Arsenal will return to Premier League action at the Emirates Stadium as they take on Nottingham Forest, in what will be a tough game.
Forest are currently level on points with Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta’s side were stuttering as they failed to win any of their last four Premier League games before the international break.
Arsenal will hope to get back to winning ways, and there was plenty to discuss in Arteta’s pre-match press conference.
The headline news was that Arteta revealed a long-term injury to Ben White, but he also spoke on a number of other topics.
Mikel Arteta praises Nottingham Forest’s recent form
Forest have enjoyed an unexpectedly strong start to the season, and have lost just twice in the league, earning praise from Arteta.
“They’ve been really good, really consistent. They’ve been tough against the best opposition especially, so big credit to Nuno [Espirito Santo] and the coaching staff for what they’re doing,” he stated.
“They’re very clear with their intentions on how they manage to take the game the way they want. I’m really impressed with how they’ve done.”
Mikel Arteta set to manage 250th Arsenal game
The match against Forest will be Arteta’s 250th game in all competitions as Arsenal manager, and he was thankful that he was allowed to achieve such a feat.
“I’m extremely grateful, very happy, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it because of the people that I work with every single day and because I understand how lucky I am to be sitting where I am, and you always want more,” Arteta claimed.
“I feel a huge pride to see the people that work in our organisation and how they feel about the club right now, and what we transmit as a football club and as a team. But it is about winning and the end, I want more, I want big trophies and we are on that journey.
Arteta was then asked what his best achievement in these 250 games was, and he highlighted the mood around the club.
“Bringing the club together, 100%. Lifting the spirit and giving a very clear DNA to the football club and setting it right again to be representing this club and this football shirt, from the players to everybody who works at the club in the way that is expected at this level,” he added.
Arteta praises temporary Edu Gaspar replacement Jason Ayto
The sudden departure of sporting director Edu Gaspar came as a surprise, and his old assistant Jason Ayto has temporarily stepped up to fill Edu’s shoes, and Arteta has now praised him.
“He’s very good, Jason and all the team. Edu and I probably got a lot of praise, but the work behind that is done by these guys,” he stated.
“The ambition is phenomenal, it’s not easy to wake up one day and you’re having to move to a different office and do a different job like he was for the team, but again the speed of how people react and how they are willing to say: ‘OK, that’s it, that’s the situation, let’s move forward.’
“With that ambition and with that determination and enthusiasm, that’s something great.”
Martin Odegaard’s condition assessed after Arsenal return
Martin Odegaard returned from injury to start against Chelsea, and he remained in London during the international break to continue his recovery.
Arteta has now highlighted the strong condition Odegaard is in after such a long absence.
“He played really well [against Chelsea] and that had consequences because after such a long time not playing he needed time to recover,” Arteta claimed.
“The ankle reacted and other areas of the body with so much load going into it. It wasn’t ideal, but he’s been OK, the last day and a half he’s trained with the team and he’s feeling good, so that’s really positive.”
Mikel Arteta opens up on visiting the Kroenkes
Arteta paid a visit to KSE [Kroenke Sports and Entertainment] during the international break, and he praised the Arsenal owners and revealed what discussions were held.
“It’s always really positive to spend time together,” Arteta said.
“We had time to talk about the [transfer] windows, but as well about the club, how we’re feeling about what we’re doing and how we’re feeling about where we’re going to take the club and the direction, and Edu.
“It’s a lot of topics there, but again it’s a joy to spend time with them because there’s a lot to learn. They have so much experience in sport because you feel the ambition, especially when you are there.
“They are very far away, but how closely they live every day with us and what we want to achieve together, it feels great.”
The Kroenkes have backed Arteta through some tough periods, and they will now help him find a replacement for Edu in the coming months.
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