Mikel Arteta faced the media ahead of Arsenal’s match with Brentford in the Premier League. He discussed the upcoming clash in west London and provided some insights into the team news.
The Gunners, following their 1-0 win over Ipswich Town on Friday, have the chance to close the gap to the top to just six points, although having played a game more than Liverpool. Chelsea’s subsequent defeat to Ipswich means Arsenal can move four clear of their London rivals.
Arteta was asked about the latest on Raheem Sterling in the absence of Bukayo Saka, his thoughts on Leandro Trossard’s demeanour in games and his importance, and also his latest thoughts on the challenge of chasing down Liverpool.
More games than ever before, how much have they grown since last year?
We are going to have to prove it. What we’ve proven that already this season, I’m sure of that. If this had happened last season, the number of games we’ve played with ten men, the injuries in the squad, for sure it would be difficult to be in the stages of the competition we are in now.
So, for sure, the team has made another step, the team is evolving and adapting to new circumstances and now we have another one with more games with less players. So, let’s face it.
Raheem back sooner than expected,
He was gutted because he had a good game against Palace here, he could have scored two goals and made an assist and in the end, he got injured in a training session. That was his opportunity because naturally, he would have played in that position. But knowing Raz, I think he will be back quite soon.
