Arsenal news: Sokratis reveals how side can get better ahead of north London derby vs Tottenham
Arsenal can leapfrog Tottenham in the Premier League with a win on Sunday
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Your support makes all the difference.Sokratis Papastathopoulos has revealed what Arsenal need to do to improve ahead of this weekend’s north London derby with top four rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal beat Bournemouth 2-1 on Sunday to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after three consecutive draws, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to an impressive 17 matches.
They are now just one point behind fourth-place Chelsea, while a win at The Emirates on Sunday could even see them leapfrog both of their London rivals into third.
However, Sokratis – who returned from injury in the win over Bournemouth – thinks Arsenal are only at “around 70-80 per cent” of their full potential and has revealed a specific area where the team want to make improvements.
“We need to improve sometimes to not lose the ball or when we have the ball to finish the action and score,” the defender said.
“That is the difference, we need to improve and we know this. We work every day and I am happy that I am part of a team that works very good together.
“Next week is very important, it is good this week that we didn't lose points because we go next week full of confidence and we will see.
“Our focus is on (being one of) the best four teams.”
Arsenal manager Unai Emery sprung something of a tactical surprise at the Vitality Stadium by naming Sokratis in a back three, either side of Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding.
The experiment ultimately proved a success, with both of Arsenal’s goals originating down the left through neat interplay between Alex Iwobi and a marauding Sead Kolasinac.
And Sokratis praised Emery’s diligent video analysis sessions for helping Arsenal to quickly adjust to the new system.
“Of course we need time [to adapt] but it is good that the coach every time explains, explains, explains the video analysis of every game every day on the pitch,” he said.
“We know we have to improve but in this moment we are good.
“I have played in a four, in a three. Everything is good, if you win everything is good.”
The Greece international will experience the formidable north London derby atmosphere for the first time next weekend, with Arsenal yet to win a match against a direct top four rival so far this season.
It’s a huge opportunity for the side to make clear their progress under Emery – although Sokratis warned the match will not make or break Arsenal’s season.
“Of course it will be a very important game for the next games – but I don't think it is a game that can give you the Champions League,” he added.
“For example, if we win against Tottenham and lose some other games, it is the same thing.
“For me, it is very important that in every game we look different, win every game, we go for the win in every game and in the end we will see how it is going. But of course Tottenham is a very important game.”
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