'You just want to hit yourself' - Arteta reflects on Arsenal stress

The under-fire Spaniard has opened up on how Arsenal’s tough start to the season has affected him, both at work and at home.

Mikel Arteta has admitted the stress from Arsenal’s struggles this season has impacted his personal life and made him want to hit himself.

A 5-0 loss to Manchester City before the international break left the Gunners bottom of the Premier League table without a single point or goal after three games – their worst start to a season in 67 years.

Arteta’s side regrouped on Saturday to beat Norwich 1-0 for their first win of the campaign. The victory moved them out of the relegation zone into 16th-place in the Premier League.

“I think it is impossible not to [bring your work home],” said Arteta as quoted on Goal. “That’s why when you see your kids running around you and your wife trying to just change the topic and see everything from a different perspective, it’s so helpful.

“That negativity has to come away. You have to bear in mind that first of all you are doing everything you can to your best capacity, and don’t kid yourself or look for excuses. Normally, the easiest thing to do is blame the players: ‘They are not good enough. I have this, I have that.’ And then you try to over-coach them.

“I was not willing to do that because first of all, they don’t deserve that. The people around this club don’t deserve it. You just want to hit yourself because you are not doing things right and you are not getting the outcome you think you deserve.”

Arsenal return to action this Saturday for a Premier League match away to Burnley. The Gunners will then welcome Wimbledon to the Emirates for a third-round EFL Cup clash next week.