Mikel Arteta explains how Arsenal duo have ‘brought a lot of qualities’ to aid title push

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are firmly in the Premier League title race, and Sunday’s trip to face Manchester City will be an important test for Mikel Arteta and his players.

The Gunners have been outstanding in 2024, winning eight Premier League games in a row, and now lead the way with the best attacking and defensive records in the division.

Arsenal are level on points with Liverpool, and one ahead of City ahead of the huge clash at the Etihad Stadium, where they will be aiming to win for the first time since 2015.

Two summer signings have aided this title push, and may give Arsenal their best chance of a famous victory, and Arteta has now praised the impact both have had.

Mikel Arteta praises Kai Havertz and Declan Rice for Arsenal impact

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta highlighted what summer arrivals Declan Rice and Kai Havertz have brought to the Arsenal side, both in terms of physicality as well as other important attributes.

“That (physicality) is a huge quality of theirs but as well their intelligence, their character, the passion they have for the game and how competitive they are,” Arteta stated.

“You have to add a lot of elements. One specific element is not enough at this level to make a huge impact on the team. But those two have brought a lot of qualities.”

How Declan Rice and Kai Havertz have helped Arsenal evolve

Arsenal did challenge for the Premier League last season, but were arguably not as well equipped for games like the upcoming one at the Etihad as they are now.

Rice and Havertz have both brought height and physicality to this Arsenal side. This means that in midfield, Arsenal can assert their dominance on the ball more, whilst also blocking transitions more easily, and against a team like City, can have an out-ball with Havertz upfront.

Kevin de Bruyne’s opening goal in a 4-1 hammering of Arsenal at the Etihad last season saw Arsenal outmuscled high up the pitch, and caught out in midfield.

On Sunday, if Arsenal cannot beat Man City’s press, they can aim long balls at Havertz, with Rice as added protection against De Bruyne and Erling Haaland to prevent their clinical counter-attacks.

Arsenal have gone up a level in recent weeks, and both signings have made a huge impact in helping Arteta’s side control games better, whilst remaining strong defensively without losing any attacking flair.