‘Right In The Mix’: Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Aware Of Challenges In Quest Of Premier League Crown – News18

Last Updated:November 01, 2024, 19:34 IST

Arsenal have been hamstrung in their challenge for the title with multiple injury layoffs, but Arteta lauded the capacity his side displayed during the 2-2 draw against Liverpool in their latest PL fixture.

Arsenal gaffer Mikel Arteta revealed that his side is aware of the daunting task at hand, to try and clinch their first-ever Premier League crown in two decades, ahead of the Gunners’ trip to St. James’ Park to take on Newcastle United on Saturday.

Arsenal stand third in the PL table after 9 game weeks, five points behind leaders Manchester City and four points behind second-placed Liverpool.

“You want to be first, you want to win every game,” Arteta said.

“We know the situations that we have to play with this season, but we’re right in the mix.

“We know the tough challenge that we’re going to face tomorrow, but we’re fully ready for that,” Arteta said.

Arsenal have been hamstrung in their challenge for the title with multiple injury layoffs, but Arteta lauded the capacity his side displayed during the 2-2 draw against Liverpool in their latest PL fixture.

“Unfortunately a lot of things happened that we didn’t even plan for,” he said.

“I was suspecting, with the size of the squad that we had, to be very adaptable in the season and that’s something that we worked on from day one in pre-season.”

“But obviously, not to be that adaptable, especially in certain scenarios, but for sure the team showed an incredible capacity to compete, to be better than the opponent in many moments,” the Spaniard said.

He also appreciated Eddie Howe’s men ahead of the Gunners’ clash against the Magpies and expressed his anticipation of the game.

“They’re a fantastic team. They’re really well coached, they’re very intense,” he said. “It’s a great stadium to play in. You know what you’re going to face there, so we’re looking forward to it,” the 42-year-old said.

Arteta will miss the services of key players such as Martin Odegaad, Ricardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu for the game against the Toon Army.

However, skipper Odegaard, who had been sidelined for nearly two months after picking up an injury on international duty with Norway, could be back with the side for Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Inter Milan.

“Now is the stage where he is going to do certain work with us. Let’s see how he deals with pain and if his movement is natural enough,” Arteta said.

“He’s physically now at the level required to compete. With the work rate and hours he has put in, I’d be surprised that the moment he starts training with us, he looks ready. Hopefully soon,” the Spaniard said.

Arteta lauded Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri and opined that the teenager needed to be pushed in order to fulfil his enormous potential.

“I think the biggest thing is to push him, and then when he is being pushed, you always grab him right behind to make sure that he’s always stable and protected,” Arteta said.

“But with this talent, you have to push him. The protection is necessary to keep an eye on him and be at the right distance, but he needs to see that he can fly and don’t clip any wings,” he added.

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