Arsenal Now Ready To Compete For All Trophies – Arteta
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has revealed that the team now has the squad depth to compete for major trophies after the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Gunners produced a stunning performance to brush aside the visitors thanks to a brace from
Martin Zubimendi, and a solitary strike from Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was forced off early in the first half, and he was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri while the duo of Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba missed out entirely.
However, the new signings like Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Mosquera, and Viktor Gyokeres all impressed for the Gunners to the excitement of Mikel Arteta.
He said: “We knew that was the standard, that’s the standard of the other teams in the league, in Europe… and I’m very happy because it gives us options.
“They (the players) have to play 70 or 74 games throughout the season. It’s never been done.
“When the intensity goes that high, they are not going to be able to sustain that, so you need more players. The standards have risen. We need better players and there’s no secret.”
Arteta was full of praise for Zubimendi, who scored a match-winning brace in the encounter while also providing an update on Odegaard’s injury.
He said: “He’s given us a lot of positive things: his presence, his authority on the pitch, the way he connects with the players and that composure that he’s having.
“If he starts to add assists and goals like this, then it’s another dimension of a player.
“Yes, Odegaard’s injury is similar to the shoulder injury he had last season, I don’t know if it’s exactly the same place but it’s a very similar injury. He wasn’t comfortable continuing, he’s played two games with Norway, unfortunately he cannot carry on today. So we have to assess him with the doctors and see but I’m sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday.
“No, I don’t think he needs surgery. I’m not an expert but they weren’t concerned at that level at all. The last time in a few days he was able to manage the pain especially as the injury wasn’t that bad. I don’t know the extent of two days but hopefully, hopefully.”
The victory propelled Arsenal to top of the log before Liverpool’s clash against Burnley on Sunday.
The Gunners have nine points from four games, and they will return to action against Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Tuesday in Spain.
Arsenal Now Ready To Compete For All Trophies – Arteta is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
