stick by them and support them?”
Arsenal now have a 12-day break before their next match — at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Spaniard Arteta, who saw his side go behind to a Jakub Kiwior own goal before Luis Diaz wrapped it up, added: “This break is good. It comes at a good time.
“We’re going to feel how we feel and how I feel about them in difficult moments.
“Hopefully I can see that from other people, too.”
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The Gunners jet out to Dubai tomorrow for a warm-weather training camp with fans calling for Arteta to sign a striker.
Brentford’s £100million-rated Ivan Toney tops their wish list. But despite losing Gabriel Jesus to another knee injury — which the manager hopes is “not something big” — Arteta still does not expect a new striker this month.
Arsenal have Financial Fair Play concerns following a big spend last summer and owe Brentford £27m later this year for loanee David Raya.
Arteta explained: “At the moment it does not look realistic. One thing is what we need and another is what we can do.
“What we have to do is improve our players and try to get better results with the players we have.
“What I beg from the supporters is that they stick behind the ones that we have.”
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