In the FA Cup 1/8 final, Arsenal defeated Mansfield 2-1 away from home.
Since the beginning of this season, many opponent teams and their fans have been complaining, believing that the Gunners' attack is too dependent on set pieces - so far, the Gunners have scored 36 goals through set pieces.
However, both goals against Mansfield in this game came from open play. After the game, Arteta also deliberately used the team's overall data to downplay the "dull" label attached to the team by the outside world. In an interview with talkSPORT, he said: "I think we have scored more goals than any other team now, it should be over 100 goals. It doesn't matter what the outside world says, we just focus on doing what we should do, and I think we are doing pretty well."
"The data is proof that our offensive output is very good. I mean, you have to look at the 70-year historical background of football, the current competitive environment of the league, and the various competitions we participated in this season. In addition, the number of players who can score goals is also considerable. I think 19 players have scored goals now, which has never happened before. This reflects the personal abilities of the boys and their desire to give everything for the team."
Speaking of this game, Arteta said: "I am very happy, this is a real FA Cup game. If you want to respect the long history of this event, you have to truly enjoy coming to such a stadium and facing such an opponent. Especially the fans on the scene, I think they are great. They made this game particularly exciting and the rhythm was very intense."
"There were also some fun moments in the game. I think this (kind of atmosphere) is essential for playing in the FA Cup. At the same time, I would also like to thank Nigel (Mansfield coach) and his team for causing us a lot of trouble today."