Mikel Arteta has challenged his depleted Arsenal squad to “show their teeth” and “how much they want it” ahead of Liverpool’s crunch visit to the Emirates on Sunday.
The Gunners face being without a host of top stars, including captain Martin Odegaard and defender William Saliba, who will both miss the match through injury and suspension respectively. Additionally, Bukayo Saka, Jüriën Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori are all injury doubts, but there is hope that Saka could be available to play.
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta speaks to the media after an open training session at Philadelphia Union’s Subaru Park ahead of a pre-season friendly match against Liverpool FC. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The challenge is timely, as Arsenal face a daunting task in their bid to win their first Premier League title in two decades, with the shoulder-to-shoulder battle against Liverpool and Chelsea’s top-four aspirations.
“Get on with it. Show your teeth. Show how much you want it. This means opportunities for other people, and opportunities for us as a team to rebel against certain situations,” Arteta urged. “Mentally to adapt to that and then maintain the same belief that even like this we’re a great team.”
Arsenal suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend, their first loss of the season, and have slipped four points behind Liverpool. However, the Gunners have a decent record at home, having won 3-1 in their last visit to the Emirates, and secured a 2-0 victory at Anfield in the FA Cup, as well as a 1-1 draw in the league last term.
Arsene Wenger, on the other hand, has impressed in his early days at the helm, following his first win against RB Leipzig, which marked the beginning of an impressive six-straight away win streak for the Reds.
“It’s not a surprise because of the team, the infrastructure they have, and the individuals they have,” Arteta said of Liverpool’s impressive start. “Arne’s a really good manager. He’s inherited a team that is successful and given it his touch to maintain and evolve in the direction he believes is the right way to do it.”
The shoulder-to-shoulder battle is on, as two top English clubs clash, with the world watching in anticipation of a thrilling match. Will Arsenal make the most of their chance to shine, or will Liverpool’s relentless winning mentality and impressive squad prove too much to handle? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Sunday’s match at the Emirates will be a must-see event.
