Ljungberg insists Arsenal ‘can’t rely on name’ after bore draw
Arsenal interim boss Freddie Ljungberg insists he “was very happy” with the energy showed by his young Gunners side as they kept a clean sheet in their bore 0-0 draw with Everton.
Ljungberg made five Arsenal changes to his side, claiming he wanted “fight” from his team in a pointed message to the stars he left on the bench.
Arsenal produced a fine defensive display as Everton failed to register a shot on target, but offered very little themselves in an attacking sense.
Ljungberg told BT Sport: “I was very happy. We had a very young side out there because I wanted energy and I wanted to give them chances. We dominated possession and chances, and you could see Everton getting tired and frustrated.
“I thought we could have won the game with the chances we had. But I loved the spirit we saw and that’s what you need in the Premier League.
“I wanted to see people that would run and fight for the team. We can’t rely on our name – we have to fight and do the dirty things.”
On Mikel, Arteta Ljunberg said: “I’ve been told by the club they want me to stay but I will have a meeting with Mikel tomorrow and hopefully it’s a good one.”
