No, you were not dreaming, Antonio Conte really did meltdown once again after Tottenham lost their fourth game in their last five matches.
The seasonal win over Manchester City was not a masterclass or example of tactical genius as predicted, it was a mismatch of tactics and a fortunate coincidence for Arsenal’s north London rivals to face a rarely off-form opponent.
Losses to Chelsea, Southampton, Wolves and Burnley have shown that even after January signings, unless there is a plan in place to progress a team, it can prove incredibly difficult to achieve. Thankfully for the Gunners, the evidence of the upward ascent has been frequent throughout the campaign.
Antonio Conte’s words after the 1-0 Burnley loss are from a defeated figure questioning his own situation.
"I am not used to this situation. I am trying everything but the situation is not changing," added the Italian. "I am available and open with the club to do what the club wants.
"I want to help the club, I work a lot, I work very hard. I am giving 20 hours a day to Tottenham and the other four hours I sleep but it is not enough.
"The performance can be good and the commitment was good but we lost. For me the situation is unacceptable. To lose four of five [games] for Tottenham has to be a disaster.
"I came in to try to improve the situation. Maybe in this moment, I am not so good to improve the situation. I am too honest to close my eyes and continue in this way."
For comparison, speaking after the 5-0 defeat at Man City, Arsenal’s third in their opening three games, Arteta was asked if he felt he was the right man for the job.
"Yes, I do. If not, I wouldn’t be sitting here," he said.
When questioned as to what needed to change, he replied, "For me, it is pride and more willingness to change the situation. A lot happened in the last three weeks we are in a difficult position."
Just months earlier after the elimination from the Europa League semi-final, Arteta’s message was the same.
"I wouldn't be sitting here if I didn't,” when asked if he was still up for the job. “You will see it. It's not about talking. It's about showing it on the pitch. I think everybody's job is always in scrutiny."
Where Conte has spoken of a lack of reinforcement in January, despite Arteta bringing in zero players in the same window, Arteta has spoken only of the next match and praised Edu and his team for the restructure.
Focusing on what is most important on how he plans to push ahead with the progression of this exciting young side.
Even I was tempted to call for the appointment of Conte in the summer after back-to-back eighth-place finishes and the bitter taste of Unai Emery knocking us out of Europe.
Yet the beauty of this sport is how quickly it changes, and opinions should too when presented with fresh evidence. The summer transfer window and this Premier League season have provided us Arsenal supporters with that.
Tonight represents another opportunity to make another statement with a result against a motivated Wolves side. However, should it not go the way we want, perhaps compare again the reaction of Arteta to the already defeated Italian and ask yourself which attitude you would rather have to fight for a Champions League qualification spot.
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