Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are “proper within the combine” on the high of the Premier League regardless of their stumbles over the previous two weeks.
The third-placed Gunners, searching their first top-flight title since 2004, are 5 factors behind leaders Manchester Metropolis after 9 video games, following a shock 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth and a 2-2 draw towards Liverpool.
They face a tough away journey to Newcastle on Saturday, determined to make sure the hole doesn’t develop wider.
Arteta, whose staff have pushed Metropolis all the way in which prior to now two seasons, was requested on Friday whether or not he was involved over the factors distinction, with Liverpool additionally 4 factors forward.
“You wish to be first, you wish to win each sport,” mentioned the Spaniard. “We all know the conditions that we have now to play with this season, however we’re proper within the combine.
“We all know the robust problem that we’ll face tomorrow, however we’re absolutely prepared for that.”
Arteta mentioned his injury-hit staff had confirmed an “unbelievable capability” to compete towards Liverpool final week.
“Sadly loads of issues occurred that we did not even plan for,” he mentioned.
“I used to be suspecting, with the dimensions of the squad that we had, to be very adaptable within the season and that is one thing that we labored on from day one in pre-season.
“However clearly, to not be that adaptable, particularly in sure eventualities, however for positive the staff confirmed an unbelievable capability to compete, to be higher than the opponent in lots of moments.”
Arteta has dominated defender Riccardo Calafiori and long-term absentee Martin Odegaard out of the sport at St James’ Park whereas Takehiro Tomiyasu continues to be lacking.
The Arsenal boss mentioned he was not sure about Ben White’s availability however Gabriel Magalhaes might characteristic.
Newcastle are twelfth within the Premier League desk, and not using a win of their previous 5 video games, however Arteta warned they might show a stiff problem.
“They seem to be a implausible staff. They’re very well coached, they’re very intense,” he mentioned. “It is an amazing stadium to play in. You understand what you are going to face there, so we’re wanting ahead to it.”
Arteta additionally spoke about Ethan Nwaneri’s “uncommon” expertise after the 17-year-old scored his third aim of the season within the midweek 3-0 win towards Preston within the League Cup.
“I believe the most important factor is to push him, after which when he’s being pushed, you all the time seize him proper behind to make it possible for he is all the time secure and guarded,” he mentioned.
“However with this expertise, it’s a must to push him. The safety is critical to regulate him and be on the proper distance, however he must see that he can fly and do not clip any wings.”
jw/pi
