Mikel Arteta on Gabriel’s injury, Arsenal team news, Partey’s contract and Liverpool vs Man City
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken to the press ahead of Saturday evening’s trip to West Ham United in the Premier League.
The Arsenal boss answered questions on several topics, including the latest team news and the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes, who had to be substituted towards the end of Tuesday night’s superb 5-1 win at Sporting CP.
Below is a selection of what Arteta had to say.
On team news:
“We have to see how the boys are today. A few weren’t able to train yesterday.”
On Gabriel’s fitness:
“We will wait and see.”
On West Ham
“It’s a team that is now on a high after the big win that they had at Newcastle and they are always a tough opponent, we know that. They are a really physical side, really good in direct plays and attacking second balls. When they have space they are a really dangerous team from set pieces and they have the front players who can create in any moment. They are really well coached.”
On what the mood is like at Arsenal is like now
“Really good. Obviously wining lifts the energy, gets the confidence up. They were two big wins for us and now it’s about consistency. Getting that momentum and take it even further.”
On whether Liverpool’s form means Arsenal now have to be perfect:
“If they continue that way, that’s for sure. The numbers they are producing, the number of games they are winning. But the focus is on us, on maintaining consistency and performances, that’s going to give us the right to win a lot of games. Keep availability in the squad, keep everyone together. This is a long run.”
On whether he will watch Liverpool vs Man City on Sunday:
“Yes, 100%. It’s a big match, a beautiful match to watch. Two of the best teams in Europe facing each other and competitions for us. It’s a big one.”
On whether he has a preference for the result:
“Yes, Arsenal tomorrow (against West Ham). That’s the preference.”
On Jurrien Timber’s performances:
“We know what he can produce. A player with exceptional qualities, a lot of leadership. You see the courage he plays with and that’s very contagious. He’s a player that still has many other levels and layers to go and we’re very happy to have him.”
On Thomas Partey’s contract:
“We will find the right time to discuss about this situation. He is showing consistency at the highest level, again because of his availability and the way that he feels physically is allowing him to do that and I’m very pleased with that.”