Frank Christian
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who played for Arsenal for six years, recently shared his thoughts on the change in mentality he experienced after signing with Liverpool.
As his former clubs prepare to meet this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s insights reflect the progress Arsenal has achieved under the guidance of Mikel Arteta.
He noted that Liverpool’s winning mindset left a strong impression on him, revealing a focus and drive that was absent during his time in North London.
The Contrast in Mindset: Arsenal vs. Liverpool
When Oxlade-Chamberlain was with Arsenal, the team’s top league finish was as runners-up in the 2015-16 season, yet they still missed out on the Premier League title.
Though they secured FA Cup victories under Arsène Wenger, he sensed a lack of confidence in Arsenal’s approach to high-stakes matches. He remarked, “At Arsenal, our mindset for big games was always, ‘This is going to be really tough.’ In contrast, at Liverpool, even when faced with challenging opponents, we entered those games fully determined to succeed.”
Currently, under Arteta’s leadership, Arsenal is exhibiting the same level of determination that characterized Liverpool during their peak years. The Gunners’ reliability and competitive spirit indicate a desire to achieve more than just temporary successes, reflecting the resilience that Oxlade-Chamberlain found at Liverpool.
Arsenal presently ranks third in the Premier League, trailing only four points behind Liverpool, who are in first place with 21 points.
Oxlade-Chamberlain spoke highly of his time at Liverpool, stating, “We had a sense that victory was within reach… [while at Arsenal], we often fell short of our potential.” This newfound confidence and tenacity are qualities that Arsenal fans are witnessing under Arteta, hinting at a revival of the club’s illustrious past.
With Arsenal and Liverpool squaring off this weekend, both teams are eager to showcase their strengths. If Arteta continues to lead with this mentality, this could be a pivotal season for Arsenal as they strive for greatness.
